The Bossier Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Business Development Connection congratulated the 2015 ATHENA Award recipients at the annual awards ceremony and luncheon.
This is the 25th year to celebrate professionals who have excelled in their business profession, but that also have invested in the community through involvement. Sandra Haynes was named the 2015 Bossier Chamber of Commerce recipient, and Johnette Magner was named the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce 2015 recipient. The awards ceremony and luncheon was held at Diamond Jacks Casino where community members gathered in support of this year’s nominees.
Sandra Haynes, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites
Bossier Chamber of Commerce Recipient
Sandra Haynes began her career with Dimension Development Company as a DOS in 2001 and later was promoted to Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. In 2005, she left Dimension to assume duties as the General Sales Manager of one of the Bossier casino properties. In 2007, Sandra accepted the position of Executive Director of the Shreveport Bar Association. Based on her prior experience with Dimension, her proven track record of success, and her outstanding reputation in the community in 2012, Sandra Haynes was chosen as a key part for the management staff of the new dual-branded Hilton properties. Sandra projects a friendly and professional image of herself and the hotel at all times. Her prior hotel and sales and marketing experience and business acumen has been invaluable in establishing Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites new hotels in the market. In her spare time, Sandra shares her heart by serving as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Gingerbread House-a non-profit organization that serves abused children. She is also actively involved with the Renesting Project, Inc. which provides gently used furniture and household goods at no cost to those transitioning from homelessness within her community.
Johnette Magner, Shreveport Bossier Business Alliance
Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Recipient
Dr. Johnette Magner is the founding Executive Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Business Alliance for Higher Education (SBBA), which is comprised of representatives of the region’s premier business organizations. During her tenure the SBBA has been instrumental in establishing doctoral degrees and helping to secure stable funding for the region’s universities. Prior to SBBA, she served LSUS as interim Vice Chancellor of Development, subsequent to her role as Publisher for SB Magazine. Before returning to Shreveport in 2010, Dr. Magner was a Vice President of Public Affairs with Ketchum and managed global communications for Joint Commission International. She is currently on the graduate faculty for the Frost School of Business at Centenary College, and has taught communications courses at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, LSUS, and BPCC. Dr. Magner began her career as a television anchor and award-winning consumer reporter in Texarkana, TX and Shreveport, LA. Dr. Magner is an active civic leader, currently serving as the first female Board President in the 90- year history of the Norwela Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She has also served as the Board President of SciPort Discovery Center and as a Vice President/Chairman of the Board for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Providence House, Shreveport Junior League, and the Women’s Philanthropy Network. She also serves state-wide on the Board of Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL). Dr. Magner received a BA in Journalism from UT Austin, an MA from LSUS, and Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Maryland.
About ATHENA Awards
Annually, the ATHENA Awards event honors 14 nominees from Shreveport and Bossier City who possess the highest level of professional excellence by showing creativity and initiative in their business or profession, have devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community in a meaningful way, and have opened doors of leadership opportunities for women in order for them to achieve their full potential.
