Betty Ann Keegan Award for Public Service

A respected public servant, Betty Ann Keegan was the first woman and the first Democrat to serve in the Illinois State Senate from the 34th Congressional District. This election capped 25 years of political service. "Betty Ann Keegan was a shining example of what a public official can and should be. Her accomplishments were eloquent testimony for the need for women in public life." -Governor Dan Walker. This award is presented to a woman who has contributed to the community or government through political or other public service, either on an elected basis or in an employed position.
 

2008 Winner

Patti Thayer
Nominated by Rockford Network of Professional Women

Patti’s nominator explained Patti’s belief in Public Service that, “you can’t hope to make a difference unless you are sitting at the table”. There is no denying that Patti is more than willing to take her place at the table. She has been involved by serving on the Winnebago Country Board and helped save taxpayers over 1 million dollars. Being a business owner and realtor she was a part the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board. In an effort to reach out more directly to women she served as president of Rockford Network, a professional women’s organization. She continues with a fantastic philosophy that she is, simply doing what needs to be done to help our community thrive”.

Past Award Winners

2007 Nancy Kalchenbrenner
2006 Janyce Fadden
2005 No Winner
2004 Roseann Cannariato
2003 Mary Ann Aiello
2002 Diane Stout
2001 Sue Fiduccia
2000 Polly Berg
1999 Kristine Cohn
1998 Elnora Whitlock
1997 Pauline Smith
1996 Francis Walker

 

1995 Terry Ingrassia
1994 Janet Ellis
1993 Olive Fenton-Samuels
1992 Sandra Locke
1991 Eileen Hogshead
1990 Laura Wyatt
1989 Jean Flores
        Dawn Hallstan
1988 Jean Adams
        Coleen Williams
1987Joyce Holmberg
1986Margaret Wyeth