Women of Distinction 2017

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

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Publisher’s Letter................................................................................ PAGE 4 2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

Marilyn Arnold................................................................................... PAGE 5 Carol Sue Bass..................................................................................... PAGE 6 Erika Brackenbury............................................................................. PAGE 7 Melodie Chrisman.............................................................................. PAGE 8 Janet Clark......................................................................................... PAGE 10 Stassi Cramm.................................................................................... PAGE 12 Ann Franklin..................................................................................... PAGE 14 Janet Hessenflow .............................................................................PAGE 15 Yvonne Hall ...................................................................................... PAGE 16 Barbara Potts............................................................................... PAGE 18 Dr. Bridget McCandless..............................................PAGE 20 & 21 Jodi Krantz........................................................................................PAGE 22 Mary McNamara..............................................................................PAGE 24 Betty Meyer.......................................................................................PAGE 26 Elizabeth McClure...........................................................................PAGE 28 Michelle Metje..................................................................................PAGE 29 Leann Ortner....................................................................................PAGE 30 Dr. Annette Seago............................................................................ PAGE 31 Dr. Kelly N. Spiller..........................................................................PAGE 32 Dr. Elizabeth Savidge......................................................................PAGE 34 Dr. Patricia Schumacher................................................................PAGE 35 2016 Women of Distinction Alumni.................................PAGE 36 & 37

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We are excited to present to you our second year of honoring Women of Distinction in our community. Response from the first year was overwhelming and we couldn’t wait to see what this year would bring to the event.

Starting last December, we asked our readers to nominate area women to be recognized for their role in shaping our community here in Eastern Jackson County. Readers submitted a top-notch list of women in the region whose passions and achievements have resonated with their nominators. From all the nominations, we honed the list down to 20 women that we are celebrating and

recognizing as The Examiner’s second year of inductees as Women of Distinction. You will find out more about these women here in this special section as we give you a glimpse of just what makes them special to our community.

We also recognize our inaugural class whose impact in the community really set the bar for future nominees.

Each of the nominees has made an impact in the communities she serves. They are leaders in government, in industry, in philanthropy, in service, and their work has shaped our communities. They are also friends, neighbors and family here in Eastern Jackson County.

Each of the women we are recognizing this year is distinguished in her own right, but a panel of judges also selected one honoree for Woman of the Year, and this year’s winner, Dr. Bridget McCandless, is a great choice for this recognition. She has worked tirelessly in her career to improve the health of citizens in Independence and is now leading the charge to improve the health of Missourians and residents of the Kansas City metro area as president and COO of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

And we are also presenting a Lifetime

Achievement Award to one of the members of for their contributions to the communities of MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards the alumni class – Barbara Potts. While well- Eastern Jackson County. known as the first female mayor of IndepenThank you to our readers as well for dence, she has a remarkable career of service helping to make this memorable event realto Eastern Jackson County and the greater ly take off. An undertaking this large doesn’t Kansas City area. happen without the support of many, and our It seems only fitting that we honor these sponsors: Speaks Family Legacy Chapels, St. women and their contributions during Wom- Mary’s Medical Center, Cockerell McIntosh en’s History Month. We are excited by the Pediatrics and Show-Me Presentation Reenergy and buzz we have seen around the sources deserve our thanks as well for helping nominees and their recognition. Many of the to make this recognition possible. honorees have a long list of accomplishments - Julie Moreno under their belts, others are up and comers Publisher here locally. But all of them deserve our thanks

 STAFF BOX Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) The Examiner, (USPS 260-540) established in 1898, is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. It is published daily Tuesday through Saturday. Periodical postage paid, Independence, MO.

Julie Moreno, Publisher Sheila Davis, Executive Editor Deneane Hyde, Business Manager

Tonya Maddox, Regional Advertising & Marketing Director Thomas Holder, Production Director

Megan Schoettger, Graphic Designer

Crossroads joins in congratulating the 2017 Women of Distinction honorees.

Janet Hessenflow Executive Director Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care 2017 Women of Distinction Honoree

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

M A R I LY N A R NO L D

M

arilyn Arnold, owner of Marilyn Arnold Designs, didn’t start out in the textile industry. In fact, she was a single mom with two kids and $135 in her bank account when she started her career in financial services in 1982.

“I began as a receptionist and worked as an office manager until I could support myself and my kids on a commission-based sales position,” said Arnold.

Two years later, she started her own insurance agency in the unfinished basement of her home.

“I worked in a man’s world for 29 years and moved up where so few women had been,” she said.

Although Arnold said she did face challenges during that time, like being told she should be at home, being denied credit and even being homeless, she said it taught her a lot as well.

“I learned quickly that women have to work smarter and harder to get the same opportunities that men have,” she said.

And work hard she did.

Over her 29-year career in financial services, Arnold won numerous awards including Rookie of the Year and Agent of the Year, was named to the Million Dollar Roundtable and became President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Women in Insurance and Financial Services.

In 2011, she retired from

Marilyn Arnold Designs

the financial industr y and started Marilyn Arnold Designs, creating pillows, teddy bears, christening gowns, garters and memory quilts, as well as designing a new line of bridal items, travel bags and handbags.

“I had always wanted to be a fashion designer,” said Arnold. “(When) a friend asked me to make pillows from her wedding gown, the light bulb came on. I then did a feasibility study and everyone I interviewed gave positive feedback, saying they loved the idea and wanted one for themselves using their gowns.”

She was featured in the book, ‘The New Senior Woman,” the New York Times and several other publications before she moved to Lee’s Summit in 2012 to be near family and started her business again.

Since then, she has increased sales every year and has been featured on Better Kansas City, in Lee’s Summit Lifestyle and Around the Lake.

She has also become very active in the community, as a member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce where she sits on the Business Development Committee and Ambassadors Committee, the Lee’s Summit Rotary Club where she is Service Chairman and heads the local grant Valentine Gala to raise money for 14 non-profits in Lee’s Summit, the Lee’s Summit quilt guild, Boo Ball

committee and One Good Meal, where she helps deliver meals.

“When we decided to move to Lee’s Summit, I had no idea what to expect, (but) it has turned out to be one of the best places I have lived,” said Arnold. “It is such an active, involved community with very inclusive people. There are so many robust organizations with great leadership (and) I love the downtown with its many stores that are so fun to shop.”

Having lived in so many different places and gone through so many experiences, Arnold says she believes the challenges we face help to make us who we are and that if only one woman hears her story and can benefit from it, she has accomplished what she set out to do.

“I hope that other women can find the confidence to live their dreams and know that they can do anything they want to do.”

