Stacey Hengsterman Named 2025 Father Peter Young Award Recipient

President & CEO of Special Olympics New York Embodies Father Young’s Services

Albany, NY – Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Father Peter Yong Award by The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Father Peter Young was a Capital Region priest who helped transform the lives of individuals who had substance abuse addictions. Father Young started nonprofit organizations in the Capital Region, and their successes grew to more than 117 sites throughout New York State.

Special Olympics New York offers inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in a diverse range of sports. Special Olympics New York athletes experience all that comes with competition, including overcoming defeat, the taste of victory, and learning fitness by being active throughout their lives.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Father Peter Young Award for Community Service from The Business Council of New York State,” said Stacey Hengsterman. “Special Olympics New York shares Father Young’s commitment to uplifting those who are too often overlooked by society. Like Father Young, we believe in the dignity, strength, and potential of every individual. We help people with intellectual differences discover the champion within, and we give them the programs and platform to inspire their communities, schools, and workplaces to choose to include.”

“Just like Father Young, Stacey Hengsterman has committed much of her life to helping individuals who need assistance to become the best versions of themselves. Her dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all is just as critical as it is inspirational. I am proud and honored to present this year’s Father Peter Young Award to such a tremendous individual and friend,” said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State Inc.

The Business Council’s Annual Meeting

This year’s Annual Meeting will take place September 17 – 19 at The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing. The three-day event will focus on the issues impacting New York’s businesses and the state’s future political landscape.

Programming begins on Thursday, September 18, with a speaker from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before a morning of impactful panel discussions and programming that is important to New York’s business community
Friday, September 19^th’s agenda consists of discussions on the health of the state’s current and future economy.

The Business Council has invited state-wide elected officials to speak at this year’s event.

For more information, including registration & sponsorship opportunities, visit The Business Council’s Annual Meeting webpage.

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