Judges choose 2012 Most Influential Women

Based on their leadership, influence and community involvement, an independent panel of judges has chosen 20 women to be honored as this year’s class of Most Influential Women.

Celebrated at a luncheon scheduled Oct. 19, the honorees, in alphabetical order, are: Romona Baker, Council of Churches of the Ozarks; Becky Baltz, Missouri Department of Transportation; Kim Blevins, Mount Vernon High School; Anne Liners Brett, Ph.D., Cox College; Julie Conway, Good Samaritan Boys Ranch; Michal Moss Early, Metropolitan National Bank; Wren Hall, Citizens Memorial Healthcare; Leah Hamilton, Springfield Regional Arts Council; Jean Harmison, Club Management LLC; Kelly Johnson, State of Missouri; Julie Jones, Mercy; Dorothy Knowles, Southwest Missouri Office on Aging; Anne-Mary McGrath, Springfield-Greene County Park Board; Nicole Norton, BancorpSouth; Victoria Queen, Victory Trade School; Heather Ramsey, Great Southern Bank; Lisa Slavens, Wish I May; Susan Sommer-Luarca, artist; Maura Taylor, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri; and Linda Wooderson, Southwest Baptist University.

The 2012 Most Influential Women luncheon begins at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

Tickets are $35 apiece and are available at SBJ.net/MIW. A silent auction during the event will benefit Women in Need.