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

CA R O L S U E BA S S

Truman Heartland Community Foundation

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n d e p e n d e n c e C h a m - Independence is the people. b e r o f C o m m e r c e ’s “(I have made) so many great firs t C hair woman of friends over the years,” she said. the Board, Carol Sue Bass, who was born in MisBass, says her favorite part of souri, came to Independence

in her early childhood and attended first grade, before moving out of state for several years. At the age of 11, Bass’ family returned to Independence and the rest is history.

“I still spend time with four of my first grade friends over lunch,” she said. “My first new friend (from after we returned), Fran, and I still talk and get together regularly (too).”

I t ’s t h i s l o v e f o r t h e people and the city itself that fueled her success with the Chamber of Commerce.

“It is very important for a city to have a strong Chamber of Commerce to share common goals for building a better city,” she said. “The chamber is rebuilding and refocusing with the goals of the city and focusing on economic development for continued growth and improvement.”

Bass was also a founding board member of the Independence Community Foundation, now the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, which helps private donors support the public good in an effective manner.

“It has been amazing to watch the growth,” said Bass.

“The mission of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation was to have a home for philanthropic funds to help support charitable organizations and provide educational assistance. The staff is second

to none for their leadership and commitment to the community.”

Having served many years on the foundation’s fundraising gala committee, it’s no surprise that she continues to be sought after by other nonprofits and charitable groups in the community.

Currently, Bass serves as an event coordinator for the Independence Rotary Club’s “Carnival,” which has raised nearly $300,000 to date in support of local charities and Rotary International’s efforts at eradicating polio around the world. She also recently co-chaired a successful fashion show fundraiser for the Community Services League.

Remembering the constant encouragement she received from her personal hero – her mother - Bass says no matter what would come up for her as a challenge or an opportunity along the way, she knew she could always get through it.

“I learned early in life to not be afraid to try (and) to reach out for something better,” she said.

Which is exactly what she has done, both for herself and the city of Independence.

“I have dedicated 44 years to charity through several organizations, but this is the most amazing award that any woman could imagine,” she said. “Thank you for this great recognition.”

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

E R I K A B R AC K E N B U RY

W

hen Erika Brackenbury found out she was going to be honored with a Women of Distinction Award in Eastern Jackson County she was stunned.

“I am so honored and blessed,” said Brackenbury, who took over Sandy’s Restaurant after mother Sandy Scalf died of a heart attack in February of 2016.

“I had several people in the community say they had nominated me for the award and I had no idea what they were talking about.

This is really special for me and I want to thank everyone who was responsible for this honor.”

Usually, it’s people in the community of Blue Springs who are thanking Brackenbury, whose life goal is simple.

“I want to make the world a better place,” she said. “Losing my mother was the hardest thing I ever experienced in my life. Because of her, I am able to continue her legacy of love and give back as much as possible.”

Ask any member of the Blue Springs Police Department what Brackenbury means to them.

“Back in July I saw a news story about a man from Washington state who placed a blue stripe of tape across the back window of his vehicle to show support for local law enforcement and first responders,” Brackenbury said.

“I immediately called my

Sandy’s Restaurant

kitchen manager and had him place a blue stripe of painters tape across the front windows of Sandy’s. My big picture thinking was that if I could get other businesses in town to join me, as well as patrons of the restaurant, we could ‘paint the town blue’ to show our support and make a difference in the community.”

They didn’t just paint it blue, they collected plenty of green.

“I simply posted a picture of the blue stripe on our Facebook page and our page immediately blew up and people everywhere started sharing our page. Within a few days, our page had been shared over 500 times and liked over a thousand. I vowed to donate 10 percent of our daily sales (from the last week of July until the end of August) to a charity chosen by the Blue Springs Police Department.”

The charity selected was the Shop with a Blue Springs Cop program, which received a check for $11,000 from Brackenbury and her staff.

“Fundraising is always difficult, and this is huge, I mean, it’s really huge. We can’t thank Erica and the patrons of Sandy’s enough for the donation,” said Office Jennifer Foster, who helps line up families that become a part of the Christmas program.

S gt . Je ff S a r g e n t a n d Officer Doug Heishman echoed those comments.

“This is a very special day for

the Blue Springs Police Department, Sandy’s and all the youngsters and their families who benefit from this program,” Sargent said.

Added Heishman, “I work with the Youth Police Academy and know how important our Shop with a Blue Springs Cop program is, and this is going to

benefit so many families. We really want to thank Erika and Sandy’s.”

Brackenbury’s newest projects include the Red Hat Project, where she is collecting knitted hats for newborn babies in area hospitals to raise awareness of heart disease and collecting blankets for animal shelters in the metro area.

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

MELODIE CHRISMAN Community Services League

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elodie Chrisman knows she can’ t change the world.

The Blue Springs Community Services L eague site manager and vice president of income support wouldn’ t even tr y.

“I know I can’t change the world, but I hope to make an impact in Eastern Jackson County,” said Chrisman, from her office at 200

Southwest 10th St. in Blue Springs.

“I know one person can make a difference because I have, and I hope to be making a difference in this community for a long, long time.”

C hrisman’s enthusiasm and love of community radiate as she talks about her position and her passion for helping.

While attending a Citizen’s Police Academy Class in Blue

Springs just over three years ago, Chrisman met Donnie Cosentino, whose family members own Price Chopper stores in Eastern Jackson County.

“Price Chopper and Donnie are big Harvesters (the Community Food Network) supporters, and we go to talking about the need for food in Blue Springs,” Chrisman said. “Donnie turned out to be my angel.”

Now, ironically, Chrisman can become an angel for her home community.

“CSL is really about people helping other people,” she said.

“I am the captain of the ship, but it would not sail without the volunteers and the donations from our community.

“I know that when I talk about poverty, most people in Blue Springs think, ‘Poverty? In Blue Springs, in my community, no way?’ But it’s here and it affects so many people – especially children.

“There are more than 1,200 indigent kids (homeless or living from place to place or in a local hotel) right here in Blue Springs, and it’s really impossible to get a real number because so many families don’t turn in information concerning their living situation to the school district.”

While the subject is sobering, Chrisman’s mood is upbeat and spirited. She has seen first hand what a loving and caring community she supports. Through the

annual CSL Christmas Store and back to school days, in which students and their parents can select everything from new shoes and backpacks to school supplies, her community is making a difference.

“This past fall I had the opportunity to nominate Melodie as Club Champion for 2016,” said Blue Springs city administrator Eric Johnson, president of the Blue Springs Rotary Club.

