Knaus named NEW committee member of the year

Knaus, who serves as the secretary of the Network’s Chicago region, received the regional committee member of the year award on October 13 in front of an audience of more than 700 attendees at the 2009 NEW Leadership Summit in Dallas.

The award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to the Network and the consumer products and retail industry, and is named in honor of former NEW Regional Chair Bobbie O’Hare, vice president of sales development for the Johnson O’Hare Companies.

O’Hare joined current NEW Regional Chair Maria Edelson, vice president of marketing for Evenflo, and NEW President Alison Kenney Paul, principal at Deloitte, on stage in presenting the award.

"Diane is a role model for all,” Edelson said. "She is great at balancing the detail of her role with the strategic vision of her regional group. She expertly facilitates the communication process within her committee and is always looking for ways to improve and enhance the work and the team.” Knaus was cited for developing regional best practices for the Network, her commitment to attracting women to the consumer products and retail industry, and her work as a Network ambassador coordinating Kellogg involvement with the Network.

Knaus joined Kellogg Company in 2005 and currently serves as Morning Foods, retail team leader —Walmart. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served nine years as a retail sales manager for the Eastman Kodak Company. She started her career at American Drug Stores. Knaus holds as bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Illinois University. She and her husband, Steve Bojic, reside in Chicago.