2026 Leaders of Distinction Awards

2026 Leaders of Distinction Reception

McLean County Chamber of Commerce and The Pantagraph Celebrate 2026 Leaders of Distinction Honorees

Bloomington, IL — The McLean County Chamber of Commerce and The Pantagraph hosted the 2026 Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception on Thursday, November 5, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, honoring the 2026 distinguished and emerging community leaders

Emceed by Chris Downing, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Heartland Community College, the event celebrated three prestigious recognitions: the Pantagraph 20 Under 40 Awards, the Liz Larson Rising Leader Award, and the ATHENA®Leadership Award.

"Look around the room for a moment. Every person here tonight is connected to someone who is making McLean County a better place to live, work, and grow. That is exactly what we’re here to celebrate," said Downing.

The evening was filled with celebrations, gratitude, and stories of individuals who are making a lasting impact in McLean County.

The Pantagraph's 20 Under 40

Twenty outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 were recognized for their leadership, professional achievements, and community involvement.

This year’s honorees are:

Audrianna Bowling
Brad Rigdon
Brandon Heyen
Colleen Parker
Colleen Zerebny
Elizabeth Kalafut
Erik Zdansky
Erin Pieczynski
Janelle Spencer
Jennifer Neal
Lily Hoops
Madison Noble
Mark Adams II
Nadia Klekamp
Nicole Monson
Nik Duffle
Olivia Brownlee
Patrick Zajac
Randi Derrig
Tyler Wiggs

2026 Liz Larson Rising Leader Award

Presented by Samantha Mlot, Economic Development Advocate for the City of Bloomington and 2024 Liz Larson award recipient, the Liz Larson Rising Leader Award honors someone who embodies the passion, energy, and community spirit of Liz Larson.

"Liz’s vibrant personality and love for life was immediately known by all she encountered. She was a go-getter, and someone everyone wanted to surround themselves with. Liz inspired many to live every day to its fullest, to always be yourself, and to go after any and all dreams," said Mlot.

This year’s award was presented to Erin Pieczynski. Erin is the Director of Community Partnerships at Lifelong Access and was named the 2025 Bloomington-Normal Young Professionals Ambassador of the Year. She serves as a Chamber Ambassador, BNYP Service/Social Chair and Secretary of The Business Circle, and she is known for connecting people and getting them involved.

30th Annual ATHENA® Leadership Award

Past ATHENA® Award recipients Cat Woods and Cortney Helfrich led the presentation of the 30th Annual ATHENA® Leadership Award. This internationally recognized honor celebrates individuals whose professional achievements, community service, and commitment to uplifting others—particularly women—reflect the true spirit of leadership. Through their example, recipients inspire strength, wisdom, and opportunity across McLean County and beyond.

The 2026 ATHENA® Finalists Include:

Tracy Patkunas
Jennifer Sedbrook
Kathleen Schniedwind
Erin Jennings

Erin Jennings

As Director of Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, Erin recently helped raise more than $1.2 million in charitable support, a first in the organization’s 40-year history. Through her nonprofit leadership, founding of the Nonprofit Resource Group, four years as a Chamber Ambassador and work with Lilac Rising, Erin continues to build connections, empower women and create opportunities for others to succeed.

Kathleen Schniedwind

Kathy is a retired certified athletic trainer, educator and mentor who spent three decades at Illinois State University, becoming the department’s first female athletic trainer and mentoring generations of students and young professionals. Through nearly 50 years of volunteer service, leadership with Special Olympics Illinois and her commitment to creating opportunities for women in health care and athletics, Kathy continues to lead by example and empower others to succeed.

Tracy Patkunas

Tracy is a Realtor with RE/MAX Rising who has built her career around relationships, leadership and helping others navigate important life transitions. Through her leadership at the local, state and national levels, mentorship of future leaders, and commitment to advancing women in real estate, Tracy continues to open doors, create opportunities and empower others to lead with confidence.

Jennifer Sedbrook

Jennifer is the CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and a dedicated community leader who has spent her career empowering women and girls through leadership, philanthropy and community partnerships. From serving on the District 87 School Board to co-founding Women Empowered, Jennifer continues to champion women’s potential, create opportunities for leadership and help others thrive.

This year’s ATHENA® Leadership Award was presented to Erin Jennings. Throughout her career, Erin has been a champion for nonprofit organizations, helping them grow their impact and better serve the people who depend on them. From her leadership at Habitat for Humanity McLean County to founding the Nonprofit Resource Group and Lilac Rising, Erin has consistently created opportunities for others to connect, lead, and make a difference. Erin is the kind of leader who makes room for others to succeed, reflecting the spirit of the ATHENA® Leadership Award.

A Celebration of Leadership & Service

The Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception brought together business and community leaders, family, and friends to celebrate the individuals who make McLean County a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work.

"To all of our finalists, and to everyone in this room who mentors, volunteers, and leads by example: thank you. Tonight is a reminder that leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about the difference one person can make, and the many people they bring along the way," said Cat Woods, Chair of the Chamber's Awards and Recognition Committee.

Guests were invited to continue celebrating with refreshments and networking after the event.

This event would not have been possible without generous support from our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Pantagraph Media
Emerald Sponsors: Little Jewels Learning Center & Rob Dob's, OSF Healthcare, Lifelong Access, Heartland Community College, Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services
Ruby Sponsor: Carle BroMenn Medical Center
Sapphire Sponsors: Chestnut Health Systems, PNC Bank, Teresa Klokkenga Photography
Topaz Sponsors: Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center and Bonchon Bloomington, Habitat For Humanity of McLean County
Award Sponsor: Moxii Marketing Solutions