Oct. 16, 2025
Stenger recognized for volunteer leadership of numerous nonprofits
Stephanie Stenger has been named the Humanitarian of the Year for her volunteer leadership of Springfield nonprofits and community initiatives, particularly for her role in Junior League of Springfield’s founding of Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery.
Stenger is CEO of Springfield Land LP, a real estate development company. She has served in leadership roles with numerous nonprofits, including Junior League of Springfield, Care to Learn, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Springfield-Greene County Library District’s Board of Trustees, Friends of the Zoo and Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Stenger was also integral in Moxie Cinema’s conversion to a nonprofit in 2010.
Among her many volunteer leadership roles, Stephanie Stenger chaired the CFO’s Board of Directors from 2015–2016.
“Stephanie is an ambassador for our community’s health and welfare through her countless hours of tireless service. She has used her time, talent and educational expertise to help numerous nonprofits,” said Morey Mechlin, a community leader and advocate, in a letter of support. “Her focus is always on helping them achieve their goals, and she does this by building healthy and sustainable relationships. She listens, learns and leads.”
Mechlin credits Stenger for sharing her expertise in finance and law during the planning and development of Isabel’s House, which opened in 2007. “While there were several women involved in the research, planning, fundraising and opening of Isabel’s House, Stephanie is recognized by all involved as key to the Junior League of Springfield project’s success.”
The 40th person to receive the award over 36 years, Stenger currently serves as president of Moxie Cinema, an executive committee member of Legal Services of Southern Missouri and a board member of the Library Foundation.
“Her focus is always on helping them achieve their goals, and she does this by building healthy and sustainable relationships. She listens, learns and leads.”
The CFO will present the Humanitarian award to Stenger at the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Ozark Region Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day celebration at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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.
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 Jessica Harmison-Olson, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect and Maxon Fine Jewelry owner, and included:
- Dr. John Birchett, Second Baptist Church, Springfield
- Cassie Cunningham, White River Valley Electric, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect
- John Hunter, American Ramp Company, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce chair-elect
- Jason Leininger, Schweitzer Church, Springfield
- Aaron Wheeler, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative Inc., West Plains Chamber of Commerce chair-elect
Stenger 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.
