Triangle East Chamber celebrates eight distinguished finalists during annual leadership dinner
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — October 7, 2026 — The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce has named Martha Dockery, Founder and CEO of Superior Clinical Research, LLC, the 2026 Triangle East ATHENA International Leadership Award recipient.
Dockery was honored during the Chamber's ATHENA Leadership Award Dinner on October 6, an evening dedicated to celebrating women whose professional excellence, community service, and commitment to developing other women exemplify the principles of ATHENA leadership.
With more than 20 years of experience in clinical research, Dockery has built a career around improving access, representation, and participation in clinical trials. Her work to address underrepresentation has included strategies that increased diverse enrollment by 35 percent, and she founded Superior Clinical Research with a commitment to making high-quality clinical research more accessible and community-rooted.
Her impact extends beyond her professional accomplishments. Through her professional network, Rooted & Rise Collective, Launch JoCo, and other community involvement, Dockery has intentionally mentored, connected, and created opportunities for women to grow as professionals and leaders.
A philosophy that emerged throughout Dockery's nomination was the distinction she makes between mentorship and sponsorship: mentorship involves sharing knowledge, while sponsorship requires a leader to use her relationships, reputation, and influence to help another woman move forward.
“Martha's leadership reflects what the ATHENA Award is ultimately about—not simply achieving success, but using that success to create opportunity for others,” said Kelly Wallace, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. “She understands the power of opening a door for someone and then giving that person the confidence and space to lead. That is leadership that multiplies, and we are proud to recognize Martha as our 2026 ATHENA recipient.”
Celebrating the 2026 ATHENA Finalists
Dockery was selected from an accomplished group of eight finalists representing business, government, banking, technology, nonprofit service, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
The 2026 Triangle East ATHENA Leadership Award finalists were:
- Martha Dockery, Superior Clinical Research, LLC
- Randa Gay, Isaiah 117 House
- Joelina Landa, United Community
- Cindy Mason, Over the Moon Boutique
- Natasia McLean, NDM Method LLC & Say Y.E.S. Foundation, Inc.
- Kimberly Pickett, Town of Smithfield
- April Stephens, The April Stephens Team at eXp Realty
- Susan Watson, retired, Parrish & Underwood Funeral Homes
Each finalist was recognized during the dinner for demonstrating the principles of ATHENA leadership through professional achievement, service to others, and a commitment to helping women recognize and reach their leadership potential.
The recipient was selected by a committee composed of past Triangle East ATHENA Leadership Award recipients, continuing the tradition of ATHENA honorees helping identify and celebrate the women who will carry that legacy forward.
An Evening Celebrating Leadership
Michelle Creech Ball, Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court, served as the evening's keynote speaker. A Johnston County native, Ball has served as Clerk of Superior Court since 2014 and leads an office of more than 50 employees across seven divisions.
Her leadership has extended statewide, including Johnston County's role as one of four pilot counties for North Carolina's eCourts initiative. In August 2026, Ball was elected by her peers to serve as Treasurer of the Executive Board of the Conference of Clerks of Superior Court. She also co-chairs the Conference's Technology Committee and has served on multiple statewide committees and task forces.
The Triangle East Chamber extends its appreciation to the sponsors and community partners whose support made the celebration possible.
Call Pernell served as the Presenting Sponsor, with Chandler Pernell providing greetings on behalf of the company during the program.
Gold Sponsors were Evolve Nutrition and The Neuse Country Club.
Silver Sponsors were Coates Hearing Clinic, The Insurance Shoppe of NC, The Town Florist and Crooked Row.
Outback of Smithfield provided catering for the celebration, and Town Florist of Princeton and Crooked Row Produce provided the evening's floral décor.
“Every finalist recognized this year reminds us that there is no single model of leadership,” Wallace said. “What they share is a willingness to use their talents, experiences, and influence to make the path a little wider for someone coming behind them. That is at the heart of ATHENA leadership.”
About the ATHENA Leadership Award
The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service that improves the quality of life in their community; and actively assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.
Through its participation in the ATHENA program, the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce celebrates leaders whose influence extends beyond their individual accomplishments to develop, encourage, and create opportunities for others.
About the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce leads communities toward sustainable economic growth and works to build a nationally competitive, economically diverse, relevant, and collaborative region. Through business advocacy, workforce and leadership development, economic development initiatives, member engagement, and regional collaboration, the Chamber connects businesses and community leaders to opportunities that help the Triangle East region Connect, Grow and Prosper.
