Columbia Chamber Announces 2025 Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award Winner

(Photo Courtesy of the Columbia Chamber)

The Columbia Chamber has announced the winner of the 2025 Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. This award honors an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in her industry, advocates for business, and positively impacts our community. The 2025 recipient is Cheryl Holland, founder of Abacus Planning Group.

Holland is a nationally renowned financial advisor whose national awards include the Barron’s Hall of Fame and National Association of Financial Planner’s 40 most influential members. Holland is often a speaker at national conferences particularly on culture and people development. A dedicated volunteer, Cheryl is currently a member of many boards including Chair of the Clemson University Foundation, Chair of Together Women Rise, Co-Chair for United Way of the Midlands Campaign for Good, Midlands Technical Foundation Board, Special Olympics of South Carolina, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard.

The 2025 Power in Heels event, presented by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, will be held June 12th at the Columbia Museum of Art. This women-only event will feature a “Women in Leadership” panel along with a reception featuring exciting activities like wine pulls, raffles, best shoe contest, and more. Tickets are now available.

“The Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award recognizes exceptional female leaders who exemplify the unwavering determination of Cathy Novinger,” said Carl Blackstone, Columbia Chamber President and CEO. “We are proud to honor the career achievements of Cheryl Holland for her work at Abacus and for the greater Midlands region.”