Committee member recognized for a decade of dedication, leadership and service to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has named Dave Haslam the recipient of its 2027 Thomas F. Rohan Award, honoring his dedication, leadership and contributions to the Committee and the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. Established in 1957, the award honors the first Grand Marshal of the Parade and recognizes a longtime Committee member whose service has significantly shaped the success of the Parade and the organization.
A lifelong Holyoker, Haslam has been a member of the St. Patrick’s Committee since 2016 and is celebrating 10 years of involvement. He is currently serving his third year on the Board of Directors. His husband, Craig, is also a Committee member, and together they share a commitment to the organization and its longstanding traditions.
Throughout his tenure, Haslam has contributed to numerous committees, including Citizenship Award Selection, Grand Marshal’s Award Selection, Music, Budget/Audit, Membership, Party After the Parade, Program Book, Colleen Gathering, Road Race and Coordination. He has also served in leadership roles as co-chair of the Photography, Public Relations, Social Media and Television committees.
“Dave exemplifies the dedication and spirit of volunteerism that make the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee so special,” said Stephanie Joyce, president of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke. “As a lifelong Holyoker, Dave has a deep connection to this community, and over the past decade, he has consistently stepped up to support the Committee and the Parade in so many ways. We’re grateful for his leadership and commitment, and proud to recognize his contributions with this well-deserved honor.”
In addition to his involvement with the Committee, Haslam has built a career centered on service and community engagement. He has served as executive director of Homework House in Holyoke since September 2024, having previously joined the organization as coordinator of volunteers. Before that, he spent more than 21 years with CVS Health, holding positions including store manager and administrative coordinator. He has also been an independent consultant with Pink Zebra Home since 2013. A graduate of Holyoke High School, Haslam studied business management at Holyoke Community College from 2007 to 2009.
The Rohan Award also carries a special family connection for Haslam. He is related to George W. Counter, who received the award in 1980, adding another meaningful link to the Committee’s history.
Dave will be formally honored at the Coronation Ball & Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 20, 2027 at The Log Cabin. Additional details and ticket information will be announced.
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke will celebrate its 74th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 21, 2027, and the 50th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
For more information about the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Parade Week events, visit holyokestpatricksparade.com or follow the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on social media.
