Irey Vaughan wins leadership award
Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan is this year’s recipient of the ATHENA Award, an international program that recognizes women’s leadership within their communities.
The distinction, awarded locally by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, was presented to Irey Vaughan during a lunch Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Southpointe.
Irey Vaughan is the only woman to ever serve as a Washington County commissioner.
Other finalists for the award included Mary Anna Babich, of Dawood Engineering; Sheila J. Cowieson, of Community Bank; Donna L. Ramusivich, of Monongahela Valley Hospital; and Aleta Richmond, Pennsylvania Federation of Business and Professional Women.
The award recipient is chosen each year by a panel of Washington County businesswomen. According to the award program, recipients are chosen based on their professional excellence, dedication to improving the lives of others in the community and helping others realize their full leadership potential.
Jeff Kotula, president of the chamber of commerce, said the ATHENA Award promotes leadership by honoring individuals who contribute to the achievements of women.
“As Diana and the four finalists demonstrate, we are very fortunate that Washington County’s businesswomen have taken leadership roles in both our civic and business communities,” Kotula said.
The ATHENA Award program has been celebrated for 12 years in Washington County.