Leaders of Distinction Awards
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.
Click Here to Register
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.
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!
| Nominee Name | Workplace |
| Angela Bargmann | Music Teacher / Director |
| Chemberly Cummings | State Farm, Town of Normal |
| Dr. Jessica Bruin | Eastland Lifestyle Center LLC |
| Jennifer Carrillo | YWCA |
| Jeremy Kelley | State Farm |
| Jessica Jackson | Childrens Home + Aid |
| Josh Remington | Illinois State University Athletics |
| Justin Bellas | Bellas Landscaping |
| Katie Grojean | Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center |
| Lauren Hardy | Easterseals Central Illinois |
| Marc Poirier | Abbey Placements LLC |
| Mike Pohlman | Palace Events |
| Mitch Stebel | Busey Bank |
| Molly Dietmeier | BEER NUTS® Brand Snacks |
| Raymond Ceresa | Double Tree-Hilton Bloomington-The Snyder Companies |
| Seth Carter | State Farm |
| Seth Couillard | Couillard & Company Real Estate Solutions-Keller Williams |
| Stephanie Duquenne | Illinois State University |
| Timothy Kirk | Henson Disposal & Recycyling |
| Wendy Secord | Cancer Center |
Congratulations to the 2017 ATHENA Leadership Award nominees!
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Dr. Paige Holt |
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
20U40 Class Photos
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
