Mrs. Cindy Tierney, Director of Middle School Curriculum and Instruction, received the ATHENA Leadership Award® at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Networking luncheon at the Convention Center. According to the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce’s website, the ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to a woman who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The award represents eight distinct attributes that are reflective of women’s contributions to leadership: Authentic Self, Relationships, Giving Back, Collaboration, Courageous Acts, Learning, Fierce Advocacy, Celebration and Joy, all of which are encompassed by Mrs. Cindy Tierney.

Mrs. Tierney began her career with Lufkin ISD as a second grade teacher at Dunbar Primary in 2000. She has since held numerous leadership positions in the district including Literacy Coordinator, GEAR UP Coordinator, Herty Primary Principal, and most recently Anderson Elementary Principal.

Mrs. Tierney received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and two Master’s of Education degrees, one as a Reading Specialist and another in Educational Administration, all from Stephen F. Austin State University.

She has served as the State Secretary for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) and is actively involved in Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church. Cindy is a past president of the Junior League of Lufkin and the Lufkin Rotary Club. She currently serves on the Kurth Memorial Library Board and is the Corresponding Secretary for the Junior League Sustainers.

Mrs. Tierney was selected as Region 7’s TEPSAN of the Year in 2016 and Lufkin ISD’s Principal of the Year in 2017. She is married to Jim Tierney, and they have two children, Kayla and Kyle.