Cathy C. Smith
(May 8, 2012)–Cathy has lived in Northern, New Jersey most of her life, mainly because of her close family ties and for her desire to be close to New York City. “My friends say, I sleep in New Jersey, but actually live in New York City,” she chuckles.
She attended William Paterson University (BA), New York University (MPA) and Seton Hall University. She holds an Executive Leadership Certificate and oversees the credit administration function at Greater Hudson Bank, N.A., a commercial bank in New York State with $300 million in assets.
“My role entails developing the infrastructure for 3 departments of this De Novo bank by utilizing technology strategies to achieve business goals,” says the single 51 year-old who has been there for 1-1/2 years now.
As the bank’s Vice President/Credit Administration Cathy’s responsibilities tend to permit her to get out to play about 2 – 3 times a month. But, with sketchy weather patterns—and a short Northern golf season, timing her schedule with the weather conditions becomes a bit tricky.
Working in the financial services industry she enjoys attending business networking events. “I always wanted to learn the game of golf and to be able to feel comfortable accepting golf outing invitations, and being able to participate just beyond the golf clinics,” she says. “I also find golf to be a great conversational piece to discuss with male colleagues who are avid golfers.”
So, how did Cathy get started playing golf? She attended a National Black MBA golf outing several years ago that offered a beginner’s clinic and this is what sparked her interest in the sport.
“I started off by taking golf clinics at several business networking events. Then I enrolled in an Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) beginner’s golf course.”
“This experience gave me a basic knowledge of the golf course landscape, posture, swing, etc. At that time, I discovered that my swing was better with right-handed clubs, so I traded in my left-handed clubs and purchased some Lady Fairway (hybrids) right handed clubs.”
Cathy has had some excellent golf Instructors who have helped her develop her game including Mary Ring, LPGA (Galloping Hills – 2011), Nayoon Choi, PGA (Golftec – 2010), and Madeline Cassano, LPGA (EWGA – 2008). “I can’t begin to express how important it is to have an instructor guide you on developing your swing, putting, and driving.”
“I found my instructors to be well worth the investment. My swing significantly improved after taking private lessons with Nayoon Choi at Golftec. The lessons built my confidence level and gave me a basic skill to feel comfortable on the course.” Cathy continues to take clinics and private lessons with professional instructors to maintain and gain additional skills.
“My biggest challenge is my short game. Although I have taken lessons on this aspect of the game, I could use some improvement. Also, my knowledge of the rules could be improved as well.” Preakness Valley Golf Course located in Wayne, New Jersey is Cathy’s home course. She is not currently a member of any golf organization or club, but was a former member of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and the Preakness Valley Golf Course.
“I love being outdoors enjoying nature, having great conversations, getting exercise, and having fun, fun, fun. I like the challenge of perfecting my swing so that I may reach the target hole with few strokes. That to me is very exhilarating. And, to get a hole in one! Golf is also a great business activity when you are cultivating a business relationship,” states Cathy.
Although she has not yet played in a tournament, Cathy did attend the 2010 Barclays Tournament. “What an exciting event, I got a chance to see Tiger Woods practice and play. At that time, I realized that there actually is a ‘golf community’ of people who respect the game. Total silence was observed during the entire round; Awesome!”
When she is not working or golfing, Cathy enjoys traveling, attending social events and taking photographs. She also love to read poetry by Rumi, a 13th Century Persian poet. Most interesting is her strong passion for singing.
“My Dad was a quartet singer, so I was influenced by him. Last year I participated in the Assisi Music Festival in Assisi, Italy, singing choral and solo repertoire in 6 different languages,” she recounts with a twinkle of pride in big beautiful brown eyes.
Cathy has been singing sacred choral music most of her life, and has been developing her solo voice and expanding her repertoire to include opera.
“I love singing and performing Italian arias.” In fact, she just recorded a CD of Quella Fiamma (Italian Art Song) and Summertime (Porgy & Bess) and dedicated it to her family. Currently she is learning a new Italian Aria; Dove Sono i bei momenti, which is “Oh so beautiful.”
