Boone County News Release


Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312


Miller named finalist for ATHENA Leadership Award

April 13, 2011

Boone County Commissioner Karen Miller has been named as a finalist for the ATHENA Leadership Award by the Women's Network division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. The recipient of the award will be announced on April 21 at the 17th Annual ATHENA International Awards Banquet.

ATHENA International Award recipients are chosen for displaying excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, providing valuable service to improve the quality of life in their community and helping women reach their full leadership potential. In addition to Miller, this year's nominees include Lynda Baumgartner of Stephens College and Jolene Schulz of First State Community Bank.

Miller is starting her nineteenth year as District I (Southern) Boone County Commissioner. Miller moved to Missouri from Indiana in 1969. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at Stephens College in 2006. She attended Harvard's John F. Kennedy State and Local Senior Executive Program the summer of 2003. Since being elected, Miller has focused much of her effort on basic infrastructure — roads, sewers and stormwater, and the county's Information Technology department. Most recently, she was responsible for the two-floor addition to the Boone County Courthouse and the building of the Warehouse and Sheriff's Annex project.

Miller served as President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2003-2004 and continues to serve on the board of directors. She also serves on the Missouri Association of Counties and the County Commissioner's Association boards of directors. In 2010, she was appointed to represent the state's County Commissions on the Missouri Judicial Finance Commission.

In 2008, Miller was named one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Government Technology by Government Technology Magazine. She also received the 2010 Debin Benish Outstanding Business Woman Award from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in addition to being a finalist for the ATHENA Leadership Award.



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