Mary Bodnar business woman of the year story

Mary Bodnar Named Business Woman of the Year; BWFC Presents Check to Bloom

Mary Bodnar was named the 2025 Business Woman of the Year by Business Women of Fayette and Coweta (BWFC), recognized for her leadership, reliability, and long-standing commitment to community service.

The honor was announced during BWFC’s meeting last Tuesday at Curious Kitchen in Newnan, where Bodnar was also formally installed as the organization’s president.

Bodnar, a longtime BWFC member and Peachtree City resident, was selected for her consistent willingness to step forward, take responsibility, and follow through. Cathy Geis, who both serves on the Board of the BWFC and is the BWFC’s 2024 Business Woman of the Year, said Bodnar brings both creativity and action to every role she assumes.

“Mary brings a unique set of qualities to BWFC,” Geis said. “She has a ‘get ’er done’ attitude and quickly takes on her responsibilities, offering creative ideas to address issues and solve problems.”

Over the years, Bodnar has served on numerous fundraising committees and recently chaired BWFC’s 2025 Music Bingo event. Geis said Bodnar’s service extends well beyond scheduled meetings, reflecting a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and the broader community.

“She attends meetings regularly and has volunteered for local nonprofit fundraising booths at the Air Show for many years,” Geis said. “This demonstrates that she goes beyond BWFC’s expectations and actively serves our local community.”

Bodnar balances her volunteer leadership with a full-time career at a major airline. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she also works with OPTAVIA, a weight loss program she personally succeeded with, using her experience to help others navigate their own health journeys.

Geis said Bodnar’s recent health successes have further shaped her desire to serve, strengthening her commitment to supporting others while maintaining a demanding professional schedule.

“While fulfilling her recent VP duties this year, she remained attuned to her upcoming responsibilities as president,” Geis said. “All that, but she is still willing to lead BWFC and is taking on this responsibility with a positive attitude.”

Ellie White-Stevens, BWFC’s 2025 President, said Bodnar embodies the values the organization works to promote among women in business.

“Mary Bodnar really represents the best of us,” White-Stevens said. “She is a positive leader, who always leads by example. She does the work. She steps into the gap, gets important work done for the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta. It’s a pleasure to know her and to pass my baton to someone so worthy of both praise and presidency.”

BWFC leaders said Bodnar’s recognition as Business Woman of the Year reflects not only her past contributions, but the steady leadership she is expected to bring as the organization continues to support and connect women in business across Fayette and Coweta counties.

Her selection highlights the impact of consistency, service, and leadership grounded in action — qualities members say Bodnar brings to every role she accepts.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the BWFC also gave a check for $5000 to Bloom, which serves foster kids and parents. This represented the proceeds from BWFC’s annual business women’s conference, Connect and Conquer.

The Business Women of Fayette and Coweta is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in business while giving back to the local community. Founded by two local businesswomen with a vision to support and connect female business owners, the group provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, networking, and community outreach through regular events and committee work. Those interested can learn more about upcoming events on the organization’s calendar and explore membership options at www.bwfcc.org. Women who own, run, or work in businesses or nonprofits are encouraged to attend up to two meetings without any obligation to join.