Greater Rochester Chamber announces ATHENA International Award winners

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Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce presented its 2026 ATHENA International Awards on Thursday, recognizing women and organizations whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the Greater Rochester community. 

Naomi Silver, president, CEO and COO of the Rochester Red Wings, received the 40th annual ATHENA Award. Lindsay Connelly, founder and president of Linden Digital Marketing, was honored with the 12th ATHENA Young Professional Award. The ninth ATHENA Organizational Award was presented to The Arc of Monroe. 

The ATHENA Award is presented annually to a professional female leader who demonstrates excellence in business, community service and the advancement of women. 

Silver has served in her roles since 2010, following years of leadership in board-level roles with the organization. Her involvement with the team dates back to the late 1980s, marking a decades-long commitment to its growth and success.  

As the first female chief executive officer of a professional Minor League Baseball franchise, Silver is widely regarded as a pioneer.  

Under her leadership, the Red Wings have achieved historic success and earned recognition as one of Minor League Baseball’s most respected organizations.  

A trusted civic leader, Silver serves on numerous nonprofit and community boards, including URMC Strong Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation. 

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders between the ages of 30 and 45 who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession while contributing to the community. 

Connelly founded Linden Digital Marketing in 2018 and has grown the Rochester-based firm from a solo consultancy into an 18-person agency serving more than 80 organizations worldwide.  

Known for cultivating a values-driven, people-first culture, Connelly leads with an emphasis on empathy, clarity and sustainable growth.  

She serves as secretary of the board for Shift2 Foundation and as a board member for Causewave and Alfred State Marketing, and supports several other local organizations through volunteerism and philanthropy. 

The ATHENA Organizational Award honors a woman-owned or woman-led organization that fosters a culture encouraging women to reach their full leadership potential while supporting leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community. 

The Arc of Monroe, led by president and CEO Tracy Petrichick, supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Greater Rochester. 

For 70 years, the nonprofit has provided person-centered services across all stages of life, including residential and community-based supports, employment services, guardianship, recreation and creative arts programs. Women represent approximately 75% of the organization’s workforce and serve at all levels, from direct support professionals to executive leadership. 

Bob Duffy, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, praised this year’s honorees and finalists. 

“Individually and collectively, the impact these women and their organizations have on our community is transformational,” Duffy said. “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.” 

Award recipients were selected by a committee of professional leaders from across the Greater Rochester business community based on submitted nominations. Close to 700 community leaders attended the ceremony. 

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