Leadership Springfield recognized Andrea Brady as the recipient of the 2025 Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership and Chris Hoeman as the 2025 Visionary Volunteer at our annual One Big Class Reunion. These two exceptional leaders embody the mission of Leadership Springfield! Continue reading to learn more about our award honorees and their community impact.
Kenworthy Award Winner
Andrea Brady has built a remarkable legacy through consistency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. A respected professional and trusted leader, Andrea has spent her career empowering individuals, guiding team development, and creating community connections that leave a lasting impact.
Andrea currently serves as Community Outreach and Development Manager at Great Southern Bank, where she has been for over two decades. Her career path includes former roles in retail banking and human resources, with responsibility for operations across 19 banking centers and supervision of more than 170 employees.
A graduate of Leadership Springfield Signature Class 25, Andrea went on to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors, including as Board President in 2016-2017, helping guide the organization during a time of significant growth and historic transition.
Her community engagement spans an impressive list of service roles, including board positions with The Victim Center, Lost & Found Grief Center, Springfield Ballet, Sculpture Walk Springfield, the Springfield Library Public Building Corporation, and continued involvement with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Andrea’s Rotary service is equally distinguished. She has served as Club President of the Rotary Club of Springfield Metro, Assistant District Governor, District Membership Engagement Chair, Rotary Leadership Academy Instructor, and Show Me Rotary Council member — reflecting her commitment to service above self.
Andrea was honored with Great Southern Bank’s inaugural Bill and Ann Turner Distinguished Community Service Award in 2015, a testament to her leadership and dedication. Her wholehearted approach to everything she does continues to inspire those around her.
“Andrea’s steadfast commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement exemplifies the very mission of Leadership Springfield,” said Larry Stock, the 2024 Kenworthy Award recipient, during the annual One Big Class Reunion event last night. “She often jokes that she can’t say no, but we see that her heart says yes to opportunities that build a stronger community, and we are all better for it.”
Visionary Volunteer Award Winner
Chris Hoeman is the recipient of the 2025 Visionary Volunteer Award, which honors a Leadership Springfield graduate who demonstrates exceptional service, leadership, and long-term commitment to the organization’s mission.
Chris currently serves as Chief Litigator for the City of Springfield and has built a career rooted in public service and justice, including previous work as a senior assistant prosecuting attorney and civil litigator.
A graduate of Leadership Springfield’s Signature Class 37, Chris first connected with the organization as a high school student in its Academy Class — a program he would later return to support as a volunteer advisor and ultimately as Academy Program Chair. In that role, he oversees the program’s execution, trains adult advisors, and helps mentor hundreds of students each year.
Chris now serves as Past President of the Leadership Springfield Board of Directors, continuing to shape the organization’s strategic direction during a period of expansion and innovation. He balances his professional responsibilities with his role as a father to three young daughters, showing up consistently with kindness, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of service.
“Chris leads with humility, steadiness, and integrity,” said Carrie Richardson, Leadership Springfield Executive Director. “His behind-the-scenes work to invest in others is unmatched, and we are honored to celebrate his commitment as this year’s Visionary Volunteer.”
Congratulations once again to this year’s award honorees! We are proud to celebrate your impact.
About the Awards
The O. Franklin Kenworthy Outstanding Leadership Award was established in 1989 in memory of Franklin Kenworthy, a posthumous graduate of Signature Class 3. Recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and ethical standards while exemplifying the mission of Leadership Springfield.
The Visionary Volunteer Award, launched in 2024, recognizes a Leadership Springfield graduate whose volunteer service and ongoing impact help propel the organization forward.
For more information and to view past award honorees, click here.
