Local attorney honored

Washington attorney Mary Lyn Drewitz was named the 2013 Athena Award winner Friday by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Drewitz, a partner in the law firm of Goldfarb, Posner, Beck, DeHaven & Drewitz, was selected from a field of five finalists. The luncheon was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe.
According to chamber President Jeff Kotula, the Athena Award, now in its 11th year in Washington County, is an internationally recognized award that honors women’s leadership within the business and civic communities.
“The award promotes leadership by honoring exceptional individuals in the community who contribute in significant ways to the achievements of women and women’s leadership issues,” Kotula said. “As Mary Lyn 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, who also said that a man or a woman may be recognized for the Athena Award, noted that David Geidel, owner/franchisee, Arthur Murray Dance Studios, was the first male finalist.
The other finalists were: Nancy Bedwell, co-owner, Beverage Distribution Inc.; Karen A. Bray, vice president of patient care services, Washington Health System; and Rachel Lozosky, associate with Peacock Keller.
Athena Award recipients and finalists are selected by a panel of accomplished Washington County businesswomen, who determine the candidates by several criteria, including their achievement of the highest level of professional excellence, and their contribution of time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
The event attracts approximately 300 people to recognize the role of women in Washington County’s economic, social and civic development.