2012 Women of Distinction Announced

CHATTANOOGA TN (12/15/2011)(readMedia)-- Patsy Hazelwood has been named the 2012 Chattanooga Woman of Distinction by the American Lung Association in Tennessee and will be honored at the 27th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 27.

A retired Regional Manager with AT&T, Ms. Hazelwood was first woman elected President of the downtown Chattanooga Rotary. She has been named by Governor Bill Haslam as Regional Director of the "jobs base camp" under the Tennessee Economic and Development Community and will help coordinate state government services for new and existing business in Southeast Tennessee.

The Woman of Distinction winner, 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. All of them are also long time volunteers in a wide range of activities.

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 (Betsy) McCright, executive director of Chattanooga Housing Authority;

• Dr. Makta 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.

Lung Cancer women 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 and Chair, Jo Coke, former Woman of Distinction.

Individual tickets are $65 through March 31 and $70 starting April 1 with payment due at the time of the reservation. Various levels of sponsorship are also available. Tables may also be purchased in Honor or Memory of individuals with lung disease. For reservations or more information, call the American Lung Association in Tennessee at 423-629-1098 or through www.alatn.org starting in early January.

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 alone, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking, air pollution, and lung disease make breathing difficult for millions of Americans.

Monies raised from the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon fund American Lung Association medical research, advocacy and education to ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all.