County’s four mayors to speak on ‘regionalism’ at HCLA’s Leadership Summit, distinguished alumni will be honored

Hamilton County’s four mayors will gather to discuss regionalism at Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s 11th annual Leadership Summit.

This year’s summit will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, and Westfield Mayor Scott Willis will serve on the panel moderated by Terry Anker, dean of the HCLA Class of 2014.

Coyle

“We are thrilled to be one of the first community organizations in Hamilton County to bring our mayors together and learn how regionalism is shaping their work and the future of where we live, work, and play,” HCLA Executive Director Diana Coyle said. “Community partnerships play a vital role in achieving our mission of amplifying the impact of leaders in the community. We believe informed and connected citizens understand the policy, process, and people who shape the lived experiences of residents and can cultivate change and support for growth in rewarding ways.”

The event is open to the public. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available at HCLA.net. Registration closes on Wednesday, June 5.

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The event will also feature HCLA’s Distinguished Alumni & Honorary Alumni Awards. Each year, HCLA recognizes alumni and community partners for their commitment and service to HCLA and their impact in Hamilton County.

Davis

Andrea Davis, executive director of HAND, Inc. and graduate of HCLA’s Class of 2014, is the winner of the 2024 HCLA Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni from the HCLA program who have made a difference in the HCLA network and Hamilton County through their service to the community and leadership efforts. The recipient has utilized the knowledge gained from HCLA to leave a mark in the community where they reside and work.

Davis joined HAND in 2016 after more than 20 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, most recently for the Indianapolis Business Journal. A Fishers resident, she is also a graduate of the Fishers City Government Academy.

Brenda Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., is the 2024 HCLA Honorary Alumni. The HCLA Honorary Alumni Award recognizes a Hamilton County leader for their investment, advocacy, and partnership with HCLA. Honorees are not alumnus of the program but have a deep belief in the mission and vision of HCLA and the impact graduates can make in the community.

Myers

Myers has more than 35 years of experience in tourism development, working in cultural attractions management as well as in tourism development for the state of Indiana. She helped lead Hamilton County’s work on the White River Vision Plan and collaborated with her team and local leadership to create the Business of Entertainment, Sport & Tourism Fund under the care of Karen Radcliff.

During her tenure, Hamilton County Tourism has given more than $15 million to the community in the form of grants and research support and now gives back under the Inspire Hamilton County arm of tourism’s work, supporting People, Place, Planet, & Prosperity.

About HCLA
Hamilton County Leadership Academy unites, inspires, and empowers confident leaders from varied industries to support Hamilton County. The 11-month program provides those who work or live in Hamilton County with unique access to knowledge, community leaders, and local organizations. HCLA graduates gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the county; create meaningful, life-long connections with their peers, HCLA alumni, and community leaders; and are inspired and empowered to drive and amplify community impact. Learn more at HCLA.net.