Austin-based Combined Agents of America, LLC reported that Gayle Gray, vice president of CAA member First Southwest Insurance Agency, was recognized as the 2005 ATHENA Award recipient for Abilene, Texas.
The international ATHENA Award program recognizes individuals who have opened the doors of leadership for women as valued members and leaders of the community, and recognizes those who support them.
First Southwest Insurance Agency is one of Abilene’s largest insurance agencies. Gray has served as past president for the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Abilene, as well as director and officer four additional years, and maintains the Certified Insurance Counselor designation.
The annual ATHENA Award honors those who represent the highest level of professional excellence, serve their community and assist women in reaching their full potential. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. The award is presented by Chambers of Commerce, women’s organizations and universities. The Abilene Chamber of Commerce and Sisneros Pontiac Buick GMC sponsor the award in Abilene.
Gray has been heavily involved in the Abilene community, serving with a number of non-profit organizations. Gray was on the board of director’s for a women’s shelter, Noah’s Project, and served as president for one term. She was also active on the United Way board for a numbers of years and served on its executive committee. And she served six years on the Community Foundation of Abilene, with two terms as chairman of its Grants Committee.
“Gayle is an incredible role model to the women in her agency and provides an excellent work environment for personal and professional growth,” said Jerry Boles, CAA chairman and president of Grona Boles & Martin Insurance & Financial Services, San Antonio. “She is a treasure to Abilene and we congratulate her as the ATHENA Award recipient. Gayle’s tireless efforts both professionally and with community organizations are a great example to all of us.”
“I am humbled by the knowledge that my colleagues and the ATHENA Award selection committee believe I have contributed to the achievements of women in the Abilene workplace,” Gray said. “Abilene has benefited from many outstanding women who have led the way in various civic and community positions. I have a great love for and interest in Abilene, and it continues to be an honor to be involved in this community.”
Since the program’s inception in 1982 more than 5,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and most recently the United Kingdom. The award recipient has the opportunity to interact with an international network of leaders and is invited to attend the ATHENA International Leadership Conference.
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