TheNetwork of Executive Women(NEW) said it honoredDiane Knaus, retail team leader forKellogg Company, with NEW's "Bobbie O’Hare Award" for 2009.

The award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to NEW as well as the consumer products and retail industry. The award is named in honor of former NEW Regional Chair Bobbie O’Hare, vice president of sales development for the Johnson O’Hare Companies.

NEW presented its award to Knaus -- secretary for NEW's Chicago region -- during the 2009 NEW Leadership Summit in Dallas. Bobbie O’Hare joined current NEW Regional Chair Maria Edelson, vice president of marketing for Evenflo, and Alison Kenney Paul, principal at Deloitte, on stage in presenting the award.

“Diane is a role model for all,” Edelson said. “She is great at balancing the detail of her role with the strategic vision of her regional group. She expertly facilitates the communication process within her committee and is always looking for ways to improve and enhance the work and the team.”

Knaus was cited for developing regional best practices for NEW, her commitment to attracting women to the consumer products and retail industry, and her work as a network ambassador coordinating Kellogg involvement with NEW.

Knaus joined Kellogg Company in 2005 and serves as Morning Foods, retail team leader-Walmart. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served nine years as a retail sales manager for the Eastman Kodak Company. She started her career at American Drug Stores.