The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce named Connie Melear the 2017 Business Woman of the Year at its June 7 Executive Luncheon, presented by Augusta University. Awarded for the seventh time, the Business Woman of the Year award is given annually to recognize a woman in the workplace for her hard work, dedication, and passion both professionally and personally. The award was sponsored by Blue Ribbon Awards and Gifts.

Holding a general contractors license in four states, Melear supervises the accounting and administrative staff and oversees all financial and corporate compliance matters as Chief Financial Officer of R.W. Allen, LLC. She also directs other non-financial operations departments within the company such as technology, equipment, human resources, and safety. Wearing many hats, she is considered the go-to person in her company to offer direction and guidance. She has served as the CFO since 2003 and has been part of the ownership team since 2006.

As the former president of Rotary Augusta, Melear was awarded the 100 percent PHF designation and Gold Club Award. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Columbia County Chamber Government Affairs Committee and the Chair of the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau Product Development Committee. She is a member of the Leadership Augusta Class of 2007 and has served in numerous leadership positions within the Augusta Metro Chamber. In 2009, she received the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals Award.

Along with professional accomplishments and civic involvement, Melear has volunteered in various capacities with First Baptist Church of Augusta, Riverside Elementary Principal’s School Council, Greenbrier High School Baseball, CSRA Republican Women’s Club, and Richmond County Chair Committee to Elect Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.