Stephanie Stenger chosen for Humanitarian of the Year honor

Developer and civic leader Stephanie Stenger has been selected as the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year.

Stenger, who serves as CEO of real estate development company Springfield Land LP, becomes the 40th person to receive the award in 36 years, according to a news release. She's scheduled to be honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ozark Region Chapter, during its National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 18 with the Humanitarian Award. The award is presented through a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Stephanie is an ambassador for our community’s health and welfare through her countless hours of tireless service. She has used her time, talent and educational expertise to help numerous nonprofits,” said civic leader Morey Mechlin, who received the award in 2014, in a letter of support cited in the release. "Her focus is always on helping them achieve their goals, and she does this by building healthy and sustainable relationships. She listens, learns and leads.”

Currently president of the Moxie Cinema, executive committee member of Legal Services of Southern Missouri and board member of the Springfield-Greene County Library District foundation, Stenger's recognition focuses on her philanthropic work, including her role in Junior League of Springfield's founding of Isabel’s House. Her civic work also includes time at Care to Learn, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Friends of the Zoo and CFO.

The six-member selection committee for the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year was chaired by Jessica Harmison-Olson, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect and Maxon Fine Jewelry owner. The award comes with a $5,000 cash award, which is traditionally donated to charity.

Sheila Michaels, director of the BookBag program and former school librarian, was the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year.