CVM Development Officer
Captures ATHENA Award

Kelley Marchbanks is pictured with her ATHENA Young Professional Award.

The Women's Network Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce held its 15th annual ATHENA Awards Banquet June 25, 2009, at the University Club on the University of Missouri campus. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional Awards. Kelley Marchbanks, who serves as a development officer for the MU College of Veterinary received this year’s ATHENA Young Professional honors, the second such award presented.

A distinguished committee comprising past Women’s Network presidents, past ATHENA recipients, and Chamber of Commerce executives selected Marchbanks based on nomination forms submitted by her peers. The ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient must demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession, provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community, and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.

Marchbanks, a graduate of the University of Missouri, resides in Fayette with her husband, Aaron, and their 3-year-old daughter, Lilly. She is active in the Fayette Community Theater and is a member of the First Christian Church of Fayette, where she participates in the church choir. She also volunteers with the Miss Howard County Pageant, is a member of the Howard County Farm Bureau Board and is a member of the Lawrence Talbot Society, a civic organization. She is also in line to become the Women’s Network president.

The awards banquet was a celebration of the past, present and future of ATHENA in Columbia and remarks were given on behalf of Linda Arnold, Columbia’s first ATHENA recipient, Elizabeth Mendenhall, Columbia’s first AYP recipient, and Cindy Mustard, the 2008 ATHENA recipient.

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