From left are Kayla Crosby, Elizabeth Rowe-Baehr, Betsy Hite-Burgeson and Stacey Hannon. The women were honored recently by the Zonta Club of Jamestown with the club’s Women in Leadership Award.

The Zonta Club of Jamestown is honoring four area women with the club’s Women in Leadership Award recipients: Kayla Crosby, Stacey Hannon, Betsy Hite-Burgeson and Elizabeth Rowe-Baehr.

At the club’s May meeting, each honoree was recognized for leadership, professional achievement and commitment to service in the Jamestown region.

Kayla Crosby is an educator, administrator and community leader with a record of academic excellence and civic engagement. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from St. Bonaventure University, and an Associate Degree from Jamestown Community College, graduating with highest honors at every level. Crosby serves as executive director of #IntegrityFirst, Inc. and is also team market owner, general manager, and coach for the Lake Erie/Jamestown Jackals. Her previous roles at Jamestown Community College include director of campus life, residence director, and interim leadership positions focused on student development and engagement. Crosby is involved in regional equity and advocacy work, including participation in the Chautauqua County I.D.E.A. Coalition, Jamestown Human Rights Commission, JCC Leadership Council (chairperson), JCC DEI Task Force, American Association of University Women, and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County. She lives in Jamestown with her husky, Grace, and values her role as “Aunt Kay” to her nieces and nephews.

Stacey Hannon has been a lifelong contributor to the Jamestown community. A graduate of Jamestown High School, she was active in Girl Scouts and the marching band. Professionally, Stacey hosted the “Dial a Deal” radio program on WKSN for six years and went on to develop several entrepreneurial ventures. She also founded and served as editor of the Jamestown Gazette, a publication dedicated to highlighting local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community achievements. Her work helped elevate countless individuals and events across the region. In civic life, she served as president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown from 2009-2010 and has remained engaged in community promotion, fundraising and volunteer efforts throughout her career. Stacey and her husband, Mark, raised three children — twins Shawn and Scott, and daughter Shavonne.

Betsy Hite-Burgeson has served as supervisor of the Gardens and Landscape Department at Chautauqua Institution since 2015, where she leads environmental stewardship, horticultural education, and conservation programming. Her involvement in the “Gloves on Gardening” initiative has brought together volunteers, educators, and environmental advocates to address invasive species on the grounds of the institution. Each week, Hite-Burgeson leads educational sessions on invasive plants before guiding hands-on removal efforts, blending science education with meaningful environmental impact. Her passion for conservation has also taken her beyond local work. She participated in a Chautauqua Travels experience tracing the Monarch Butterfly migration from Western New York to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for Monarch conservation inspired those traveling with her and deepened appreciation for environmental preservation. Colleagues describe Hite-Burgeson as a passionate educator and natural leader whose ability to inspire participation has strengthened environmental awareness across the region.

Elizabeth Rowe-Baehr is a dedicated educator at Jamestown High School, where she has built a reputation for innovative, student-centered learning and leadership development. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from North Park University, a Master’s Degree from the State University at Fredonia, and completed advanced study at the University of Oxford in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. Her academic background informs her creative and interdisciplinary approach to education. Elizabeth is the founder of the “Justice for All” course, a nationally recognized-style local initiative that partners with community organizations and the Holocaust and Social Justice Education Program of Chautauqua County. The program fosters civic responsibility, critical thinking, empathy, and student leadership through real-world engagement. Beyond the classroom, she serves in multiple leadership and advisory roles, including work with nonprofit organizations and active participation in Zion Covenant Church ministries. She is also involved in several Jamestown High School clubs and student initiatives that support leadership development. Elizabeth and her husband, Jason Baehr, pastor at Zion Covenant Church, are the proud parents of five children: Mathis, Charlotte, Asher, June, and Thea.

Each year, the Zonta Club of Jamestown honors women who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to strengthening their communities with its prestigious Women in Leadership Award. For more information about the Zonta Club of Jamestown go to www.zontajamestown.org or follow the club on Facebook.