A member of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees has received the prestigious Athena Award for her commitment to the community. Local business owner Doris Huebner received the award from the Smithfield-Selma Chamber Women’s Business Network (CWBN), an organization that focuses on giving back to the community by supporting professional women and those seeking educational opportunities.

The Athena Award annually recognizes women who share a commitment to nurture and support other women and their larger community. It honors individuals for their professional excellence, community service, and active assistance to women as they work to build leadership skills and attain professional excellence.

“I am delighted to receive this tremendous honor,” said Huebner. “Community service is something I enjoy – an opportunity to support others and watch them succeed. To be recognized for my involvement in those efforts is very meaningful and very much appreciated.”

Huebner, her husband, Fred, and their son John, own and operate more than a dozen McDonald’s restaurants in Wake, Johnston and Harnett counties. They have earned numerous awards from McDonald’s, including the top two honors awarded by the company: the prestigious Golden Arch Award and the Ronald Award. They have also received several local awards, including The Entrepreneur Award from the Garner Chamber of Commerce, 2012 Business of the Year from the Benson Chamber of Commerce, and 2013 Business of the Year from the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Huebner was awarded the Woman of the Year award by the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce in Garner. She currently serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina, the Garner Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Four Oaks Advisory Board, and the Garner Economic Development Corporation Advisory Board. Huebner attended Sampson Community College, Southwood College in Salemburg, N.C., and Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.

Doris and her husband have two children and four grandchildren.