Grace, Grit, and Glen Cove Pride

When you meet Mayor Pam Panzenbeck of Glen Cove, it’s easy to see why her community adores her. She’s the perfect blend of warmth and wisdom—part teacher, part leader, and always a proud “Gommy” to her seven grandchildren. A lifelong resident whose family roots in Glen Cove date back to 1850, Pam is as much a part of the city’s history as she is its future.

Before politics, Pam spent 34 years as a business education teacher at Levittown High School, where she taught typing, shorthand, accounting, and computer science. She credits her decades in the classroom with teaching her how to connect with all types of personalities—always with positivity and patience. When COVID lockdowns suddenly halted her usual pace, Pam found herself, for the first time in her life, with nothing to do. But that didn’t last long. True to her giving spirit, she began caring for her grandchildren, shopping for neighbors, and driving friends to medical appointments. Helping others, she says, has always been her natural default.

Her community involvement stretches far beyond City Hall. From her church and Glen Cove Hospital volunteer work to the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and her mission to “Keep Glen Cove Beautiful,” Pam’s fingerprints can be found on countless local initiatives. But her greatest mission, she says, is to inspire women—especially those in their later years—to never stop caring for themselves.

“Don’t become frumpy,” she insists with a smile. “Age gracefully. Get up, dress up, put on makeup, and look good. When you look good, you feel good—and confidence follows.”

Pam also emphasizes the importance of female friendships. “As we get older, we realize how valuable our girlfriends truly are. Surround yourself with women who lift you up,” she advises. It was, in fact, one of those strong female friendships that gave her the confidence to step into politics—when the Deputy Mayor encouraged her to run for office. Pam took the leap, ran for mayor in 2022, and won. Now, at age 72, she’s gearing up to run again.

Pam’s leadership style is as down-to-earth as it is effective. “People thank me for what I do, and I tell them, ‘I’m the smartest woman in the building because I know I need help—and I’m not afraid to ask for it.’” That humility, paired with her sharp instincts and deep love for Glen Cove, makes her one of the most beloved mayors the city has ever known.

Mayor Pam with two of her grandchildren and Aspen the therapy dog

From teacher to “Gommy,” from volunteer to visionary, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck continues to prove that purpose doesn’t retire—it evolves. Her story is a reminder that staying active, involved, and confident at any age is not only possible but powerful.