“She has served the Blue Springs Community for more than 20 years in a variety of volunteer positions. Her passion for serving others has driven her to positively influence a generation of Blue Springs residents.”

Doug Cowan, the president and CEO of CSL, echoes those comments.

“Melodie throws herself into this passionate work and is as invested in her families’ outcomes as much as they are.”

Chrisman was stunned to receive the news that she was being honored as a Woman of Distinction in Eastern Jackson County.

“I don’t even know what to say,” said Chrisman, who is rarely found at a loss for words. “I am humbled, thankful and honored.

When I looked at the names on the list of honorees I thought to myself, ‘I am actually on the same list as all those amazing woman?’

“I just can’t thank everyone enough for this amazing honor.”

Congratulations Melodie Chrisman, 2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

Community Services League Assistant Vice President, & 2017 Women of Distinction Honoree.

Your CSL Family is Proud of You!

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

JA N E T C L A R K Play to Learn Preschool

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t seemed like it was destiny for Janet Clark to become the owner and founder of Play to L earn Preschool and

Ministries in Blue Springs.

She had earned a Bachelor of Science degree in early education. Clark then went on to work as a preschool teacher

in St. Louis, a preschool director in Grain Valley and an elementary school teacher for six years with the Blue Springs School District, where she won a Teacher of the Year award.

Before that, she and her husband Doug moved to Lennox, California, in the late 1980s to work as Volunteers in Service To America to plan and implement afterschool programs for high-risk elementary school children.

At the time, the Blue Springs native was a teacher, and she thought that elementary education was her future. But she said that other plans were in store for her.

She took a leave of absence for the birth of her son Jacob.

She also has a son Zane and a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth.

With the encouragement of her sister, Carrie Lock, they founded Play to Learn Preschool in the fall of 1997. It was then she said she could spend more time at home with her children and fill her desire and passion to teach groups of young children.

There was even a strange minor miracle while she was in the process of putting together the preschool.

“We found a playset in the woods,” Clark said. “We called the Corps of Engineers and they had no idea it was

there. When they found it and called me back and said, ‘We don’t know why this is on our land. If you can get it out, you can have it.’ We ended up finding out that people that lived above on the hill shoved it down and didn’t want it.”

Even while running the preschool, she thought she would eventually return to teaching. That was not to be.

“I could have made more money and had a retirement (fund) as a teacher,” Clark said. “But God had other plans for me. This is what he called me to do.”

She also went on to start Play to Learn Ministries, a Missouri non-profit organization, which provides a scholarship for students who can’t afford the tuition for the preschool.

A program the ministr y offers is an eight-week conscious discipline classroom management and parenting classes. She said the goal is to equip parents and teachers to discipline children out of love and connection rather than fear and punishment.

“We’re educating parents and children,” Clark said. “We pray for our families before each conference.

Our intentions have never been about money or fame or glory. It’s all for the good for the families and God’s glory.”

Congratulations Women of Distinction!

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

S TA S S I C R A M M

Community of Christ/International Headquarters

S

tassi Cramm has led two careers in professional arenas that have historically been male dominated, yet she says her experience has never been one of “fighting the glass ceiling.”

“From as early as I can

remember, I had people in my life who never talked about what I couldn’t do,” she said. “Instead, they challenged me to develop my giftedness in a way that I could give back to the world.”

Cramm, who worked for 17 years as a flight test engineer

and program manager for the U.S. Air Force, went to work full time as a minister with the Community of Christ in April 2000.

“I feel like I am the beneficiary of other women who went before me and paved the way for people like me,” she said. “I am grateful that I have been able to focus on being the best person, engineer and minister that I can be and that I have not felt held back or limited because of my gender.”

She credits this experience and her strong belief that all people should have the opportunity to become the people they were created to be, as part of the catalyst for her move into full time ministry.

Cramm has held many roles with the church including Southwest Pacific Region Administrator and Stewardship Commissioner, counselor to the presiding Bishop and member of the Presiding Bishopric, the highest financial council of the church.

Currently, she serves as the Presiding Bishop and is tasked with running the financial business of the Community of Christ church worldwide, including all properties, land and money all around the globe. She is also a member of the First Presidency, which is composed of the president and two counselors. The First Presidency presides over the worldwide denomination of Community of Christ and includes responsibility for the World

Conference, field ministries, priesthood quorums and orders, and the headquarters ministries.

Cramm has also participated in the Independence Economic Development Summit since July 2016.

“In our first six months, we have been learning the opportunities and challenges of economic development in the greater Independence area,” she said. “We have been meeting people and listening as to how Community of Christ can be supportive of the overall community.”

With a grandmother who worked outside of the home (which was rather unique at the time), and parents who have always believed in and supported her, Cramm says her family is also especially important to her.

“I am blessed beyond measure by people who have cared for me, shaped me and guided me,” she said.

And she hopes she will be able to pay forward the same to others as well.

“I believe that the best way to serve God is to serve others, so I hope that what I’ve done and what I am doing is helpful to others,” she said.

“I also hope in some small way, that I am able to help others recognize their worth in the world and (to) create towns and cities where people experience the best of being in community.”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

ANN FRANKLIN Independence School District

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nn Franklin has had her hand in many baskets when it comes to local education.

“Public education is perhaps

the most important public institution in the country,” she said.

“I think it’s the foundation for our democratic form of government. Those are things that have

to be protected and supported.”

Not only is she the president of the Independence Board of Education, she served on local and state policy committees and boards. She has built strong ties to Jefferson City and has influence on state educational policies through her volunteer work with the Missouri School Boards Association.

She also was an active member of the political action committee of the local teachers’ organization. The committee was responsible for keeping members informed about legislative activity and working with legislators.

Other boards and committees she was involved in include Cooperating School Districts/Legislative Committee, Negotiation Team, Performance Based Evaluation Committee, Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee and Head Start Policy Committee.

While serving on the MSBA, Franklin had a big hand in evaluating and revising the ELA standards for 6th through 12th grade Language Arts.

The Independence resident had many mentors, including Missouri house member and former teacher Ira Anders and her husband Dick Franklin, who worked as a teacher and a principal for 31 years and was in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Franklin was a teacher for more than 30 years, 28 of which were spent at Fort Osage’s Career

and Technology Center. Franklin earned a handful of awards including Outstanding Educator by the Fort Osage School District and Outstanding Business Educator by the Greater Kansas City Business Educators Association and the Missouri Business Education Association.

Education has been a passion of Franklin’s for a long time.

One of her goals is to help get more support and more funding for public education.

“In my time, the support for public education has gone down,” said Franklin, who graduated from the University of Central Missouri. “Those of us who have been in the field of education have to continue that work (to get more support). There are many ways to do that, being on a school board is one of those.”

