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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is proud to announce that Beth Hollis, vice president of variable operations at West Herr Auto Group, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award.

Beth was presented with the award on Nov. 4 at BNP Leading Women, a new event, sponsored by Seneca Resorts & Casinos, that creates space for women shaping the future of Western New York to collaborate, share experiences and have meaningful conversations.

“Beth’s leadership represents the very best of what the ATHENA Award celebrates,” said BNP CEO Dottie Gallagher. “She has built an extraordinary career marked by vision, integrity and mentorship, paving the way for countless women to grow and lead in their own right. Her example reflects the strength of West Herr, as well as our entire region, when women are empowered to lead.”

The ATHENA Leadership Award is a remarkable distinction and fulfills ATHENA International’s mission of supporting, developing and honoring those who inspire women to achieve their full potential. The award recognizes an individual who strives toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment by actively guiding and mentoring women, excelling in their chosen profession, and devoting time and energy to their community in meaningful ways.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this prestigious Athena Award,” Beth said in her acceptance speech. “For those who know me, you know my greatest joy in life is giving and serving – personally and professionally. No matter how big or how small – every act of kindness, intentional service, every effort to build someone’s confidence and help them live their best life – all of it matters. Those small acts of lifting others up create a compounding effect – one that strengthens companies, enriches communities and leaves a legacy of lasting success.”

A trailblazer in the male-dominated automotive industry, Beth has spent more than two decades breaking barriers and redefining leadership through empathy, vision and results. She has been instrumental in West Herr’s continued growth and success, while also championing workplace inclusion and mentorship for women across all levels of business. In 2024, West Herr President & CEO Scott Bieler designated Beth as his successor.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Beth's impact extends deeply into the community through her philanthropic involvement with organizations including the BNP, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Club and Univera.

"Beth is truly a remarkable person who lives her life with integrity, empathy, persistence and urgency to serve others. She is an exceptional servant leader, who has positively impacted our company and the WNY community as well,” said Scott, who nominated Beth for this year’s award. “Beth has continually demonstrated an outstanding business acumen, a strong ability to plan, lead and execute with her team. She is very results oriented and accomplishes our goals while exhibiting our core values.

“Beth has a natural empathy for her employees, customers, friends and family members, and truly has genuine concern for others. She is an excellent role model for our entire team and our community, and she continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our employees, customers and the community.”

Beth was the recipient of the Buffalo Women of Influence Award in 2017 and has been featured on the Business First Power 200 Women list since 2022; most recently as No. 29. She was also featured in the Second Edition of Inspiring Women of Western New York, published in 2022.

The BNP congratulates Beth on this well-deserved honor and celebrates all the women who continue to inspire progress in Western New York’s business community.