Catherine “Cathy” Nolan (1958–2026) was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in Ridgewood, Queens. She attended Grover Cleveland High School and New York University, graduating with a B.A. in political science. Nolan was the youngest woman elected to state office at age 26. Representing the 37th District in the New York State Assembly, she tirelessly served the communities of Astoria, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Sunnyside, and Woodside for almost four decades.

Nolan dedicated herself to improving her community by constructing new schools, improving parks and playgrounds, strengthening local senior centers, advancing housing improvements, and expanding healthcare access. She served as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, chaired the Assembly Education Committee, and chaired the Labor Committee, becoming the first woman to hold that role. She was a staunch advocate for the rights of all New Yorkers, including women, the LGBTQ community, and farmworkers, and she supported the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act. She lived and worked in Ridgewood and was known for being readily accessible to her constituents. Nolan announced that she would not seek reelection and retired at the end of 2022.

Assemblymember Cathy Nolan Way is located at the intersection of Fresh Pond Road and Grove Street in Ridgewood, Queens, one block from her former district office at 61-08 Linden Street.