The 71st Woman of the Year is Judy Renshaw. Renshaw received the award at Wednesday’s Rotary Club meeting at First United Methodist Church in downtown Jackson. The Altrusa Club of Jackson began naming the Woman of the Year in 1952. The Rotary Club began to carry on the tradition in 2016. Elaine Christian was selected Woman of the Year for 2023.

Renshaw devoted immeasurable service during her forty years with the Greater Jackson Chamber, working with Leadership Jackson, Leadership University, Westar Leadership and the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership.

Renshaw’s years of service include being involved with the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse as a member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Blue Suede Dinner and Auction and with the Circles of Hope Telethon. She has also served on the boards of The American Red Cross Jackson Chapter, and Jackson Arts Council.

Other areas of community service include the Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Commission, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, March of Dimes, Jackson Exchange Club and the Special Olympics. 

“Serving the community, the church, was just something that was always second nature with my parents. We always wanted to make our community a better place to live. Being able to reach out and serve is such a blessing, especially with Leadership Jackson when we were able to meet so many people who wanted to make our community a better place, what a blessing and I’m just so honored , ” said Renshaw. When she retired from the Chamber’s Leadership Jackson Alumni Association honored her by naming a scholarship for graduating Seniors after her.

Renshaw says of the experience that being able to see others grow and be nourished by something she had a part in is a blessing that she will never forget.