The Chamber announces the recipients of two prestigious awards recognizing outstanding commitment to the Lawrence community and its citizens. Shirley Martin-Smith is the recipient of the Citizen of the Years award, while Cindy Maude will receive the ATHENA Award, presented by Crown Automotive. Both awards will be presented to the winners at The Chamber’s Annual Meeting on January 26 at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St., Lawrence, Kan.
2018 Citizen of the Years
Shirley Martin-Smith pioneered temporary staffing in Lawrence in January 1977 and franchised with Adecco in 1988, which serves 15 counties in executive search and career placement services. Shirley is a founding board member of Leadership Lawrence and has served on countless boards since the 1980s. Her multiple awards include The Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year award, the Baker University Lawrence Business Person of the Year award, the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center’s Pioneer Award, and Leadership Lawrence’s Don Volker Award. Shirley has been involved in local politics, serving as the mayor of Lawrence in 1990, and has worked on multiple campaigns for other local candidates. Currently, Shirley chairs the Board of Directors for the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center.
“Shirley has touched so many lives and organizations in Lawrence and Douglas County,” said Larry McElwain, President and CEO of The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas. “She’s done phenomenal things her entire career, and what she’s done for Peaslee Tech as the founding chair of the Board of Directors, to see it through the launch and overseeing its remarkable growth, is a huge contribution to our economy and our community.”
2017 Crown Automotive Organization ATHENA Award
Cindy Maude spent over 40 years in marketing, most recently as owner and CEO of Callahan Creek, a Lawrence marketing firm. She retired at the end of 2017 and is currently serving as the Interim CEO for the Lawrence Arts Center. Cindy is passionate about serving the community through generosity, and Callahan Creek contributes 10 percent of its profit each year to public service through donations, pro bono work, and volunteering with various organizations. Callahan Creek is also behind the Confabularryium event, bringing creativity, technology, and makerspace activities to the Lawrence community. Cindy has been involved with multiple boards throughout the community, including Lawrence’s Cultural District Task Force, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, the Lawrence Arts Center Board, and the William Allen White Foundation. She’s been involved with KUWomen Philanthropists, and spent time on the Friends of the Lied and United Way boards.
“Cindy is passionate about Lawrence and it shows in all that she contributes to our community,” said Miles Schnaer, President of Crown Automotive. “Her work at Callahan Creek and the core values she instilled in the company and its employees has served Lawrence in many ways, both in business and artistically. Cindy is a wonderful proponent of Lawrence and is always willing to serve.”
About the Awards
The Citizen of the Years award honors an individual whose commitment to and impact upon the Lawrence community spans a lifetime.
The international ATHENA Award program celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The Lawrence ATHENA Award is sponsored by Crown Automotive.
About The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas
The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic vitality of Lawrence and Douglas County. The Chamber promotes growth and economic prosperity by serving as the leading business advocate, cultivating leadership, and facilitating connectivity.
