CONY recognizes exceptional campground operators and partners in the outdoor hospitality industry that have made great contributions not only to the association, but also to their own communities and professions.
The CONY Hall of Fame recognizes campground operators and association staff, and nominees are considered by the Board of Directors.
A nominee for the CONY Hall of Fame could be a current or past member or staff person. Nominations can come from CONY directors on behalf of their regions, or the Executive Committee. More than one person can receive designation to the CONY Hall of Fame in the same year.
The board considers the following criteria:
- Individual has been or was a CONY member at least 8 years.
- Individual has been or was a Board of Director member or Alternate Director for at least 3 years.
- Individual is or was an owner/operator of a quality campground.
- Individual made/makes contributions to CONY and the outdoor hospitality industry.
- Individual is/was involved in the New York tourism industry.
- Individual had/has community involvement, such as their local chamber of commerce, civic/service organizations, political service, etc.
- Individual is past/present paid personnel of CONY.
CONY Hall of Fame Honorees
1985
Olga “Ollie” Mizerak
Shadow Brook Campground
1985
Roger Anderson
Camp Chautauqua
1987
Bob London
Skyway Camping Resort
1991
John VanHassent
Camp Bell Campground
1995
Barbara Lighthall
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Mexico
1995
Edwin Lighthall
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Mexico
1999
Merrill L. Bull
Arrowhead Camping Area
2003
Ford Gilbert “Gil” Paddock
Deer River Campsite
2004
Robert C. Klos, Sr.
Sugar Creek Glen Campground & CONY Executive Administrator
2007
Albert G. Kaufman
Upper Delaware Campground
2008
Vera Eddy
Woodstream Campsite & charter member of CONY
2008
Mildred Yaniszewski
Conesus Lake Campground & charter member of CONY
2009
Mark Anderson
Camp Chautauqua
2011
Randy S. Lehman
Hickory Hill Camping Resort
2012
Janine Paddock
Deer River Campsite
2021
Gina Lenhard
Adirondacks Jellystone Park
2021
Mike Lenhard
Adirondacks Jellystone Park
2023
Donald Bennett, Jr.
Past President & CEO of CONY
Conesus Lake Campground
Conesus Lake RV Park
The CONY Fellow of Distinction recognition was created in 2016 by the CONY board of directors to honor individuals or companies that support CONY’s mission of promotion, growth, improvement, and development of independently owned campgrounds in New York State, and its vision to be the model campground association by providing professionalism and diversity in our programs, education, services, advocacy and support for continued growth and collaboration within the outdoor hospitality industry.
Nominations for Hall of Fame and Fellow of Distinction recognitions are considered upon nomination submission to the CONY Board of Directors by members, affiliate members, or staff, and not strictly on an annual basis.
CONY Fellow of Distinction Honorees
2017
Clyde Taylor
President, Taylor Communications
2017
David “Scout” Thornton
Founder and Owner, Destinations of New York State
2018
Charlie Daley, CTIS/CTP
Founder and Owner, Destinations of New York State
2019
John Doldo III
Owner, Jones & Doldo Agency, LLC
2021
Peter B. O'Connell
Attorney at Law
Contact the CONY office for more information or to submit a nomination.
