The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Lynn Utter, President and Chief Operating Officer of Knoll Office will receive the 2015 Paradigm Award, the region’s most prestigious award for businesswomen.
The award is presented annually to a singular woman in business whose outstanding professional and personal achievements serve as a model of excellence. The honoree’s leadership and dedication contribute significantly to the Greater Philadelphia region, and she is respected in her profession and throughout the community for her commitment to excellence and her vision for women and future generations.
Ms. Utter was appointed president and COO of Knoll, North America in 2008, and her role was expanded to include global responsibilities for Knoll Office in 2011. Knoll is recognized worldwide as a leading designer and manufacturer of branded furniture and textiles, focusing on innovation and modern design for work environments and residences.
Before joining Knoll, Ms. Utter served as chief strategy officer for Coors Brewing Company. During her ten years at Coors, she held a myriad of operating and strategic roles for the brewer. Earlier in her career, Ms. Utter spent six years with Frito-Lay, and four years in management consulting with Strategic Planning Associates in Washington, D.C.
“It is an honor to receive the Paradigm Award,” said Ms. Utter. “Past winners of this award served as role models to other women and made many valuable contributions to the region. I am pleased to be in their company.”
Ms. Utter is currently a director for WESCO International, serves on the Internal Audit Committee for The University of Texas, and serves or has served on a number of not-for profit boards with the Stanford Graduate School of Business, UT, and the United Way. She is a Henry Crown Fellow at The Aspen Institute, and has held a number of leadership roles with entities supporting the advancement of women in the workplace. Lynn has been inducted to the McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame and recognized as an Outstanding Young Texas Ex. She has also received the John Gardner Award for service as well as the Award of Merit from Stanford.
Ms. Utter and her husband, Ward, reside in Devon, Pennsylvania with their two children.
“Lynn is one of the nation’s most influential women in business and is an outstanding role model for all professionals within our region,” said GPCC President and CEO Rob Wonderling. “We are fortunate to have a leader of her stature in our community.”
On Friday, March 27, 2015, the business community will celebrate Ms. Utter’s accomplishments with the presentation of the Paradigm crystal sculpture at a luncheon at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Ms. Utter will also designate $25,000 in charitable gifts provided with support from Ernst & Young. For more information about the event or to register, visit: gpcc.com/paradigm
In addition, the program will also include the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women, which awards several women up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to help complete their undergraduate degrees while working full-time at Chamber member companies. A special presentation will be made to the Stradley Ronon scholar.
Awarded annually since 1992, Lynn Utter is the 23rd Paradigm honoree. She is joining a distinguished field of past recipients that includes Sue Schick of UnitedHealthcare; Mary Stengel Austen of Tierney; Renee Amoore of The Amoore Group; and Judith von Seldeneck of Diversified Search Companies.
Register Now: Paradigm Award Luncheon
