The American Lung Association has named Patsy Hazelwood the 2012 Tennessee Woman of Distinction in Tennessee. The organization will honor Hazelwood at the 27th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon on April 27. A retired Regional Manager with AT&T, Hazelwood was the first woman elected president of the downtown Chattanooga Rotary. Governor Bill Haslam has named her regional director of the “jobs base camp” under the Tennessee Economic and Development Community, a position that involves helping to coordinate state government services for new and existing business in Southeast Tennessee.
“The Tennessee Woman of Distinction, plus the 10 Women of Distinction honorees, represent the Chattanooga area’s most accomplished women who have distinguished themselves within their family, career and community,” Shirley Cudabac, development director of the ALA, said in a press release.
The ten recipients of the 2012 Women of Distinction award are: Verina Baxter, president of the Midsouth Sculpture Alliance; Sandra Brewer, vice president of Brewer Media; Missy Elliott, co-owner of Cynthia Howell Stationary & Gifts; Kathie Scobee Fulgham, special projects manager for the mayor; Katherine Russell Lindgren, director of nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Elizabeth McCright, executive director of Chattanooga Housing Authority; Dr. Mukta Panda, chair of the College of Medicine, University of Tennessee; Pam Schulman, volunteer; Linda C. Thompson, organist and president of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Youth Orchestra; and Karen Walsh, executive Director of McKamey Center.
Three high school seniors from the Chattanooga area will also be honored as Young Women of Distinction for outstanding achievement in leadership, academics and character. Nominations are being accepted until January 23, 2012. An entry form can be found by following the “Women of Distinction” link at www.alatn.org.
Women lung cancer survivors will also be honored.
This year’s luncheon celebrates the continuing achievements of the more than 260 women who have been honored over the 27 years of the award’s history. Channel 3 News anchor Cindy Sexton will emcee the event at the Chattanooga Convention Center Ballroom.
“These women truly represent a living legacy as they continue to serve our community through their professional, civic and philanthropic endeavors,” said this year’s event chair, Jo Coke, former Woman of Distinction.
For reservations, ticket prices and sponsorship information, call the American Lung Association in Tennessee at 423-629-1098 or through www.alatn.org.
This annual event benefits the American Lung Association in Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. In Tennessee, lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer affects more than 814,000 children and adults. Smoking, air pollution and lung disease make breathing difficult for millions of Americans.
Money raised at the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon fund American Lung Association medical research, advocacy and education.