Zonta Woman of the Year 2009

Mary M. Briggs Named Zonta Woman of the Year by

 The Zonta Clubs of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island

The Zonta Clubs of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island are pleased to announce Mary M. Briggs, Executive Director and COO of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, as the 2009 Zonta Woman of the Year.  The Woman of the Year Award recognizes a local woman who has made significant contributions in her profession and has helped to improve the quality of life in our community. Bluffton and Hilton Head Zonta Club Presidents Becky Conn and Mary Jo Riley presented Briggs with the award at this year's Chamber of Commerce Ball.  The presentation highlighted Briggs' service to the community through leadership roles in Women in Philanthropy, the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club and as former Assistant Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools.  Briggs has also been a member of the Bluffton/Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce since 1997, serving on the workforce preparation, the education committee, and the arts and cultural committee.

The Zonta Clubs of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are part of Zonta International.  Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  Zonta members volunteer their time, talents and money to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship and award programs aimed at furthering women's education, leadership and youth development.  Nearly 33,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries.  Learn more at www.zonta.org, www.zontahhi.org or www.zontaclubofbluffton.com.