Athens Mayor to be Recognized as Woman of Distinction by American Lung Association

CHATTANOOGA, TN (03/24/2016)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in Tennessee is proud to honor Athens Mayor Ann Scott Davis at the 30th Annual Women of Distinction luncheon on April 26th. The event, which honors some of Tennessee's outstanding women, benefits the American Lung Association and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.

"We want to recognize extraordinary women who have taken the responsibility of making changes in our world for the better," says Shirley Cudabac of the American Lung Association in Tennessee. "Extraordinary women like Mayor Davis make a difference in the lives of people every day."

Born and raised in Athens, Tennessee, Mayor Davis served for 20 years as executive director of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum before being elected to the Athens City Council in 2008. She served as Vice Mayor from 2012 through 2014 and was elected Mayor in November 2014. Since then, she has worked diligently to help improve the lives of her constituents in every arena from arts to education.

Her dedication to public service has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally. Mayor Davis has garnered many accolades, including serving as the 2nd Vice President of the Tennessee Municipal League and on the Committee for Economic and Community Development of the National League of Cities. The latter organization presented her with the Women in Government Award, making her the first recipient Tennessean so honored. She is a member of Who's Who in America and was named one of Tennessee's Top 100 Business and Professional Women.

The luncheon will also be honoring 10 outstanding local women for their distinguished leadership, volunteer activities, philanthropic work, and professional accomplishments. The 2016 honorees include Betsy Blunt Brown, Ronna-Renee Jackson, Gina Crumbliss, Marcia Eason, Julie Guerry, Dawn Abel, Dr. Cathy Baker, Nicole Brown, Ronelle Sellers and Darlene Brown.

Six outstanding students will also be honored as the 2016 Young Women of Distinction. These high school seniors set themselves apart from their peers through outstanding leadership, academics, and character. This year's Young Women of Distinction will be Story DeWeese, Anna Skiles, Bailey Callison, Virginia McGinnis, Allison Nedeau and Bethany Burns.

"Each of these young women is unique and essential to this community as we face the ultimate challenge: to live, to grow, to inspire, and to leave an honorable legacy" explains Cudabac.

The American Lung Association Women of Distinction Luncheon will take place on April 26 from 11:45 am - 1:30 pm at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Tickets are avialable for $70 throguh April 1st, then the price rises to $75. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.TNWomenofDistinction.org. Monies raised help fund help fund medical research, advocacy and education and help ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all Tennesseans.