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Awards

Woman of Distinction Award

The annual Woman of Distinction award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her professional endeavors, community involvement and social responsibility in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, thereby supporting and advancing her community and her field.

  1. Have not been a previous recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award.
  2. Have a minimum of 5 years history of promoting or supporting women in the workplace, not exclusive to Cobb.
  3. Must currently live or work in Cobb County.
  4. Must be members of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.
  5. Must meet the membership qualifications for Cobb Executive Women (CEW). Membership in CEW is not required.
  6. Nominations must come from a CEW member, Chamber member, or community member (no self-nominations).
  7. Current Steering Committee members are not eligible for nomination.

Cobb Executive Women (CEW) membership is available to women whose organizations are Cobb Chamber members. CEW defines prospective members as individuals in one of following categories: 

  • Corporate Executives:  Women who manage budgets and teams (if appropriate for your industry) and who have significant company-wide impact in at least one functional area, such as sales, marketing, or finance
  • Business Owners:  Women whose full-time role is running businesses registered with the secretary of state and have a valid business license, if required; owners of multi-level marketing businesses are not eligible
  • Nonprofit and Government Executives: Women who lead nonprofit and government teams and manage organization budgets as their full-time endeavors


For more information, contact Rebecca Chadwick at 770-859-2368 or rchadwick@cobbchamber.org.

Award Sponsor

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Winner

Congratulations to Rhonda Jacobson of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, for winning the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award!

The Cobb Chamber’s Cobb Executive Women (CEW) named the winner of the 2024 Woman of Distinction award at the June Marquee Monday event: Rhonda Jacobson, Co-Founder, Vice President of Human Resources and Gemologist at Cumberland Diamond Exchange (CDE). Jacobson’s remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to her profession and community have set a sterling example for women in business.

The Woman of Distinction award is given annually to recognize a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her professional endeavors, community involvement and social responsibility in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion thereby supporting and advancing her community and her field.

For over four decades, Jacobson has been an integral part of CDE, a family-owned fine jewelry retailer known for its exceptional service and high-quality products. Under her guidance, CDE has earned several accolades, including being recognized as the 2015 Small Business of the Year. This year, CDE is celebrating their 30th Pearl Anniversary. In addition to driving the company’s success, she has cultivated a nurturing and growth-oriented environment for her team. Her ability to mentor and inspire is evident through the thriving, successful workforce she has developed. Jacobson’s mentorship extends beyond her company, offering guidance and support to fellow professionals navigating their career transitions and business challenges.

Jacobson is a dedicated community leader who actively supports diverse causes and non-profit organizations. She has served in many leadership and board roles for organizations such as the Wellstar Foundation, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and LiveSafe Resources. In addition to her board service, the top causes she supports include SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center and Shepherd’s Men.

Jacobson’s recognition as the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award is a testament to her extraordinary contributions to both her industry and the Cobb County community. Cobb Executive Women is proud to honor such an exemplary leader who embodies the spirit of excellence, compassion, and service.

Past Award Winners

Shan Cooper, Lockheed Martin

Judge Mary Staley, Cobb County Superior Court

Dr. Yolanda Graham, Devereux Georgia Treatment Network

Tracy Styf, Town Center Community Improvement District

Holly Tuchman, Executive Director of liveSAFE Resources

Allison Giddens, Director of Operations at Win-Tech Inc.

Kim Gresh, President of S.A. White Oil Company

Shari Martin, CEO of Cobb Community Foundation

Stacey Chapman, Vice President of CROFT

Bill Kinney, Marietta Daily Journa

Ed Baker, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Ron Francis, Charter Bank

Gen. Terry Whitnell, Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Don Robertson, The Walker School

Bill Byrne, Cobb County Commission

Eleanor Davis, Crawford & Company

Shelia Buckner, Cobb County Government

Tom Hill, WellStar Health System

Gwynn Ross, Galleria Specialty Mall

Sheila Blake, WellStar Health System

Larry E. Collier, SunTrust Bank

William P. Kane, Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Ron R. Koger, Southern Polytechnic State University

Brent Brown, Chesley Brown International

Dr. Harlon Crimm, Chattahoochee Technical College

Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, Southern Polytechnic State University

Joe Daniell, United Community Bank (ret.)

Fred Bentley, Jr., Bentley, Bentley & Bentley

Bonnie Cole, United Way of Metro Atlanta

Sam Olens, Sam Olens for Attorney General

Jeri Barr, Center for Family Resources

Lisa Crossman, Cobb & Douglas Public Health

Kathy Schwaig, Kennesaw State University