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. 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. 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.

We do not have a date confirmed for our 2017 Economic Vision Luncheon. Please check back at a later date for more information. If you have any questions regarding the event or sponsorship contact Traci Andracke at 309-829-1183.

2016 "20 Under 40" Honorees

Bianca Abalos - State Farm Insurance

Tim Bassett - Advocate BroMenn Medical Center

Amelia Buragas - Kelly Law Offices

Megan Haig - Marcfirst

Holly Hall - Meadows Communities

Ryan Heeren - West Bloomington Revitalization Project

Lucas Hellmer - Farnsworth Group

Brenna Hildenbrand - Country Financial

Travis Huber - Heartland Community College

Heather Johnson - YWCA

John Kim - State Farm Insurance

Liz Larson - WGLT Public Radio

Megan McCann - Illinois State University

Julie McCoy - Bloomington Public Schools - District #87

Kaitlin Muckey - DoubleTree by Hilton

Julie Navickas - Illinois State University

Zach Schroeder - Illinois State University

Amanda Weissgerber - RE/MAX

Beth Whisman - McLean County Museum of History

Amy Wohlford - Ft Jesse Imaging Center & Gale Keeran Center for Women

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