Linda Worrell, a longtime figure in the local and Virginia business community, received the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award during the 16th annual Leadership Colloquium for Professional Women at the University of Mary Washington on Thursday, November 5.
Worrell won the Metzger Award in recognition of her career achievements, which include nearly six years at the helm of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as involvement in numerous community and business organizations. She currently heads her own business development company.
The Metzger award recognizes individuals who uphold high standards in their professional and personal lives while fulfilling a career goal of significant stature. The award is given in memory of Metzger, a UMW professor and a founder of the Colloquium, which is held yearly at the university’s Stafford campus.
Worrell brought years of experience in business development, management and planning when she took over as president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2000. She oversaw a considerable expansion of the chamber’s programs and revenues.
Worrell left the chamber to join Silver Companies, managing the development company’s local, state and federal government relations, property acquisition, investor relations and new business development. She served in this capacity from 2006 through 2008. She is currently president of Worrell Management Group, consulting in organizational and business development, strategic planning, and employee testing, training and development.
Worrell has been active in various business and community groups and organizations. She serves on numerous boards of directors, including the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Germanna Community College Educational Foundation, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Rappahannock United Way boards. Only past Colloquium participants are eligible to receive the Metzger Award, and Worrell has been a longtime advocate of the program.
Worrell “works tirelessly in any job she undertakes whether it be paid or volunteer,” Meta R. Braymer, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, said in presenting the award to Worrell. “Many of us consider her the Energizer Bunny of the Fredericksburg region.”
“She is an asset to the community and to the region,” Braymer added. “A first-rate, can-do, high energy, forward-thinking professional woman, she inspires others and serves as a role model for community leadership.
The 2009 Colloquium had the theme of “Lighting the Path Through Leadership.” This year’s Colloquium offered seminars about surviving a recession, how to run engaging meetings, time management, attaining optimal health, branding, emotional intelligence, the art of communication and other topics. Courtney Lynch, a best-selling author, nationally recognized entrepreneur and former Marine Corps officer, delivered the keynote speech.
The Colloquium is hosted annually by the University of Mary Washington. This year’s program was cosponsored by GEICO, NSWC Federal Credit Union, MediCorp Health System, Childress Heating & A/C and Sullivan Mechanics.
The Colloquium prepares women to advance in leadership roles at various stages of their careers. The program attracts managers, administrators, educators, business owners and leaders of public, private and nonprofit organizations.
For more information about the Colloquium visit www.umw.edu/lcpw.