Stacy McNeiland Edmonds Named Woman of the Year
The Journal Record honored 49 women for their professional and community leadership at a recent Oklahoma City gala.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Journal Record recently named Stacy McNeiland Edmonds its 2026 Woman of the Year. The recognition came during the publication's 46th annual gala held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Why it matters
The annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate significant impact through their leadership within their respective professions and the broader community.
Edmonds currently serves as president and CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, an organization spanning 39 counties. She previously spent 12 years leading The CARE Center and is the author of the book Rex Finds His ROAR.
The players
Stacy McNeiland Edmonds
She is the president and CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma and the author of the book Rex Finds His ROAR.
The Journal Record
This publication serves as the organizer for the annual Woman of the Year awards program.
The CARE Center
This is an organization where Edmonds previously served as CEO for 12 years.
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma
This regional chapter serves 39 counties and is currently led by Edmonds.
The details
The selection process highlights female leaders who contribute to their communities and professional sectors. Prior to the evening awards gala, the honorees participated in a forum hosted at Oklahoma City Community College.
Timeline
1981 marked the year The Journal Record began recognizing Woman of the Year honorees.
August 2025 was when Stacy McNeiland Edmonds became CEO of the Girl Scouts.
October 15, 2026, was the day Stacy McNeiland Edmonds was named Woman of the Year.
Culture Shift
The selection of Edmonds follows a 45-year tradition established by the 1981 inaugural Woman of the Year awards. This ceremony reflects broader societal shifts toward highlighting female professional advancement within the Oklahoma business community.
Local community members can engage with the leadership of award-winning organizations like the Girl Scouts through regional volunteer opportunities and public programs. The recognition of these 49 leaders may encourage residents to support local professional development and mentorship initiatives.
The takeaway
Recognizing leadership milestones provides a valuable framework for understanding the contributions of local executives to regional development. Readers can look to the professional trajectories of these honorees as templates for community engagement and career advancement.
Further reading
For more information on regional initiatives, visit the Women’s Issues section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal Record.
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