What do a Chambersburg fishing derby and an accounting firm have in common?
A fishing derby and an accounting firm were the recipients of new awards presented at Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce's annual awards breakfast.
They were among eight chamber members honored at the event Thursday, which was attended by more than 220 people at Chambersburg Country Club.
“We are immensely grateful to our exceptional business and community members for their contributions,” said Stephen Christian, president of the Chamber. “It’s an honor to recognize these leaders for their commitment to helping Franklin County prosper.”
Dr. Francis Achampong, chancellor of Penn State Mont Alto, gave the keynote address. He spoke about the Penn State Mont Alto LaunchBox, an initiative dedicated to the advancement of local entrepreneurs.
The top recognition, the International ATHENA Leadership Award, was presented to Sherri Stahl, who was recently promoted to senior vice president of WellSpan Health. In the role, she will lead operations in Franklin and Adams counties.
The award honors an individual who exemplifies professional, community and personal leadership as well as someone who actively assists women in reaching their full leadership potential and/or personal and professional goals.
Stahl began her time at Chambersburg Hospital as a candy striper, eventually earning her nursing degree and holding various leadership roles including clinical manager, care coordinator, director of patient services, and senior vice president o patient services/chief nursing officer.
She has played a leading role in developing the future of health care in the region. She has also been involved in many local organizations, including the Leadership Franklin County Advanced program, Wilson College Honor Society for Nursing, Hospice of Franklin County, among others.
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Other awards presented were:
- Innovator of the Year: Dr. Nicholas Wendell, Wendell Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
- Nonprofit of the Year: Drew Michael Taylor Foundation, a grief education and support program
- Spirit of the Community (recognizes commitment to improving quality of life in the community outside of their career): Patrick O’Donnell, outgoing president and CEO of WellSpan Summit Health and executive vice president of WellSpan Health
- Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Michael Doncheski of the Chamber Foundation board
- Emerging Business Leader: Jake Naugle, director of real estate lending at Patriot Federal Credit Union
- Event of the Year: 22nd Annual Trout Derby, organized by the Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club
- Employer of the Year: SEK, CPAs & Advisors