Two women in business to receive chamber awards

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced the selection of two businesswomen for annual awards that recognize their professional, community service and mentorship work.

Stephanie O’Connor of City Utilities of Springfield and Nacy Tai Ryerson of EnCompass Academy are the recipients of the 2025 Athena Award and Virginia Fry Rising Star Award, respectively, according to a news release. They're scheduled to be honored during a March 19 event.

"They are not only accomplished leaders in their fields but also dedicated mentors and community champions. We are excited to see how they will continue to shape our community for years to come," chamber President Matt Morrow said in the release.

O’Connor serves as senior vice president and chief technology and people officer at CU, where she's been employed since 1992. Noting her "unique ability to bring people and technology together," the release additionally states that O’Connor in 2018 was the first woman to be named IT Executive of the Year by the Association of Information Technology Professionals. A member of Springfield Business Journal's 2021 class of Most Influential Women, O’Connor also is the founder of the Strong Women Achieving Goals program.

The 2020 founder of Springfield private school EnCompass Academy, Ryerson "is a visionary leader in education," according to the release. Ryerson, who was honored by SBJ in the 2024 class of Most Influential Women, serves on the Champions Committed to Kids board and guest lectures at universities.

Nominated by the public, the award honorees were chosen by an independent panel of judges.