Leaders of Distinction 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 Bloomington-Normal Marriott and Normal Theater on Wednesday, October 10.
About The Awards
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. Nomination forms for the 22nd Annual Athena Leadership Award will be available in early July.
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, 2018. Nomination forms for the 2018 Class of 20 under 40 will be available in early July.
New in 2017, the Chamber added a new annual award, Liz Larson Rising Leader Award, in honor of a Chamber friend who passed away in 2017. This award will be given 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
Tickets will be made available in August
For pictures of last year's event click here
If you have any questions regarding the event or sponsorships opportunities, please contact Traci Andracke at 309-829-1183 or traci@mcleancochamber.org
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Previous ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients
2017: Dr. Paige Holt
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
Previous Liz Larson Rising Leader Award Recipients
2017: Lauren Hardy
20U40 Class Photos
Names are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of appearance:
Angela Bargmann
Music Teacher / Director
Chemberly Cummings
State Farm, Town of Normal
Dr. Jessica Bruin
Eastland Lifestyle Center
Names are listed in alphabetical order by last name and not by order of appearance:
Bianca Abalos – Underwriting Service Assistant for State Farm Insurance
Tim Bassett – Director of Facilities in the Central Illinois Region at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Amelia Buragas – Attorney at Kelly
Names are listed in alphabetical order by first name and not by order of appearance:
Chris Downing Executive Director of the Heartland Community College Foundation Emily Vigneri Coordinator of Orientation and Transition Services, ISU Erin Williams General
Names are listed in alphabetical order by first name and not in order of appearence:
Grant Anderson
Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
Phani Aytam
State Farm Insurance Companies
Sarah Franzen
Habitat for
