Patsy Hazelwood, a retired AT&T regional manager, has been named the 2012 Tennessee Woman of Distinction by the American Lung Association in Tennessee.
Hazelwood and 10 Women of Distinction honorees will be recognized at the 27th annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon on April 27 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Hazelwood was the first woman elected president of the downtown Chattanooga Rotary. She has been named by Gov. Bill Haslam as regional director of the "jobs base camp" under the Tennessee Economic and Development Community and will help coordinate state government services for businesses in Southeast Tennessee.
The Tennessee Women of Distinction honorees represent the Chattanooga area's "most accomplished women who have distinguished themselves within their family, career, and community," according to the Lung Association. All of them are also long-time volunteers in a wide range of activities.
The 10 recipients of the 2012 Women of Distinction award are:
* Verina Baxter, president of the Midsouth Sculpture Alliance
* Sandra Brewer, vice president of Brewer Media
* Missy Elliott, co-owner of Cynthia Howell Stationary & Gifts
* Kathie Scobee Fulgham, special projects manager for Mayor Ron Littlefield
* Katherine Russell Lindgren, director of nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
* Elizabeth McCright, executive director of Chattanooga Housing Authority
* Dr. Mukta Panda, chair of the College of Medicine, University of Tennessee
* Pam Schulman, volunteer
* Linda Thompson, organist and president of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Youth Orchestra
* Karen Walsh, executive director of McKamey Center.
Three high school seniors from the Chattanooga area also will be honored as Young Women of Distinction for outstanding achievement in leadership, academics and character. Nominations are being accepted until Jan. 23. An entry form can be found by following the "Women of Distinction" link at www.alatn.org.
Lung cancer women survivors will also be honored at the luncheon.
More than 260 women have been honored over the 27 years of the award's history. Channel 3 News anchor, Cindy Sexton, will emcee the event.
"These women truly represent a living legacy as they continue to serve our community through their professional, civic and philanthropic endeavors," said this year's event chairwoman, Jo Coke, former Woman of Distinction.
Tickets are $65 through March 31 and $70 starting April 1, with payment due at the time of the reservation. Various levels of sponsorship are also available. Tables may also be purchased in "Honor or Memory" of individuals with lung disease. For reservations or more information, contact the American Lung Association in Tennessee at 423-629-1098 or www.alatn.org.
The luncheon benefits the American Lung Association in Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. In Tennessee, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking, air pollution, and lung disease make breathing difficult for millions of Americans.
Funds raised from the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon fund American Lung Association medical research, advocacy and education to ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all.