Glen Cove Police Chief Chris Ortiz among winter celebration honorees by North Shore Hispanic Chamber

The North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held its 5th Annual Winter Celebration on Jan. 29 at the Sea Cliff Yacht Club, honoring five community members for their long-standing service, leadership, and contributions to the North Shore.
This year’s honorees represented a wide range of civic, educational, business, and public safety leadership. Pascual Blanco, co-founder of the nonprofit La Fuerza Unida, received the American Dream Award. Felicia Kasow, director of PURE Mammography and a member of the Long Island Advisory Board of the American Cancer Society, was presented with the Outstanding Community Supporter Award. Glen Cove Police Chief Christopher Ortiz was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Alexa Doeschner, superintendent of the Glen Cove City School District, received the Community Leader Award, and Rafael Maldonado, owner of James Auto Works, was named Business of the Year.
During the ceremony, Lisa Golden, a chamber board member, praised Kasow’s far-reaching impact on women’s health and underserved communities. “Felicia is aptly awarded our Community Service Award, because those of you who know her know it’s not just this community she’s in. She’s in every community,” Golden said. She highlighted Kasow’s efforts to provide mammograms to individuals who might otherwise lack access, particularly within the Latina community, calling her “the very definition of a community supporter.”
Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck echoed those sentiments while acknowledging the importance of early detection. “Nobody wants to get a mammogram. It is the most unpleasant, awful thing. Nobody likes it,” Panzenbeck said, adding humorously, “I think you men should all get it too. But anyway, we thank you for what you do.”
Chamber President Connie Pinilla recognized Chief Ortiz for his decades of leadership in law enforcement. “Chief Ortiz continues to lead with a purpose, ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our residents while honoring the department’s commitment to excellence,” she said.

Panzenbeck also reflected on her professional relationship with Ortiz, whom she promoted during her tenure as mayor. “In my four years as mayor, I could never have done my job without all of the amazing help and support we’ve gotten from you,” she said. “You’ve always been there for me… I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be the mayor to promote you, because you’re just the best.”
Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy also congratulated Ortiz, telling him, “We are super proud of you, and we’re very thankful that you are in the position, and we know you’re going to do great things.”
In his remarks, Ortiz credited his department for its success. “If you hire good people, people of character, people who are honorable and prideful, and you bring them into a police department, they will do great things,” he said.
Dr. Doeschner, accepting the Community Leader Award, emphasized collaboration and gratitude. “I share this award with so many people—the trustees of the Board of Education, my Cabinet members, our educators and staff, and our students,” she said, noting her 11-year journey in the district.
Panzenbeck praised Doeschner’s leadership, calling herself her “biggest cheerleader” and commending her rapid rise and dedication.
The evening concluded with the presentation of city and county citations by Panzenbeck and Nassau County Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, followed by dancing with honorees, their families, and attendees.