IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARDS NIGHT EXCELLENCE
FEATURING THE 40TH ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD
PRESENTED BY
Excellence in Business Leadership Awards Night
6 p.m. Program Begins
2025 Small Business of the Year Awards:
In The Lite Electric and Habitat for Humanity of Wausau
Liz Tillisch Heart of the Chamber Award: Paul LaPree
G. Lane Ware Innovator Award: Ryan Gallagher
James J. McIntyre Cornerstone Award: Dr. Kristine Gilmore
ATHENA Leadership Award: To Be Named
7-9 p.m. Appetizers and Cocktail Reception in the Great Hall
Today’s Master of Ceremonies is Dave Eckmann, the President and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce.
Today’s emcee: Dave Eckmann, President and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
2025 Small Business of the Year Awards recipients:
The Chamber announced the recipients of the 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards at the Business EXPO on April 17. Eleven businesses and organizations were named as finalists for the awards.
The recipients were In The Lite Electric in the Business category and Habitat for Humanity of Wausau in the Charitable Non-Profit category.
2025 Heart of the Chamber Award: Paul LaPree
Liz Tillisch has served as an ambassador for the Chamber for decades. The Chamber’s volunteers have been core to its success since the organization was formed in 1912.
Paul LaPree started his career in television, working at WAOW before taking a position at Eastbay. Paul then owned and operated L & S Printing in Wausau before transitioning into the construction sector with positions at Miron Construction and, currently, with Consolidated Construction LLC.
Our team stands behind those that help fuel growth, innovation, and long-term success across our region. Congratulations to all honorees at tonight’s Excellence in Business Leadership Awards.
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2025 G. Lane Ware Innovator Award: Ryan Gallagher
A distinguished attorney, G. Lane Ware was the consummate professional with a sincere drive to make the Wausau region a better place for life and for business.
Ryan Gallagher is the President and CEO of Rocket Industrial, a nationally recognized Wausau-based packaging equipment and supplies company dedicated to helping manufacturers ‘package with less.’ Ryan is also the co-host of the Wausau Business Show.
2025 James J. McIntyre Cornerstone Award:
Dr. Kristine Gilmore
For several decades, Jim McIntyre was an impactful leader who worked tirelessly to advance the competitiveness of the region.
Dr. Kristine Gilmore served as the Superintendent of the D.C. Everest Area School District for more than two decades, leading with a visionary focus on student achievement, innovation and community partnerships. Dr. Gilmore also worked at the Greenheck Group and now is employed by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists
Stephanie Daniels
Stephanie is a dedicated community leader and advocate for youth development, accessible childcare and food security.
As Director at the Woodson YMCA, she has expanded childcare capacity, grown the Youth and Family Department, and secured vital grant funding for mental health and childcare services.
Claire Meney
Claire is the Chief Operating Officer at Connexus Credit Union where she leads strategic initiatives that drive impact across the organization, including shaping Connexus Cares, the philanthropic arm of the credit union. She has served on several boards and committees locally.
Laura Strek
Laura is the President of Imperial Industries and has more than a decade of experience in accounting, finance, procurement and information systems. She began her career as an auditor with Wipfli LLP before moving into manufacturing leadership. Laura is passionate about mentoring future leaders.
Tammy Szekeress
Tammy is the Development Specialist at REI Engineering. Her professional background includes leadership roles at several local organizations, including Leadership Director at the Chamber, Manager of Annual Giving at Aspirus Health Foundation and Director of Operations at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.
Sherri Waid
Sherri is the President of Northern Valley Industries, a non-profit employment social enterprise in Wausau, partnering with area businesses that provide subcontract work to reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to work.
ATHENA Leadership Award recipients:
ABOUT THE AWARD:
The ATHENA Leadership Awards are presented to individuals in recognition of their professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
1986: Jane Sternberg
1987: Betty Peters
1988: Taffy Williams
1989: Cheryl Davis
1990: Justice Ann Walsh Bradley
1991: Barbara Hunger
1992: Jean Kruncos
1993: Evelyn Rosen
1994: Waltraud Karkar
1995: Julie Kryshak
1996: LaVon Jensen
1997: Judge Dorothy Bain
1998: Susan Lang
1999: Ann Lucas
2000: Mary Jo Johnson
2001: Patrice Pergolski
2002: Rosemary Barnes
2003: Mary Weller
2004: Joanne Leonard
2005: Mary Radke
2006: Mary Krueger
2007: Dr. Sally Mattingly
2008: Diane Postler-Slattery, Rebecca Pilgrim Tylinski
2009: Josie Paleologue-Pierce, Heather Summers
2010: Linda Larson Schlitz, Bao Vang
2011: Dr. Lori Weyers, Sheila Rovang
2012: Jeny Nieuwenhuis Hardel, Megan Lawrence
2013: Karen Katz, Norah Brown
2014: Tee Daly, Sara Valiska
2015: Dean Dietrich, Elizabeth Brodek
2016: Kari Solomonson, Shanna Yonke
2017: Bridget Wenman, Erika Van De Yacht
2018: Ann Dahlke, Allison Liddle
2019: Mona Fox, Lora Bladow
2020: Dr. Kristine Gilmore, Mindy Hoppe
2021: Robin Hegg, Katie Felch
2022: Heather Martell, Olivia Hill
2023: Amber Gober, Jessica Scharfenberg
2024: Jennifer Johnson, Lindsey Lewitzke