And she will continue to push for more support, especially for the community of Independence, where she has enjoyed her time on the school board.

“Being on the Independence School board has been an amazing experience for me,” she said. “I’ve been around schools a long time,and being a part of the Independence School District has been a delight, really.

The district has been doing things for awhile that other districts are just now starting to do.”

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

JA N E T H E S S E N F L O W

W

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care

hen Janet Hessenflow attended last year’s first Wo m e n o f Distinction event, she was happy to see the women of Eastern Jackson County earn some recognition.

“I thought that was awesome that they were recognizing women’s achievements,” she said. “But I never dreamed I would be nominated myself this year. I’m a bit taken aback. …

It’s a huge honor. I don’t know what to think about it but it’s very nice. I guess we never look at ourselves being as important as we all probably are.”

Hessenflow earned that recognition for her work to help the dying as the executive director for Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. Not only has she helped grow the Independence hospice from nearly 60 patients and 30 employees to nearly 750 patients and 300 employees, she has also implemented programs and recognition for veterans, started a new Gifts of the Day program at the hospice, started a Hispanic outreach and helped train prisoners to take care of other prisoners who are dying.

In addition to that, the native of Richmond, Mo., and Gladstone resident serves on many hospice and home health care boards

that help make policy in the state and Washington, D.C. “She is tirelessly promoting and encouraging other women to achieve their full potential,” said her nominator. “She has done all of this with much personal sacrifice and many 20-plus-hour days, but Janet never considers it a sacrifice, instead turning the focus to her staff, ensuring that their needs are met first so patient care can be provided in the best possible way. … Janet is an inspiration to women everywhere to fight hard for what you believe in and to always do the right thing for the right reason.”

Hessenflow is just happy to help people.

“I am proud of the lives we’ve been able to touch and help in this community,” she said. “It all comes down to the successful people you hire. I look for superstars who have the compassion and humility to that kind of work.”

She started the Gift of the Day program, which grants some last wishes for the dying.

“Everybody thinks this work is depressing but there are many aspects of the job that are uplifting,” she said. “We ask them what they would do if they had one day left and we try to make that happen for them.

It’s been a really neat program.”

She is also proud of her

work with military veterans and teaching her staff how to deal with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

“It’s quite an honor to

help them,” she said. “ To honor veterans at the end of their lives has been remarkable and extremely rewarding.”

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

Y VO N N E H A L L

Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Company

Y

vonne Hall, Senior Vice President at Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., may have grown up in northern Minnesota, but Blue

Springs has had a familiar feel ever since she moved here in 1987.

“Blue Springs reminds me of that small town I grew up in,” said Hall. “It is a welcoming,

friendly community filled with me and I hope I am paying that impressive, humble businesses forward to others every day.” and residents. It is a great place Hall says a seminar on the to live, work and raise a family power of positive affirmations – all of which I have done.” that she attended years ago, had a In addition to serving as the significant impact on her as well.

Division Head over Blue Ridge “Twenty some years later, I Bank’s Retail Services and Trea- still recite a positive phrase or two sury Services Divisions, Hall was out loud to myself most days,” she also recently elected as the 2017 said. “We hear many comments all Chairman of the Board “It is a welcoming, for the Blue Springs friendly community Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Board of the f i l l e d w i t h i m p r e s s i v e , Economic De velophumble businesses ment Council and is a and residents. It is member of Blue Springs a great place to live, Downtown Alive – an organization dedicated work and raise a to the historic preservafamily – all of which I tion and revitalization of h a v e d o n e .” downtown Blue Springs.

“It’s an exciting time in Blue Springs,” she said. “Good day long, why not ensure that at economic development is hap- least some (of them) are positive?” pening, partnerships between She also hopes her posthe chamber, city, schools, police itive attitude and passion for and fire are working well and her community will have a you can feel a positive synergy positive impact on others. at work. My hope is that this “I carry in my wallet, a phrase continues and this is the legacy that I clipped out of a newspaper we pass on to our children.” years ago,” she said. “To paraphrase, As for her own legacy, Hall it says ‘Success is having made a says she learned her strong work difference in one person’s life.’” ethic and strong sense of personal “As I glance through the names responsibility from her father. of the other Women of Distinction “ These are characteris- for 2017, I see names of women tics I admire and try to emulate that have made a difference in daily,” she said. “He (also) many lives. It is humbling to think always had constant words of (that) I am a part of this group.” encouragement to share with

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

Congratulations

Yvonne Hall Executive Vice President

2017 Women of Distinction Honoree

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

2 017 L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D

BA R BA R A P O T T S

B

Retired Mayor of The City of Independence

arbara Potts wants to be clear on something.

Potts was the first female mayor of Independence, serving from 1982 to 1990.

Many institutions that today are considered solid building blocks of the community – the Hope House shelter for battered women, the Crossroads homeless shelter, the Independence Council for Economic Development, plus the restoration of the Bingham-Waggoner and Vaile mansions, the rescue of the Waggoner Gates mill and its re-use as the National Frontier Trails Museum – got their start in that time.

“I get far too much credit for a lot of this stuff when all I did was call a meeting,” Potts says. “The community did this.”

Pulling together local leaders to tackle pressing issues from homelessness to historic preservation brought about many changes.

“She was a collaborator,” said the city’s current mayor (and just second female mayor), Eileen Weir.

Potts, who served a total of 12 years in local office, is this year’s honoree for Lifetime Achievement in The Examiner’s annual Women of Distinction awards.

“I’m rather speechless,” she said with a chuckle. “ … People won’t believe that, but it’s how I feel.”

Potts speaks fondly of

growing up on Liberty Street in the 1930s and ‘40s and walking to school at the old Noland School – today’s Independence Health Department, a building now named for her – then Palmer Junior High School and then the old William Chrisman High School on Lexington. ““My roots are here,” she said.

That’s why she didn’t want to see the city lose such things as the old Waggoner-Gates Mill, which for years sat in disrepair. “ … I didn’t want to see it go.

It was part of our history,” she said.

But she also grew up hearing her father complain about the city’s patronage-for-votes style of government -- she called it “a step-child of Kansas City’s illegal form of government” -- that the voters finally swept away in the early 1960s. When she and Don – he’s a longtime doctor, also well known in town - settled down in 1963 into the same east Independence they live in today, they had high hopes that good government had come, and they got involved in civic affairs.

It was in that house that they raised three boys and a girl. Potts says that experience – particularly getting three teenage boys to talk things through – ended up being far more valuable in her time in public service than

Photography by The Portrait Gallery she would ever have imagined.

