300 S Providence Rd
PO Box 1016
Columbia, Mo 65205
Women’s Network Leadership Team is a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who oversee the direction and health of the network. Leadership Team sets policies for the organization, establishes goals and identifies priorities. Members of this group are also tasked with serving as co-chairs of the various working committees of the network. The following are the elected Leadership Team members for the July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 year:
Committees are the workhorses of Women’s Network. Each committee meets once a month; meetings are open to all Women’s Network members to attend and are a great way to share your expertise in a specific area, gain experience in a new discipline, make new contacts with businesses across Columbia, and network with new and established members of Women’s Network. Each committee is led by two co-chairs, who are tasked with fulfilling the duties of their committee.
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Marketing & Communcations
Membership
Mentoring
Programming
Special Events
Marketing & Communcations
The Marketing & Communications Committee promotes Women’s Network and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce activities and events through media and professional contacts. The committee develops a monthly newsletter and responds to requests from various Women’s Network committees to publicize activities and arrange media opportunities.
Sarah Kaskus, CoMo Premium Exteriors
Jenny Jones, Woodruff
This committee meets on the second Monday of every month at noon at the Chamber.
Membership
The Membership Committee strengthens existing relationships with current members and engage incoming new members. Committee activities include hosting New Member Welcome events, greeting guests at monthly luncheons, and reaching out to new members.
Ashley Switzer, PCE Construction
Lisa Hussey, Columbia College
This committee meets the second Thursday of each month at noon at the Chamber, except for New Member Welcomes, which occur on the second Thursday at various times. Please see the events calendar for more details.
Mentoring
The Mentoring Program Committee coordinates the pairing of individuals as mentors/mentees within the organization. This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to build relationships and grow personally and professionally.
Beth Orns, Better Together Mental Health
Beth Naylor, Central Bank of Boone County
The program planning committee meets as needed. Mentor/Mentee pairs are asked to meet once a month.
Programming
The Programming Committee curates experiences that spark connection, elevate leadership, and bring the Women’s Network mission to life. From our flagship Quarterly Development Programs rooted in leadership and business growth to smaller programs and networking gatherings that create space for meaningful conversation in a more informal setting, the committee designs opportunities that help members and guests connect, learn and thrive.
Wende Wagner, Deaf Lead
Anna Hargis, Shelter Insurance
This committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at noon at the Chamber.
Special Events
The Special Events Committee is in charge of planning several large events throughout the year, including the Women’s Network fall and spring mixers, the ATHENA International Awards Banquet, and the Women’s Network Holiday Party.
Lisa Wampler, Blue Diamond Events
Sarah Hudson, Assured Partners
This committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at noon at the Chamber.
Women’s Network Presidents and Chairs have helped to further and grow the mission of Women’s Network to what it is today. Women’s Network is fortunate to have a legacy of strong female leaders to whom, along with our volunteers and members, we attribute our success.
1980-1981 Toni Somers
1981-1982 Mellany Jones
1982-1983 Jan Grossmann
1983-1984 Vicki Dunscombe
1984-1985 Sue Ann Schaefer
1985-1986 Janice Schuerman
1986-1987 Mariel Liggett
1987-1988 Chris Marks
1988-1989 Deb Snellen
1989-1990 Barb Scotten
1990-1991 Betty Schuster
1991-1992 Linda G. Arnold
1992-1993 Ellen S. Roper
1993-1994 Sabrina McDonnell
1994-1995 Dr. Muriel Battle
1995-1996 Karen Taylor
1996-1997 Susan Yesilada
1997-1998 Pat Hostetler
1998-1999 Mary C. Becker
1999-2000 Debbie Rawlings
2000-2001 Sharon Kinden
2001-2002 Kim Stonecipher-Fisher
2002-2003 Sue Rodgers
2003-2004 Robin Nichols
2004-2005 Barbie Weaver
2005-2006 Michelle Hill-Ishmael
2006-2007 Leigh Kottwitz
2007-2008 Anne Farrow
2008-2009 Sherry Waddill
2009-2010 Ranae Nicholes
2010-2011 Kelley Marchbanks
2011-2012 Jennifer Thoma
2012-2013 Kate Boatright
2013-2014 Heather Hargrove
2014-2015 Heather Stewart
2015-2016 Jessica Macy
2016-2017 Erica Pefferman
2017-2018 Michele Batye
2018-2019 Tennille Lester
2019-2020 Krista Kippenberger
2020-2021 Michele Curry
2021-2022 Teresa Snow
2022-2023 Liz Townsend-Bird
2023-2024 Megan Steen
2024-2025 Justina Dial
300 S Providence Rd
PO Box 1016
Columbia, Mo 65205