Senator Scott Wilk (R-Antelope Valley) has honored Marlee Means Lauffer, a longtime Santa Clarita Valley community member, active philanthropist and respected businesswoman, as his choice for 21st Senate District’s Woman of the Year.

“Marlee Lauffer is incredibly deserving of this award,” Wilk said. “An inspirational role model for women pursuing leadership positions, she has selflessly devoted years of service to charitable causes in the Santa Clarita Valley. We first met as Reagan Youth Delegates traveling by train from Union Station to the 1980 Republican Convention in Detroit. She was as driven and dedicated then as she is today.”

Lauffer is deeply connected with the local business, civic and nonprofit community. She was appointed to the City of Santa Clarita’s initial Arts Commission and has served on various arts and non-profit boards, including Henry Mayo Hospital, serving on its Foundation Board and Board of Directors.

She supports many other area organizations in leadership positions, including the SCV Chamber of Commerce where she previously served as chair, as well as Zonta, the WiSH Education Foundation and SCVEDC.

In 2004, Marlee joined with several local business leaders to form the Bank of Santa Clarita and remains a director on its board.

“When Senator Wilk called me to give me the news I was both surprised and honored,” Lauffer said. “To be named ‘Woman of the Year’ on the floor of the California Senate is not something that happens every day. The Santa Clarita Valley has been good to me and my family. To be recognized for doing the things that I love, for a community I treasure is truly an honor. Thank you, Senator Wilk, for this award.”

Currently, Lauffer is president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation as well as the hospital’s vice president of Marketing and Communications. Prior to her position at Henry Mayo, Marlee was vice president of Marketing and Communications for Newhall Land.

An innovative leader, effective communicator and a strong community partner, she has received many recognitions and honors from various local organizations and regional publications. A graduate of UCLA, Lauffer is a proud mother to 19-year-old Katharine.

“Marlee is one of the busiest people I know, but in all the years I have known her, she has never failed to carve out the time to make a difference in our community,” Wilk said. “Whether it is helping non-profits, local businesses, or the arts, she is there and making an impact.”

Today’s award was sponsored by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Listen to audio of the ceremony [here].