“I never had any idea that raising four teenagers would train me for this job,” she said.

It’s a difference of focus, more listening than talking. “ I b e g a n t o a s k q u e stions ins tead of dic tating s o m e t h i n g ,” s h e s a i d .

Potts also served on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the

Mid-America Regional Council, with the intent of collaborating and making connections that would pay off for Independence.

“She has always been a champion of regionalism before regionalism was a thing,” Weir said.

Her advice to young women thinking about public service?

“You have to have a passion for your community, and care,” she said. “That’s where it starts.”

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

BRIDGET McCANDLESS M.D., MBA, FACP

President/CEO Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

2 017 WO M A N O F T H E Y E A R

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

D R . B R I D G E T M C CA N D L E S S

D

Heath Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City

r. Bridget McCandless has been the president and chief operating officer of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City for three and a half years.

Before that, she was in practice as the medical director of the Shared Care Free Health Clinic in Independence.

Her specialty is internal medicine, with a focus on chronic disease management of low-income, uninsured adults.

She said she does miss that work.

“I just miss the conn e c t i o n t o p at i e n t s a n d the grounding that comes from their reality,” she said.

Still, her current position gives her what she calls a 30,000-foot view of health care and a chance to have a broad impact on a wide range of issues. She has been active, for instance, in getting Jackson County, Independence and Kansas City to join with other local governments in Missouri to start their own prescription drug database.

That’s to prevent doctor shopping and try to get a grip on the state’s opioid-abuse epidemic. An estimated 26,000 of Jackson County’s nearly 700,000 residents are opioid abusers. Missouri is the only state that doesn’t track the

issuance of prescription drugs, but the effort of McCandless and others means that about onethird of the state’s population is now covered, and advocates say they hope the state will eventually change its policy.

“We’re going to make it to the point that the General Assembly will want to come along,” McCandless said.

McCandless readily ticks off more priorities to improve Missourians’ health: • Expand Medicaid coverage, long rejected by state legislators.

• Address what she calls the state’s ridiculously high smoking rate, which she says is directly tied to its low tax on cigarettes. Many of the population hardest hit by smoking -- teenagers, young pregnant women, others – are very price sensitive, and dissuading people under 21 from picking up the habit is the key to success, she said.

• Address how the state spends money from a major settlement over past marketing practices by tobacco companies.

“We’ve invested almost none of it in smoking-cessation,” she said.

• Raise the state’s spending on public health. That would mean more services such as nutrition programs and screening for cancer. The national average is $35 per capita, and she says states

that do this well spend about $75. Missouri is at $5.75.

These are all long-standing issues, and policy changes have met strong resistance

in the Missouri G eneral Assembly, but McCandless keeps pushing ahead.

“I’m a patient woman,” she says, “and I play long-play chess.”

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

JODI KRANTZ

Independence Economic Development

J

odi Krantz may have only moved to the Independence area just shy of 10 years ago, but the relationships she’s made are timeless.

“I have friends here that I feel like I have known for a lifetime,” she said. “I felt very welcomed when I started working here and it was easy to get involved. I attribute

part of this to my involvement in the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence, where the friends I have made feel like family.”

In addition to her involvement in the Rotary Club, Krantz serves as the Vice President of Independence Economic Development, where she manages business programs, assists with investor relations and focuses on furthering the economic vitality of Independence.

“I would like to see Independence continue growing into a vibrant city where young people want to live and work and have fun,” she said. “Where there is more art, music, restaurants and activities to make it an entertainment hub.”

Krantz says she would also like to see more large events in the city like the Independence Uncorked Wine Festival that the Rotary Club started almost five years ago.

“One of the biggest rewards for working on the festival is when people tell you it is one of the most memorable days in their year and they are making it a tradition,” she said.

Krantz is also focusing her energies on a trained workforce for the STEM industries, as a way to ensure job growth and good wages for citizens.

“It is very exciting that we are leaps ahead of other communities in achieving that with the Independence School District’s Career Academies. This

is the key to attracting new companies and ensuring our existing companies have the people they need to grow with.”

Over the years, she has also dedicated her time to numerous other organizations including the Independence Square Association, the Eastern Jackson County Development Alliance, the CSL Outpouring of Hope Committee, “I have friends here that I feel like I have k n o w n f o r a l i f e t i m e ,” she said. “I felt ver y welcomed when I started working here and it was easy to get involved. I attribute part of this to my involvement in the Rotar y Club of Eastern Independence, where the friends I have made feel like f a m i l y.”

International Economic Development Council and the Missouri Economic Development Council.

“I live and work in a place that gives me an opportunity to be part of wonderful activities and achievements that are recognized as important for this community,” said Krantz.

“It is nice to be honored for being part of that.”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

M A RY Mc NA M A R A Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal

I

f you ask Mary McNamara, President of Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, how she got into the roofing industry, she will jokingly tell you, ‘that’s what happens

when you don’t have a plan!’ “(Although) there is some truth to that statement,” McNamara says.

When she started as an accountant with a new roofing company in Kansas City in 1987,

she was one of only three employees. When she left 17 years later, she was the CFO and ready to explore new options on her own.

“I eventually did ( just) that and bought one of my c us tomers from the third generation owner of Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal,” she said.

That was 10 years ago a n d Mc N a m a r a h a s b e e n going strong ever since.

Her company has received Independence EDC iNpact awards every year from 2012 to 2015, including 2014 Philanthropic Company of the Year.

She has also been recognized with the Kansas City Excellence in Construction Award, Enterprising Women Magazine’s 2016 Enterprising Woman of the Year Award and been listed as both one of the 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Kansas City and one of the Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses by Ingram Magazine.

Since Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal has been a part of Independence for 90 years and has some very strong ties to the community, McNamara also stays active with numerous local organizations, including Drumm Farm center for foster children.

“I cannot imagine having to grow up in foster care,” she said. “How wonderful to have a spot where young adults can live and be close to their foster parents. It gives them a little

bit of independence along with security of family close by.”

Other organizations she has worked with include the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence and its Independence Uncorked Winefest, where her company has been the title sponsor for the last five years.

The company also works with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and metal classes from the Independence School District who come pick up materials for students to use. In addition, McNamara helps organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction, Women Construction Owners & Executives, the Independence Chamber of Commerce and Independence Economic Development Council achieve some of their goals.

“I have been so fortunate in business and life, that I cannot think of not sharing some of my success,” she said. “Either you are a part of the solution or the problem and we all get to pick which.”

Plus, she simply loves being a par t of the Indep e n d e n c e c o m m u n i t y.

