About The Awards

The Leaders of Distinction Awards, features the McLean County Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Leadership Award and the Pantagraph's Twenty Under Forty and will be held at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on Wednesday, October 25 at 5:30pm.

The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes outstanding individuals in our community defined as role models for others to emulate who inspire and encourage the empowerment of women leaders. Presented to a woman or man, this award is presented to someone who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

The Twenty Under Forty recognizes young professionals who excel in their career, are passionate about the community and are making a mark in Central Illinois. Nominees must be 39 years of age or younger as of October 1, 2017. 

A very special presentation will be made to a recipient in honor of a Chamber friend who passed away earlier this year. A new award in Liz Larson’s honor will be presented to someone from the Twenty Under Forty classes who exemplifies similar characteristics to Liz; passionate about McLean County, active in community service and advocacy, all while excelling in their career. The recipient of this new Liz Larson Rising Leader Award will be announced and presented for the first time at this event by her friends and family at the reception.   

If you have any questions regarding the event or sponsorship contact Traci Andracke at 309-829-1183.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

Congratulations to the 2017 "Twenty Under Forty" Class! 

Congratulations to the 2017 ATHENA Leadership Award nominees!

Dr. Paige Holt Plastic Surgeon Twin City Plastic Surgery and Creator of beFORtheAFTERproject	Roxanne Hartrich Realtor RE/MAX Choice and Owner of Kara's Kloset	Pamela Reece Deputy City Manager Town of Normal

Previous ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients

2016: Linda Healy

2015: Doan Winkel

2014: Cathy Woods

2013: Vicki Tilton

2012: Judy Buchanan

2011: Barb Nathan

2010: Leanna K. Bordner

2009: Pamela Westerdahl

2008: Janet Hood

2007: Gigi Fansler

2006: Kira Hudson-Banks

2005: Diane Lerman

2004: Julie Dobski

2003: Patricia Kaisner

2002: Evelyn Young

2001: Deanna Frautschi

2000: Paula Walsh

1999: Mary Ann Webb

1998: Sonja Reece

1997: Patricia Ann Grogg