Chamber News Release

ROCHESTER, NY (February 5, 2026) – Greater Rochester Chamber presented its 2026 ATHENA International Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, February 5. Naomi Silver, President, CEO, COO, Rochester Red Wings, accepted the 40th annual ATHENA Award, Lindsay Connelly, Founder & President, Linden Digital Marketing, received the 12th ATHENA Young Professional Award, and The Arc of Monroe was awarded the ninth annual ATHENA Organizational Award.

The ATHENA Award is presented annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women.

Naomi Silver has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Red Wings since 2010, following many years of leadership in board-level roles. Her involvement began in the late 1980s, dedicating her career to advancing the organization through visionary leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community. As the first female Chief Executive Officer of a professional Minor League Baseball franchise, Silver is widely recognized as a pioneer. Under her leadership, the Rochester Red Wings have experienced historic success and solidified their position as one of Minor League Baseball’s most respected organizations. Regarded as a trusted community leader, Silver serves on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including URMC Strong Hospital, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation, among others.

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders aged 30-to-45 years old who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and contribute time and energy to improve the lives of others.

Lindsay Connelly is the Founder and President of Linden Digital Marketing, a Rochester-based digital marketing agency redefining what sustainable growth and people-first leadership look like. Since founding Linden in 2018, Lindsay has grown the firm from a solo consultancy into an 18-person agency serving more than 80 organizations worldwide. Recognized for building a high-performing, values-driven team, Lindsay leads with empathy, clarity, and conviction. A dedicated community leader, she serves as Secretary of the Board for Shift2 Foundation and as a Board Member of Causewave and Alfred State Marketing. Through time and money, she also supports other organizations, including St. Ann’s Foundation, Putting for the PICU, and School Without Walls.

The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led business or organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community.

The Arc of Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across the Greater Rochester community. For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has worked to ensure people of all abilities have opportunities to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Through a wide range of person-centered services, The Arc of Monroe supports people at every stage of life, including residential and community-based supports, employment and day services, self-direction, guardianship, recreation, and creative arts programs. Women comprise approximately 75% of the organization’s staff and contribute at every level, from direct support to executive leadership. The Arc of Monroe is proudly led by President & CEO Tracy Petrichick, whose leadership prioritizes professional development and advancement opportunities for women throughout their careers.

Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congratulations to Naomi, Lindsay, Tracy and her team at The Arc of Monroe, and all of our remarkable finalists. Individually and collectively, the impact these women and their organizations have on our community is transformational. Reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the ATHENA Awards in our community, we have been proud to recognize hundreds of women, and this year’s selection of recipients and finalists joins the ranks of storied leaders and good company recognized over the past four decades. All of this year’s finalists have helped shape Greater Rochester into the community we love, and their continued leadership positions us for an even better future. We were proud to recognize them this evening alongside friends, family, and close to 700 community leaders. On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, its board of directors, and its 1,300 members, thank you to all of our finalists for your work, mentorship, and service.”

A selection committee consisting of a diverse group of professional leaders from the Greater Rochester business community determined the recipients based on submitted nominations. For a complete list of award finalists and more information on each finalist across three categories, please see our 2026 ATHENA International Awards event publication.

At tonight’s ceremony, in addition to recognizing the 2026 finalists, Greater Rochester Chamber honored the hundreds of finalists and recipients we have recognized through this program over the past 40 years in celebration of all the ways our community is better thanks to their efforts.

Founded in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, the ATHENA International Awards program honors exceptional women leaders and inspires others to pursue excellence. Over 8,000 leaders from 500+ regions around the world have received this prestigious award. Silver, Connelly, and The Arc of Monroe will now be entered into this international community of women in recognition of their impact in our community and beyond.