Hawthorn Woods COO receives 2020 Community Champion Award

The Village of Hawthorn Woods has announced that Chief Operating Officer Pamela O. Newton has been selected as the recipient of the Dwight Lund Community Champion Award by America in Bloom.

America in Bloom, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, promotes community enhancement programs that emphasize cultural heritage, community vitality, environmental leadership, beautification efforts, citizen engagement and urban forestry.

AIB recently sponsored its annual nationwide competition between 245 participating communities throughout the United States citing achievements in community leadership while engaging in meeting the goals of the organization.

The AIB Dwight Lund Community Champion Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the AIB mission and demonstrates a vision and selfless commitment to moving their community forward.

Newton was awarded this honor during the virtual conference and has tirelessly and enthusiastically served the village of Hawthorn Woods as its chief operating officer since 2009. Additionally, Newton has proven leadership service honors, holding various Illinois municipal, county, and state positions since 1985.

"Pam expects excellence first from herself before challenging others to always raise the bar of performance and service," America in Bloom Executive Director Laura Kunkle said. "She guides staff members with extensive experience, an inexhaustible work ethic, kindness, and compassion. A community - any community - could not ask for more."

"Pam Newton has been our Community Champion for years, and now we share her success story with others after receiving this national award for her accomplishments in leadership," Mayor Dominick DiMaggio said.

"During this year of unprecedented global health and economic challenges, it is fitting that Pam Newton has received national acclaim in 2020. This award brings honor to Hawthorn Woods and the entire state of Illinois, as Pam's talents are recognized by professionals across the nation."

For more information about the village of Hawthorn Woods, visit www.vhw.org.

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