Vision Hudson Valley is proud to announce RJ Smith as the recipient of the 31st Annual Ottaway Medal, an honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership and service in the Hudson Valley. Named after philanthropists Ruth and James Ottaway, the medal celebrates those whose advocacy and institutional support have left a lasting imprint on the region. RJ Smith will be honored at the Ottaway Medal Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Villa Venezia in Middletown, NY.

A lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, RJ Smith has spent over 50 years shaping the region’s real estate landscape through visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence. As founder and president of Richard J. Smith Enterprises Corp., he built one of the area’s most successful firms, generating over $1 billion in residential, land, and commercial sales while transforming neighborhoods, stimulating economic growth, and creating thousands of jobs. Throughout his career, RJ has worked to preserve over 3,500 acres of farmland and open space, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. His professional achievements span brokerage, construction, development, and strategic consulting, having led multiple companies and overseen the development of hundreds of homes and commercial properties. Renowned for his expertise in municipal approvals, infrastructure development, and site selection, RJ is a trusted advisor to both public and private entities.

Beyond his business accomplishments, RJ Smith’s legacy is deeply rooted in community service, with a civic engagement record that is both extensive and impactful. He is a founding member and past president of the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, where he played a pivotal role in shaping regional philanthropic efforts. His dedication to the arts is reflected in his service as a board member and honorary trustee of Storm King Art Center, and as past director and vice president of the Orange County Arts Council. RJ has also served as past president and director of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, now known as Vision Hudson Valley, promoting civic dialogue and regional planning. His commitment to public service includes roles as a former legislator for Orange County’s 18th District, as a Town Councilman for the Town of Crawford, and as a member of the Pine Bush Central School District Board. He has supported youth development as an advisory board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wallkill and Pine Bush, and has worked to preserve local history as a trustee of Historic Huguenot Street and president of the John Christopher Smith Foundation.

RJ’s leadership extended to the Hudson Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as executive board member and vice president. He also founded and served as past president of both the Pine Bush Business Council and the Pine Bush Area Arts Council, fostering local economic and artistic growth. His civic roles include past president of the Pine Bush Fire Department, board member of the Town of Crawford Conservation Advisory Council, and appointed director of the Heritage Task Force of the Hudson Valley by recommendation of the New York State Senate and the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Through these roles, RJ has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to enriching the cultural, civic, and historical fabric of the Hudson Valley.

RJ’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the “David T. Cocks Award for Commitment to Community,” the “Pillars of the Community Lifetime Achievement Award,” and the “Distinguished Citizen Award” from the Boy Scouts of America, and the “Vision of Hope Award” from Access: Supports for Living. His dedication to preserving local history, supporting the arts, mentoring future leaders, and enhancing civic life embodies the spirit of the Ottaway Medal.

Join us in celebrating RJ Smith’s extraordinary legacy and enduring impact on the Hudson Valley at the 31st Annual Ottaway Medal Award Dinner.

About Vision Hudson Valley:

Vision Hudson Valley, founded in 1971, is a membership-based, non-governmental organization that improves quality of life for Hudson Valley residents through public policy and advocacy in land use and transportation planning, water conservation, waste management, cultural affairs, education, agriculture, recreation, and healthcare. Vision Hudson Valley is housed on 50 acres of bucolic farmland, formerly the home of Surrealist artist Kurt Seligmann. On these Sugar Loaf grounds, known as the Seligmann Center, the organization brings people together to create and share new ideas, artistic performances, and thought-provoking programming. For more information, visit our website at visionhudsonvalley.org or contact us at 845.469.9459 or klancellotti@visionhudsonvalley.org.