Kim Poinsett

Kim Poinsett is the recipient of the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award® for Wayne County. Poinsett, of Richmond, Ind., was presented the award during the ATHENA celebration dinner held June 9 at Forest Hills Country Club in Richmond. The event recognizes women leaders who motivate, inspire and create positive change in the community.

Wayne Bank and Trust Co. and Indiana University East have partnered for the third year to bring the ATHENA Leadership Award® to Wayne County.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to an individual who is honored for their professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

“Once again we have great finalists for the Wayne County ATHENA Leadership Award®. As I have said in previous years, the margin between the winner and second or third place is fractional seconds if this were a foot race. All of our finalists have what it takes to win this award. My congratulations to Kim Poinsett for being this year’s ATHENA award winner.  She joins prior winners Mary Jo Clark and Jackie Carberry which is fast becoming an elite group of women leaders in our community. I continue to be impressed by the women in our community holding key leadership positions in education, not-for-profit organizations, politics, retail, manufacturing and financial services. Our community is truly blessed,” said Mark Soukup, President/CEO, Wayne Bank and Trust Co.

IU East Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe said, “We would like to thank all those who nominated women in our community for the ATHENA award. Each finalist has made a significant difference in our community through their leadership and service. Through their work and volunteerism, they also serve as an example for young women who aspire to be leaders. We are honored to present this year’s award to Kim and applaud her for the many ways she makes this community a better place to live.”

Poinsett is the vice president of community relations for First Bank Richmond. In her role, Poinsett oversees the community engagement and philanthropic efforts for First Bank Richmond. Poinsett serves on the Reid Health Foundation Events Committee, assisting with the Red Dress Ball, BRAvo! and Reid Ride. She also serves with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s ACES committee, Richmond Social Media Group, Eastern Indiana Small Business Development Center, Third Grade Academy, Richmond Community Schools Kindergarten Rocks, InConcert, Richmond Lions Club, Richmond Art Museum’s Marketing Committee, Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, Richmond Civic Theatre, and as a past board member of Girls Inc.

The three finalists for this year’s award included Poinsett, Amy Oler Holthouse, and Rebecca Studebaker. Poinsett and Holthouse are residents of Richmond and Studebaker is from Eaton, Ohio. Previous recipients of the ATHENA award are Mary Jo Clark and Jackie Carberry.

Proceeds from the celebration dinner benefit local organizations dedicated to serving leadership building for women. This year the proceeds will go to Girls Inc. and the IU East Center for Service Learning.