Most Influential Women

Springfield Business Journal’s sixth annual Most Influential Women event was held Oct. 14 at University Plaza Convention Center. The luncheon and awards ceremony honored 20 women who have significantly influenced area businesses and communities. Approximately 580 people attended the event, which featured keynote speaker Ellen Rohr, a business trainer and consultant with Bare Bones Biz.

The 20 honorees are: Jan Baumgartner, The Signature Bank; Sherry Cook, Missouri State University; Judy Hadsall, City Utilities Community Credit Union; Karen Sweeney, Drury University; Kay Logsdon, Springfield Regional Arts Council; Julie Higgins, Euro World Design; Amy Horst Ruggeri, City Utilities; Pam Hedgpeth, Republic R-III School District; Sally Hargis, Ozarks Coca Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling; and Anne Soots, Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council. Front row: Crista Hogan, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association; Mary Craven, Office of Gov. Matt Blunt; Cindy Heinemann Waites, Junior League of Springfield; Tricia Derges, Mostly Memories Inc.; Donna McQuay, city of Ozark; Lynne Haggerman, Haggerman & Associates; Barbara Lucks, Springfield Public Works; Norma Champion, Missouri Senate; Gloria Roling, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; and Andrea Letsch, The Commerce Trust Co.