Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul was born and raised in Erie County, in the shadow of the Bethlehem Steel Plant. Her father, Jack, worked for the plant and left his job to continue his education. He joined a small technology business, the Computer Task Group, where he rose through the ranks and became President, helping grow the company to over 3,200 employees. Kathy's mother, Patricia, earned her undergraduate degree after raising six children - when her own children were in college. She then became the Assistant Director of the Neighborhood Information Center, a community outreach center on the East Side of Buffalo. Patricia later founded Expressions Floral and Gifts, a small business that is still open today. Presently, Patricia serves on the Board of Directors of the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence.