Miranda Pederson/Daily NewsTamara Vogler (center), vice president and certified lender at BB&T, is congratulated by Rick Wilson (from left), president of BB&T, and surrounded by her husband Ken Vogler, her son, Nathaniel, 16, and Joy Rogers after Vogler was announced as the 2011 ATHENA Award winner Thursday at Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler.

Tamara Vogler had a phone call to make Thursday afternoon.

Upon learning she was named the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award Winner at a ceremony at Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler, it was her mother, Marilyn Hayden in Paducah, who Vogler wanted to reach.

Hayden gave Vogler some short words of encouragement and wisdom at the beginning of her career two decades ago. Vogler moved to Bowling Green not knowing anyone and unemployed.

“She said, ‘Get involved in the community, find a church that you are welcomed in and feel comfortable with, and get involved in a job that will help you be the person you want to be,’ ” Vogler told the crowd. “And I did all three of those things, and I really feel like that’s why I’m here today.

“My mom is a rock, and she has always made me aware of the things that are important”

Vogler is vice president and certified lender for BB&T. She’s been with BB&T for more than 25 years, after receiving an associate’s degree in secretarial administration from Paducah Community College. She obtained a banking diploma in 1992 from the American Bankers Association.

Other nominees for the award this year were Felicia Bland of Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Shannon Hunt of Spa Fabulous, Cheri Natcher of Southern Foods and Monica Wardlow of Citizens First Bank.

“We’re just excited to again be able to celebrate and honor these outstanding citizens who uplift women on a daily basis,” said Amber Martin of Martin Management Group.

Vogler’s commitment to the community runs beyond her work at BB&T. She is the chairwoman of the United Way Executive Board of Directors for 2011 and she’s also an ambassador of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I just cannot believe it,” Vogler said. “I’ve been honored with an award so many great professional women have been honored to get. It’s really overwhelming to think I’ve made a big enough difference in this community that somebody felt I needed to be rewarded for it. That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to make a difference.”

Vogler said she plans to still be involved in a number of community activities, including music ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

“I will always be involved in something as long as it’s important and I can make a difference,” Vogler said.

Vogler is the 26th recipient of the ATHENA Award. She will be formally honored during the ATHENA Luncheon on Nov. 10 at Sloan Convention Center.

“I think everyone that has a chance to make a difference should,” Vogler said. “And a lot of these people have. A lot of these people have mentored me over the years. I really feel like I accepted this award on behalf of all the people that have helped me to be the person I am.”

Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased online at www.bgchamber.com.