“I find the people here so caring and kind-hearted, that I really just want to give back more,” she said. “Independence is always working at making our community better.”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

Women of Distinction Award Winner

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

BETTY MEYER Meyer Music

I

n one way or another, Betty Meyer’s career has always been about producing great music.

She has long been a

maestro on the piano and is well-versed on the clarinet, has taught hundreds of students to hone their musical talents and has helped countless customers

find the perfect instrument.

Betty started playing piano and clarinet as a young girl, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, and she taught music in the Blue Springs and Kansas City school districts. While they were still teachers, Betty and her husband Tom opened Meyer Music nearly 51 years ago. She stepped away from teaching in 1971 to work full-time at the store, and even today still serves as vice president of sales.

“We just decided one day on a drive home,” she said of the decision to open Meyer Music, which now has two other locations in the metro area led by family.

For decades, star ting when her daughter Julie was an 8-year-old Girl Scout, she gave eight weeks of free lessons to Girl Scouts who wanted them – to see if the music bug might catch them. Girls could continue with paid lessons after that. Only recently has she stepped away from that.

“That was my big project,” Betty said, “and it got a lot of people interesting in music that otherwise it might not have happened.”

She’s given lessons long enough that some of her first students have inquired about their grandchildren learning from Betty, who

realized at a young age she had a great love for music.

“I started playing in the band in second grade, and I also played piano,” she said of growing up in tiny Norborne, Missouri. “By the time I was in sixth or seventh grade I knew I wanted to be a music teacher.”

Betty also helped start the Band of Angels program. Used instruments are accepted as donations, repaired and then given to young students in the metro area who are interested in music but normally couldn’t afford the instrument.

Though Betty said the list of her fellow Women of Distinction nominees is quite impressive, she has quite a decorated resume herself.

She’s been honored by the Blue Springs and Kansas City chambers of commerce, Blue Springs Economic Development Council and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation for her business with Ted, by the University of Central Missouri as a distinguished alum and by the Girl Scouts for her years of piano lessons. Last year she and Ted received the Spirit of Giving Award from the Blue Springs Education Foundation.

“They’ve always been very giving people and still are today,” said her sister Pat Hatley.

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

E L I Z A B E T H Mc C LU R E Truman Heartland Community Foundation

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s a lifelong Independence resident, Elizabeth McClure’s career got started right after her college graduation.

“Fresh out of college, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from successful business and community leaders during my employment at the Independence Chamber of Commerce,” said McClure.

Those connections soon

led her to a position in the Mayor’s office, working for Barbara Potts and longtime secretary, Carolyn Slayton Weeks. “(Then) in 1994, I was offered an opportunity to work with the best of the best at Truman Heartland Community Foundation and 22 years later… I’m still there,” she said.

As Director of Programs and Donor Services, McClure

is an integral key to the success of the Foundation, which works to improve area communities by promoting and serving private giving for public good.

“I have announced that I will be retiring this year,” she said.

“But until that time, my goals are to have a successful Toast to our Towns Gala (on Oct. 14, 2017), to effectively manage the Community Grants Program, to provide good customer service to our current donors and to actively promote the benefits of creating a charitable fund with new donors.”

The Gala, which was created in 1996, has raised more than $3.4 million under McClure’s direction and has led her to become one of the area’s most coveted special events planners, with nonprofits frequently asking her to join their planning committees.

In 1998, McClure helped Barbara Potts and Henri Goettel create the Youth Advisory Council, a program that educates students on the power of philanthropy through first-hand grantmaking and fundraising experience. To date, the program has served more than 1,000 students and has more than 180 students participating this year.

She also developed the Lions Eye Program, which pools the local Lions Clubs’ funds together to provide eye care for area citizens in a more efficient manner.

In addition to her many

professional achievements, McClure has made many contributions to her community, including serving as a trustee of Drumm Farm Center for Children since 1995, as well as Board Chairman from 2014 to 2016. Under her leadership, Drumm Farm completed a major campus expansion and built two new homes to accommodate 15 additional foster children.

She has also served as an incorporator, board trustee and treasurer for the Jackson County Free Health Clinic, where she helped to create the clinic’s organizational structure and coordinated their annual fundraiser, Scopes for Hope.

McClure has also been a sustaining member of the Junior Service League of Independence since 1996 and has served as secretary, vice president, parliamentarian and chaired numerous committees.

“We live in a very generous part of the country where people care about the needs of others,” she said. “I am proud of the accomplishments made at Truman Heartland Community Foundation, my service on the Board of Drumm Farm Center for Children, my membership in the Junior Service League of Independence and the many friends that I have in this community.”

“God has truly blessed me.”

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

M I C H E L L E M E TJ E

W

hen Michelle Metje was nominated as a Women of Distinction honoree earlier this year, because of her work in founding Corey’s Network, the crime that led to the non-profit group had not yet been solved.

Indeed, Metje said she had accepted the possibility the person who killed her eldest son Corey Laykovich near their Independence home in July 2013, a couple months shy of his 23rd birthday, might never be found. She and husband Bob Norris had founded Corey’s Network a year later to aid families of homicide victims in the metro area – not only with burial costs but also to connect them with counseling services and help understand investigations and deal with media.

Metje’s previous experience in social work, psychology, corrections and management all helped her navigate the months after Corey’s murder, but she knew many other mothers and families weren’t as equipped to do that alone.

She even went back to school and plowed through a second master’s degree in 10 months to build her fundraising chops.

Then on Jan. 18, a man arrested by Independence Police in an unrelated incident, whose name had been

Corey’s Network Incorporated

of interest shortly after the murder, admitted to stabbing Corey. Prosecutors filed a murder charge the next day. Metje said she fell to her knees at the news, overcome with emotion, just like when Corey died – except this time in joy rather than sorrow.

Since Corey’s Network began, its sponsors and its business and community partners have multiplied. Last year, the group helped 26 homicide victim families and has helped six already in 2017.

“Absolutely it’s something that needs to continue,” she said. “That put Corey’s Network’s name out there, when the crime was solved. It gives me more of a feeling of trying to help people keep their hopes up.

“More people are aware of who we are, and we’re getting more calls. It’s been crazy busy.”

Next, she wants to make callbacks to check with previously helped families and set up regular grief support meetings.

“It may be 3 1/2 years, but police really are still trying to look (for a killer in an unsolved case),” she said.

“It helps people have hope.”

Metje said she did what she did after Corey’s murder to help stay strong for her two living sons, the youngest of whom will graduate in May from high school, and show they can still

thrive in the midst of tragedy. others,” a nominator said of “Despite one of the most Metje. “She is helping others painful losses in our soci- through the same thing.” ety, she has taken her pain and turned it around to help

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

L E A N N O RT N E R Grain Valley School District

T

o say that Leann Ortner is an inspiration is a bit of an understatement.

