by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Business Women’s Club honored Lisa Wood of Hailesboro as its 2026 Business Woman of the Year during the 116th Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet — a recognition rooted in nearly a century of tradition. Founded in 1928, the club continues to spotlight local women whose leadership strengthens the community.
“Our recipient always has a smile on her face, always puts her best foot forward and is efficient in everything she does. Our recipient is a true public servant. She goes above and beyond in her personal life and career.
“When I heard who our committee selected to receive tonight's award, I was elated, as we are blessed to be friends with tonight's recipient. She is very deserving of the award. Our recipient is beautiful, intelligent, loyal, caring, thorough, meticulous, crafty, creative, and a great cook. She makes the best macaroni and cheese ever.
“Our recipient has always been a caregiver to her family, friends, and anyone who needs help. She’s a person that shows up. Our recipient's work ethic is commendable, and if only every person had the same drive she does, it would be a better world. She has worked her entire life and has always held multiple jobs as well. The dust does not settle under her feet.
“During high school, she worked at McDonald's and attended BOCES. Through BOCES she interned at Kinney Drugs. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1987 and throughout the years afterward attended college at SUNY Canton and Empire State University.
“In 1989, I had the pleasure of training our recipient when she started her career at Kinney Drugs in the computer department. I remember her talking a mile a minute as she was clicking the keyboard as fast as she talked. I was dizzy after working the first day with her, but soon realized what an asset she was to Kinney Drugs. If you've not figured out who tonight's recipient is, it's Lisa (Perrin) Wood.
“What can I say? Lisa just retired from Kinney Drugs after working there 39 and a half years. She began her career in the computer department and throughout the years worked her way up the corporate ladder, retiring as RX Administrative Coordinator. After Lisa retired, Kinney’s asked her to come back to train her replacement for a few months. By agreeing to go back, Lisa once again showed her dedication and loyalty to Kinney Drugs. It is very hard to replace a person who has 39 and a half years of knowledge, and Lisa's replacement has big shoes to fill.
“In 2018, while working full time at Kinney Drugs, Lisa was hired to work at the Gouverneur Community Center. Her role was to host the night and weekend events held at the community center. Lisa is the hostess with the mostess. Because of Lisa, the community center can host any type of event that will fit through the doors. She makes every event special and has endless amounts of energy and knowledge of how things should run.
“Lisa's feet still don't sit still at the community center. Do you see a theme here? Lisa greets everyone with a big smile and makes everyone feel comfortable. She can guide people around the center through the events, whether it be a wedding, funeral, bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower, celebration of life, etc.
“Lisa has an arsenal of unbelievable decorations that she brings to the community center for events, and it has a special decorative touch. She always finds the perfect decorations for every event, and Lisa's favorite holiday is Halloween. And you gotta come down, because it's awesome. Her decorations range from spiders, coffins, witches, butchers, electric chairs, and other scary things that jump out and make you scream. Every year, she holds a Halloween dance for the senior citizens. I went to last year's dance—not that I'm a senior citizen—but everyone was dressed up, enjoying the food, dancing, socializing, having a great time. Lisa was also holding down the dance floor, keeping the party going. It's a wonderful time for the seniors, and they look forward to the event.
“Lisa is very creative and hosts other events for the public, such as movie nights, crafts, and all sorts of dances. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does for the community center. We are blessed to have her working there. Lisa spends countless hours at the community center, on her feet, multitasking, walking, talking, setting up, taking down, making every event seamless.
“My brother (Dave Spilman, Jr.) stated, “Lisa's heart is as big as Gouverneur.” It doesn't matter if it's the worst day, which is often a funeral, or the happiest time of a wedding or a baby shower—Lisa is always there with a warm smile and compassion…”
In conclusion, Natalis Spilman said the following: “Lisa, your commitment to excellence is evident in everything you do. We are blessed to have you in our lives and community. Thank you for showing us that there are no glass ceilings, for your compassion, and for demonstrating the meaning of a true public servant. I'm so proud of you and love you. Please accept this award on behalf of the Gouverneur Business Women.”
Thunderous applause rose through the room as Lisa Wood accepted the honor and offered her heartfelt appreciation.
For more information on the 2025 Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Award of Merit Recipient, the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, visit their website at www.gouverneurcommunitycenter.com.