Catherine M. Pelley Named a "Woman of the Year" In the 29th Congressional District

Catherine M. Pelley Named a “Woman of the Year” In the 29th Congressional District

Washington, D.C. – Today at a reception in Pasadena, Representative Adam Schiff honored Catherine M. Pelley for her commitment and service to Glendale by naming her a “Woman of the Year.” 

“Catherine is proof that one person’s optimistic vision can infuse a diverse community with the hope and the means to achieve excellence as one,” said Schiff.  “The Glendale community is fortunate to benefit from her steadfast dedication and selfless service.” 

As a past nurse and Captain in the U.S. Army, Mrs. Pelley is a veteran who served her country during the Vietnam War as a psychiatric nurse working with the brave men and women returning home from combat. She is currently the President and CEO of Glendale Memorial Hospital and the Chair of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board. Cathy also serves on the Board of Directors for Glendale’s Armenian Bone Marrow Bank, Salvation Army, and regional Brothers of Saint John of God Healthcare and Retirement Centers.

Under her leadership, Glendale Memorial Hospital’s infrastructure has expanded to include additional imaging equipment, several new community clinics, and modern communications systems. These easily-accessible, digital patient records will prevent medication errors and reduce transcription times, as well as maintain up-to-date information for future reference.

With vision that reaches beyond hospital walls, Mrs. Pelley believes wholeheartedly in the future of the Glendale community. Her efforts to overcome South Glendale’s economic challenges were partnered with remarkable honesty, dignity, understanding, and determination. By highlighting common ground between conflicting groups, she gave victims a more effective voice in their healthcare and rallied community support behind the revitalization of a blighted area. Ever since, business has returned with new retail, dining, theatre, and housing options. Mrs. Pelley has also improved the area by expanding the “Brand Boulevard of Cars” and by implementing solutions to severe traffic congestion.

Though she faced an aging medical facility, dwindling local business, and a community in conflict, Mrs. Pelley never backed down from the obstacles before her. She chose instead to provide leadership where it was needed, to invest in the health – both corporeal and economic – of the City of Glendale. In return, the area has transformed itself over four short years to become a beacon of civic progress.

Every March, during Women’s History Month, Rep. Schiff honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District.  These women come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region.  While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life for our community.

Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

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