As an 18-year-old college freshman, Ortner had a severe stroke that left her paralyzed on the right side. The stroke, which was due to a congenital

heart defect, forced her to put college on hold while she learned to walk, talk and write all over again.

However, as the professionals around her suggested she give up her plans of going to college and being a counselor and instead accept that

her life would be different, Ortner did just the opposite.

“I just couldn’t accept those outcomes until I tried my best or God said no or not now,” she said. “I learned to adapt… where there’s a will, there’s a way… (and) I became independent enough to return to college one semester later with my walker and cane.”

Ortner remained determined to live a normal life and insisted on living on an upper floor of the dorm where her friends resided, even though it meant difficult trips up and down the stairs.

“This, and all the challenges, taught me to have faith, hope, be resilient, to persevere and if not one way, try another,” she said. “I wanted to make a difference and help others find their strength, their faith and their purpose.”

And that is exactly what she has gone on to do in her last 24 years as a school counselor.

First, for five years at the Sherwood Cass School District, and then for the last 19 years at SniA-Bar Elementary School in the Grain Valley School District.

“I love helping students learn ways they can do more than they ever knew they were capable of,” said Ortner. “I love opening up their possibilities by seeing how they can make choices and be in charge and guide their own direction. It’s exciting when they see they can push themselves to improve and find ways to put strategies

in place in areas they struggle.”

During her career, she has earned her LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), been highlighted in Grain Valley’s district publication, facilitated the school’s intervention team (CARE) that supports at-risk K-5 students academically, socially and emotionally, taught parenting classes, provided staff development workshops and served on abuse cases in the district. All in addition to the daily tasks of helping students make sense of classmate suicides, parental deaths and national tragedies.

“Sometimes big contributions don’t come with big titles and awards, but the warmth of a little smile or a comment can mean the world to someone,” she said. “The beauty is I’m always amazed at the little moments that kids come back to tell me made a difference; you just never know.”

Although Ortner’s health has continued to be challenging, with multiple open heart surgeries, a pacemaker, valve replacement and two battles with ovarian cancer, her outlook continues to be one of faith and hope.

“When the trouble looks too big, just focus on one step,” she said. “When the world says no, say we’ll see. When the future looks dim, know the gift of today.

We’re often stronger than we ever imagined with faith, resiliency and a passion for our purpose.”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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D R . A N N E T T E S E AG O

I

n her long career in education, Annette Seago hasn’t considered accomplishments as her own, no matter how much she led the way.

Rather, they’re accomplishments of her district.

“It includes all staff,” said Seago, who is the deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Blue Springs School District. “Academic success starts with everyone. The essence of this business is about teamwork.”

Seago, a Truman High School alum who graduated from Graceland College and began her teaching career in Olathe, Kansas, in 1973, said education administration was not in her future plans at first.

“It came over time,” she said. “I truly enjoyed the classroom, and at the time I wasn’t thinking down the road.

“I honestly thought about it mid-career. I wanted to take courses in administration to see what it was like, I was very fortunate to get a job as an administrator and it just grew from there.”

After six years in Olathe, she taught four years in Texas before joining the Blue Springs School District in 1985 and teaching seven more years. She then became an elementary principal for one year in the Raymore-Peculiar District and returned to Blue Springs the next year in that same position.

In 1996, Seago became

Blue Springs School District

principal of the former GeorgeffBaker Middle School, and three years later guided the first year of Delta Woods Middle School.

In 2000 she became an assistant superintendent and overhauled the curriculum pre-K through grade 12 to bring consistency in grade level instruction from building to building, ensuring parallel opportunities for students regardless of location.

Along the way she e a r n e d m a s t e r ’s , d o c t o r ate and specialist degrees.

In her administrative role, Seago led the district’s initiation of Project Lead the Way, the STEM-based national education model that now is employed down to kindergarten. The district has received multiple awards for its PLTW courses and will host the PLTW fall conference this coming fall. She also has secured $14 million in grants for the district, some of those grants in collaboration with other area districts to aid them as well.

Even beyond local leaders, national consultants l a u d S e a g o ’s l e a d e r s h i p .

“I sing Dr. Seago’s praises to school districts across the nation, and in faculty meetings and graduate courses I teach,” one consultant and professor said. “I describe her as a visionary, and I hold her up as the model to which all adminisparents should try to find when said another, “I have never trators should aspire, all teachers they move to a new school district.” known a leader as determined should seek to work for, and all “In 35 years in this profession,” and indefatigable as Dr. Seago.”

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

D R . K E L LY N. S P I L L E R Professional Hearing Center

F

or Dr. Kelly Spiller, being an audiologist isn’t just about improving people’s hearing, it’s about sharing her gifts and talents with others.

“I love what I do,” she said.

“I enjoy the people that I interact with and feel so very blessed to

be able to offer my knowledge, talents and abilities to others.”

Spiller, who c urrently works as a Doctor of Audiology at Professional Hearing Center, a division of ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, PC, first opened her private clinic as a way to bring professional, clinically

based hearing-related treatments to patients in the Belton area. She later added a second location in Liberty and merged with ENT Associates in 2015.

In 2016, Spiller created and established the non-profit foundation, Lend an Ear, to provide audiology services to an underserved population.

“The idea hit me one day, a few years ago, when I saw a patient at one of the nursing facilities where I donate my time,” she said. “He was newly enrolled into Hospice and my heart just went out to him. He had many stories to share, but he could not hear my responses.”

The patient who had purchased hearing aids several years earlier, had lost them during the transition to the facility, and was just going without since he knew he didn’t have much longer to live.

“Unfortunately, he passed away before I could find some loaner hearing aids for him to use.

(But) since then, the idea has blossomed into an actual foundation where we are seeing patients from any facility that calls,” she said.

The patients have wax r e m o v e d , a r e fi tt e d w i t h temporary devices or even fitted for hearing aids.

“It is an amazing feeling to watch what once was just a far off idea become a reality and have an amazing impact on those who need it,” she said.

Spiller, who credits her parents, Marvin and Karen, for her integrity and drive, says she hopes that her own children will grow up understanding the value of integrity, hard work and compassion.

“I also hope they carry with them the same values of helping others and using their own talents and gifts for the betterment of themselves and others.”

It’s a lesson Spiller is teaching her three daughters and one stepson up close, as she and her husband Travis recently opened their home to three foster children – siblings ranging from 18 months to 4 years old.

