Oct. 22, 2026
Molinengo recognized for remarkable volunteer service
Hank Molinengo is the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year, presented by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. He is recognized for remarkable volunteer service to several local nonprofits.
Following a distinguished career with the U.S. Navy and George Washington University Law School, Molinengo moved to Springfield in 2020 to be closer to his daughter’s family. He began volunteering in the community and has since dedicated countless hours to several agencies, including:
- Springfield Public Schools, as a reading buddy and custodian at Disney Elementary, and as a member of the Back to School Bash Event Planning Committee; in 2024, SPS named Molinengo its Volunteer of the Year;
- Crosslines Community Outreach, as an organizer and promoter of supply drives; and
- CoxHealth EMS and CoxHealth Foundation, as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention through the Wellness for Warriors program.
Hank Molinengo is recognized for his remarkable volunteer service to several local nonprofits.
Molinengo received Humanitarian nominations from Brent Johnson, Diana Flannigan and Carson Trussell.
“What sets Hank apart is not simply the amount of time he gives, but the intentionality and generosity with which he serves,” says Wes Bucholz, vice president of programs for Crosslines, in a letter of support. “He approaches every opportunity with humility, reliability and a genuine desire to make a difference. Whether working behind the scenes to secure supplies or serving directly alongside fellow volunteers, Hank consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to helping others with dignity and compassion.”
The CFO will present the Humanitarian award to Molinengo at the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Ozark Region Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day celebration at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2431 N. Glenstone Ave. The event honors a range of individuals and organizations involved in many facets of philanthropy. For tickets, visit cfozarks.org/npd.
“What sets Hank apart is not simply the amount of time he gives, but the intentionality and generosity with which he serves.”
The Humanitarian of the Year Award was founded in 1990 by the late Springfield donor Jewell Thompson Schweitzer to honor individuals in the region who excel at serving others in a humanitarian capacity. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes a committee to review nominations and select the recipient.
This year’s selection committee was chaired by Marshall Kinne, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect, and included:
- Alyea Alldredge, Mercy Health Foundation
- Cole Currier, Currier and Company, Branson Lakes Area Chamber chair-elect
- Zora Mulligan, Missouri State University-West Plains, Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce board member
- Maleah Spencer, The Kitchen Inc.
- Jamie Trussell, Crosslines Community Outreach
- Dr. Dean Van Galen, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect
Molinengo will receive a $5,000 cash award, which is traditionally donated to one or more charities of the honoree’s choice. For a list of past honorees, please visit cfozarks.org/humanitarian.
