Real Frisco

Celebrating Women In Leadership

The new Neiman Marcus Willow Bend award program "Top Ten Women of Collin County" celebrates women leaders who promote and advance nonprofit missions in Collin County. The Arts of Collin County selected Jean Ellis Newman of Plano to represent their organization for 2009. Jean Ellis Newman is a powerful voice in Collin County as the founder and publisher of Plano Profile and Wishbone Graphics. Supporting the nonprofit sector, the arts, women's organizations, and civic involvement, Plano Profile magazine is one the community's most respected sources for current trends, volunteer opportunities, literature, the arts, education, and county-wide events for the past 26 years.

One of the most recognized features in each issue of Plano Profile is Newman's personal artwork. She is an accomplished artist and uses oils, watercolor, and other media to create vibrant paintings inspired from a variety of experiences and passions. Her personal connection with the arts community and appreciation for the arts’ positive economic impact make Newman a natural choice for representing the Arts of Collin County in this prestigious new program.

"Jean is a natural choice as the Arts of Collin County nominee for this award. Jean’s commitment to the Collin County community over many years, and particularly to the Arts of Collin County, as one of the visionary leaders working to bring the dream to fruition, exemplifies her love of the arts, education and Collin County. We are thrilled that she will represent the Arts of Collin County as Neiman Marcus recognizes this group of remarkable women." said Dr. Betty Bell Muns, Vice President, Arts of Collin County Commission.

Newman has been a strong supporter of the Arts of Collin County since its formative stages more than 10 years ago. She has served on the Arts of Collin County BRAVO! Capital Campaign Honorary Advisory Council and BRAVO! Campaign Plano Fundraising Team. Along with providing her leadership, she has contributed her time and talent through her personal artwork as well as a pro-bono advertising campaign created by Wishbone Graphics and published in Plano Profile.

Jean has been recognized for her leadership skills and entrepreneurial efforts many times through the years. In 2002, she was named the Citizen of the Year in Plano; in 1998, she received the Andre' Davidson Spirit of Volunteerism Award. During 1989, the Plano Chamber of Commerce presented her with the Small Business Person of the Year award; and in 1987, only five years after starting her company, she received the Athena Award which recognizes the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year. She served as the 2004 chairman of the Plano Chamber of Commerce board of directors, a five-year term on the Plano Chamber board, and a member of the 2004 Plano Economic Development Board. Other organizations to which Jean has given time, experience, and support include the Plano Public Library System, Community Credit Union, Junior League of Plano, Collin County Community College Foundation, and the Plano Symphony Orchestra have all benefited from Jean's knowledge and board participation.

"I am immensely honored by this nomination and will enjoy representing the many passionate individuals dedicated to the Arts of Collin County. Working together, we will complete this state-of-the-art performance park as a focal point for our entire community, providing enrichment for generations to come," shares Newman.

A series of events is planned for mid-August to honor and recognize the Top 10 Women in Collin County as well as to welcome the new Neiman Marcus Willow Bend General Manager Marcus Wyss. Neiman Marcus Willow Bend will host a Fall Fashion luncheon and clinic for the ten honorees. A dinner co-hosted by Plano Mayor Phil Dyer and new Neiman Marcus General Manager Marcus Wyss will be held at Neiman Marcus Willow Bend and a luncheon and fashion show to benefit the ten non-profits who are honoring these outstanding women will be held at Neiman Marcus on August 20. Tickets for this event will be available through each of the ten charities. Contact Arts of Collin County if you are interested in attending. Seating is limited.