Celebrating Service to Others
The annual Humanitarian of the Year Award honors those who have dedicated their lives to others.
Honoring Hank Molinengo
The all-star volunteer for several local agnecies will be recognized at Springfield’s National Philanthropy Day celebration on Nov. 17.
Hank Molinengo is recognized for remarkable volunteer service to several local nonprofits. Following a distinguished career with the U.S. Navy and George Washington University Law School, Molinengo moved to Springfield in 2020 to be closer to his daughter’s family. He began volunteering in the community and has since dedicated countless hours to several agencies, including:
- Springfield Public Schools, as a reading buddy and custodian at Disney Elementary, and as a member of the Back to School Bash Event Planning Committee; in 2024, SPS named Molinengo its Volunteer of the Year;
- Crosslines Community Outreach, as an organizer and promoter of supply drives; and
- CoxHealth EMS and CoxHealth Foundation, as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention through the Wellness for Warriors program.
Past Humanitarian of the Year Honorees
The award criteria describe a humanitarian as “an individual who has the courage to take decisive action, the wisdom to face aggressive challenges, and the willingness to sacrifice to affect these causes that have a long-term impact on the betterment of the community.” The award is designed to recognize a living person; posthumous nominations are not accepted. The nominations will be evaluated by an independent committee of three members of the clergy and three community leaders under the direction of the Chamber. The honoree typically receives a $5,000 cash award, which they have traditionally donated to a favorite charity.
- 2026: Hank Molinengo, dedicated volunteer for several Springfield nonprofits
- 2025: Stephanie Stenger, volunteer leader of Springfield nonprofits and community initiatives
- 2024: Sheila Michaels, school librarian and director of the BookBag program
- 2023: Dr. Heather Lyons-Burney, volunteer pharmacist and board president for My Neighbor’s Charitable Pharmacy
- 2022: Andrea Bishop, executive director of the Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center
- 2021: Dr. Robin Trotman, infectious diseases specialist with CoxHealth
- 2020: Steve Edwards, CEO of CoxHealth
- 2019: Jill Bright, retired founder and executive director of Diaper Bank of the Ozarks
- 2018: —
- 2017: Dr. David and Linda Brown, founders of the Gathering Tree and Eden Village, for their work with the homeless
- 2016: Hearld Ambler, retired Managing Partner of FORVIS LLP, for his longtime work assisting seniors with paper and online tax preparation
- 2015: Kurt Larson, Springfield attorney and founder of Safe and Sober Missouri anti-drug and -alcohol program for teens
- 2014: Morey Mechlin, retired executive director of Care to Learn, advocacy on behalf of children
- 2013: Shawn Askinosie, socially conscious entrepreneur and philanthropist
- 2012: Randy Russell, advocate for the arts and children
- 2011: Roseann Bentley, lifetime of community service
- 2010: Doug Pitt, Care to Learn and efforts in Tanzania
- 2009: Roger D. “Dusty” Shaw Jr. and William Shaw, work in Thomasville and Oregon County
- 2008: Bill Stalnaker, Boys and Girls Club and The Kitchen
- 2007: Marie Prater, The Kitchen Foundation
- 2006: Pat Walker, Founders Park and Springfield beautification
- 2005: Bill & Virginia Darr, Families for Children
- 2004: Dr. Judith Gonzalez, Hand in Hand Ministries
- 2003: Wade E. Palmer, Help Give Hope
- 2002: Dr. John Bentley, Health needs of the underserved
- 2001: Harold Bengsch, Springfield-Greene County Health Department
- 2000: Judge Thomas Mountjoy, Teen Court
- 1999: Paul & Cyndy Teas, Camp Barnabas
- 1998: John Harp, Greene County Foster Program
- 1997: Dr. Jim Blaine, Greene County Medical Society
- 1996: E.E. “Johnny” Johnson, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri
- 1995: Rev. Dorsey Levell, Council of Churches of the Ozarks
- 1994: Linda Duncan and Janie Brunette, Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Program
- 1993: Leonard Spellman, Children’s Shoe Bank/Kiwanis
- 1992: Calvin Allen, Springfield Community Center
- 1991: Sister Lorraine Biebel, The Kitchen
- 1990: Mary Beth O’Reilly, Hospice
Award Criteria
The selection committee shall consider:
... all people in Southwest Missouri, regardless of age, race, sex or religion and shall also consider any recommendations from the general public;
... the visibility of the cause or the person in the community so that others will be inspired by their humanitarian activities;
... that the person may be a volunteer or an employed person, and if employed, the quality of the humanitarian effort shall exceed that called for by the position;
... that because the award recognizes the human factor in humanitarianism, the quality of the recipient’s personal involvement with others in need of assistance or support will be carefully considered.