Nancy Lee McNew, director of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, was honored with an award from the Arkansas Community Development Society.

“When faced with an extraordinary challenge, a community needs someone with new perspectives, energy, dedication and professional skills,” according to a news release. “Nancy Lee McNew is among the next generation of Pine Bluff leaders it was noted at a ceremony in Conway last week as she was being presented with this year’s Arkansas Community Development Society ‘New Professional Award’.”

A 2013 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, McNew returned home to Pine Bluff and was hired as an event coordinator for the Pine Bluff Chamber.

“Within three years, she was promoted to director of the Chamber and is also the director of its leadership program,” according to the release.

Joy Blankenship, Pine Bluff Downtown Development Inc. executive director, nominated McNew for the award.

“Nancy Lee is a shining example of an up and coming leader that promotes the good things in our community,” Blankenship said.

“If there is a problem to solve, Nancy Lee is your gal as she meets a challenge head on and works in a way to reach consensus that is agreeable to all,” said Blankenship, who is a long-time community developer in Pine Bluff.