“The way I choose to parent my own children is with loving discipline and intention, (and) I knew we could offer this type of experience to other kids who would otherwise never have a chance to be a part of a loving and nurturing family,” she said.

In addition, Spiller says fostering offers her own children a life experience they will never forget.

“I want to instill within all of the children I have now or will have in the future, to not take life for granted; do not waste your talents or your time,” she said.

It’s a motto Spiller clearly lives out in her own life.

“I didn’t get to this place in life by myself and I continue to be thankful for all my life experiences, friends and family who helped me become the person I am (today).”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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33

DR. KELLY SPILLER

2017 Woman of Distinction Honoree

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

D R . E L I Z A B E T H SAV I D G E Independence School District

W

ho says you can’ t go home.

Certainly not Beth Savidge, the assistant superintendent of the Independence School District.

The 1997 Blue Springs District Teacher of the Year was asked to return to her hometown after serving the Blue Springs School District from 1984 to 2002.

“I loved the Blue Springs School District,” said Savidge, who graduated from Truman High School, “but when I was asked to come back to Independence, I said, ‘Yes.’ “In 2002, the director of human resources of the Independence School District called me and said, ‘Beth, it’s time to come home.’ It was difficult to

leave Blue Springs, but I did feel a calling, and I am so blessed to be back in my hometown.”

Savidge and her husband Dennis have a son, Blake, who is a junior at Truman. Their daughter Bri is a recent Truman grad who is now a freshman at the University of Missouri.

Savidge’s blessing is shared by a young mother with special needs children who was recently helped by Savidge after the assistant superintendent learned of her family’s plight.

“I cannot thank Dr. Savidge for what she did for my family,” the young mother said. “We were not aware of some of the areas we could go to receive help. She means so much to me and my family, especially my children who have some special medical needs. We could never thank her enough for what she has done.”

T h o s e w o r d s are thanks enough.

“When I returned to Independence, I saw the landscape of the community changing” said Savidge, who was the Greater Kansas City Metro Principals Association Middle School Principal of the Year in 2006, “especially when it came to dealing with children.

“My passion is the education of children and the support of teachers and I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to do what I love for nearly 32 years.”

ISD Superintendent Dale

Herl is aware of the impact Savidge has made on Independence.

“Dr. Savidge is a great ambassador for the Independence School District,” Herl said. “She is committed to helping our students be successful each day. We are lucky to have her within the ISD.” Savidge is active outside of her role within the school district. She is a volunteer for Uplift Inc., an organization that delivers meals, clothing and other necessities to the homeless in the metro area.

Savidge is an executive committee member of the Professional Development Network of the Cooperating School Districts of Kansas City – an organization that is dedicated to providing high quality professional development through district collaboration.

And she is chairperson of the Executive Committee/ Governing Board for the MU Partnership for Educational Renewal, a partnership of school and university educators who focus on renewing and improving MU educator preparation programs.

The winner of the WIN (Women’s Intersport Network) Spirit Award in 2012, Savidge was also honored as a Buck O’Neill Legacy Seat honoree that same year.

“When I received the e-mail that I was being honored, I thought, ‘What?’ I had to read it again to make sure I was reading it correctly. This is a great honor.”

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

35

DR . PATRICIA SCHUMACHER

P

atricia Schumacher, retired Associate Superintendent of the Independence School District, first came to Independence 29 years ago, as the first female principal of William

Independence School District

reading challenges she extended to them, which resulted in her sitting in a bathtub of blue Jello in the hall for a day, roller skating through the school in her pajamas or moving her office to the roof of the school.

C l e a r l y, s h e would stop at noth“ I ce r t a i n l y re co g n i ze ing to get kids excited there are many about reading. distinguished women “Reading is the i n t h i s c o m m u n i t y w h o key that will unlock a r e v e r y d e s e r v i n g o f the doors to our children’s future,” she said. t h i s r e c o g n i t i o n ,” s h e But her contributions to the community said. “This is why I a m p r o u d t o s a y, ‘ I a m went far beyond the walls of the school. from Independence, She also served on the the home of Harr y S. Chamber of Commerce Board, the Public UtilTr u m a n .’ ” ities Advisory Board a n d t h e In d e p e n Southern Elementary School. dence Junior Service League.

“My commitment to chilAll while maintaindren and reading – (that ing a healthy balance as is what) I am passionate wife, mother and daughabout,” said Schumacher. ter, and following in the And it clearly showed during footsteps of her personal heroes her tenure at William Southern. - her mother and grandmother.

The school received the Schumacher, who loves highest honor given to a school the city most for its people, – the National Blue Ribbon entertainment venues, qualAward – under her leader- ity medical ser vices and ship. Schumacher was also e d u c a t i o n o p p o r t u n i t i e s named PTA Citizen of the Year. from “womb to tomb,” said But perhaps the most mem- she is humbled and honored orable moments came in her by this recent nomination. women in this community “This is why I am proud to personal interactions with the “I certainly recognize who are very deserving of say, ‘I am from Independence, students, such as the numerous there are many distinguished this recognition,” she said. the home of Harry S. Truman.’”

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

Women of Distinction Alumni

Debbie Bibbs 2016 Honoree

Vicky Cundiff 2016 Honoree

Alissa Eliene Blundell

Nancy Burns

Roberta Coker

Jill Esry

Kelly Lightfoot

Shelley Lowery

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

Photography by The Portrait Gallery

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

Susan Culpepper 2016 Honoree

Betty Lennox

2016 Woman of The Year

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2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

Women of Distinction Alumni

Cindy McClain 2016 Honoree

Freddye Smith 2016 Honoree

Lois McDonald

Deb Ohnoutka

Mary Potter

Barbara Potts

Pat Turner

Lara Vermillion

Eileen Weir

LaShawn Walker

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

Photography by The Portrait Gallery

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

2016 Honoree

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MARCH 24, 2017 | 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

Congratulations to the 2017 Class of The Examiner’s

Thank you for your contributions to Eastern Jackson County We are honored to recognize your achievements.

Marilyn Arnold Carol Sue Bass Erika Brackenbury Melodie Chrisman Janet Clark

Stassi Cramm Ann Franklin Yvonne Hall Janet Hessenflow Jodi Krantz

Mary McNamara Leann Ortner Betty Meyer Dr. Annette Seago Dr. Bridget McCandless Dr. Patricia Schumacher Elizabeth McClure Dr. Beth Savidge Michelle Metje Dr. Kelly N. Spiller

410 South Liberty Street, Independence, MO 64050 | 816.254.8600

2017 Women of Distinction Awards | MARCH 24, 2017

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