Since 1993, the Greater Chattanooga area has celebrated the achievements of extraordinary women through the Woman of Distinction Award. This prestigious honor recognizes women who exemplify excellence in their diverse fields and who selflessly serve their community.
Each year, Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga pays tribute to women who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a lasting impact—locally and beyond.
A Woman of Distinction is a visionary leader and tireless volunteer helping to improve the quality of life for others. She establishes standards that inspire and encourage other women to achieve their full potential, paves the way for future generations, provides leadership, and influences decisions that shape and define the community, said officials.
Here are the 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees:
Lee Ann Adams
Attorney, Gearhiser Peters Elliott & Cannon
Valoria Armstrong
Vice President, UNUM
Callie Burnette
Partnerships Director, Chattanooga Tourism
April Cameron
CEO, Chattanooga Airport Authority
Beverly Edge
COO, General Counsel& Partner, HHM, CPAs
Darde Long
President & CEO, City of Chattanooga, Chattanooga Zoo
Christa Mannarino
Executive Director of Local Services, Signal Centers
Tricia King Mims
Executive Director, National Park Partners Chickamauga, Chattanooga
Angela Stiggins
Vice President of Operations, CHI Memorial
Phyllis Williams
Community Volunteer
and
Tennessee Woman of Distinction:
Janet Ayers
Co-Founder, Ayers Foundation Trust
“On behalf of the Steering Committee, we are thrilled to continue the tradition of honoring remarkable women in our community," said Steering Committee member Lynda Minks Hood. "This year’s honorees have distinguished themselves through unparalleled civic, cultural, philanthropic, and environmental leadership. We can’t wait to celebrate them at our benefit luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 12."
About Janet Ayers:
Co-founder and president of the Ayers Foundation Trust since 2007, Ms. Ayers has dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for rural Tennesseans. Born and raised in Washington County, she believes passionately in the transformative power of education. Under her leadership, the nationally acclaimed Ayers Scholars Program now serves 33 high schools across 21 at-risk and distressed counties, guiding nearly 20,000 students past barriers to higher education and into rewarding careers.
Before turning her focus to education and workforce development, Ms. Ayers excelled in healthcare administration for two decades. A graduate of East Tennessee State University (B.S., Health Care Administration ’86), she held key leadership roles—most notably as administrator of Erwin Health Care—earning both the THCA Distinguished Professional Service and Distinguished Association Service Awards. She later served as president of the Tennessee Health Care Association and spent five years as a commissioner on the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. Ms. Ayers divides their time among Nashville, Parsons and Erwin, cherishing every moment with her children and grandchildren.
The annual awards luncheon will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
This celebration is more than an awards ceremony—it is an opportunity to change a child’s life. Proceeds benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, providing free, age-appropriate books that spark early-literacy and lifelong learning.
Tickets are $75 each and available at WomenOfDistinctionGC.com. The reservation deadline is Nov. 5.
For sponsorships opportunities contact Donna McConnico at Donna_McConnico@SignalCenters.org.