The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA), now in its 29th year, has selected 39 individuals who live or work in Hamilton County to take part in its 10-month community leadership program. Founded in 1991, HCLA connects community leaders to issues, causes and opportunities that impact Hamilton County.
Each year, HCLA selects participants through a highly competitive application process. Class members are selected based on their community involvement, professional achievement, and their passion and desire to make an impact through leading and serving in Hamilton County.
“It’s such an exciting time in Hamilton County’s history. The success we have seen and the growth we have experienced has been driven by strong leaders and community champions who have developed a clear vision and worked collaboratively to achieve it,” said HCLA Executive Director John Robbins. “We’re not here to create leaders, but rather to amplify the impact of our existing leaders by helping them develop their knowledge of the county, connect with other leaders in the community and inspire them to lead and make an impact in their own backyard. HCLA helps to strengthen Hamilton County now and in the future.”
Class of 2020
- Kayla Arnold, Community Relations Specialist, City of Carmel
- Tony Bagato, Director of Planning & Zoning, City of Fishers
- Joseph Barnes, Associate/Architecture, RATIO Architects, Inc.
- Jake Bates, Associate Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bank
- Chaka Coleman, Deputy Clerk, City of Fishers
- Polly Craig, Philanthropy Officer, Riverview Health Foundation
- Bethany Gremel, Director of Human Resources, Beck’s Hybrids
- Caleb Gutshall, Assistant Director, Planning and Development, City of Noblesville
- Chuck Haberman, Leader of Workforce Development, Gaylor Electric
- Patrick Haney, Noble Crossing Elementary Principal, Noblesville Schools
- Deanna Hartman, Commercial Credit Manager, Assistant Vice President, Elements Financial
- Mandy Haskett, Leadership Consultant, ADVISA
- Justin Hirnisey, Executive Director, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation
- Stephanie Holmes-Gullans, Self-Sufficiency Advocate, Prevail Inc.
- Stephen Hunt, Senior Manager, Community Development, American Cancer Society
- Laura Kelner, Director of Sales, Hamilton County Tourism
- Emily Kibling, Account Director, Hirons
- Karen King, Communications Analyst, MISO
- Michael Lee, Finance Manager, Carmel Redevelopment Commission
- Eric Maxwell, Business Development Executive, CleanSlate Technology Group
- Rebekah Metzger, Program Manager, HAND Inc.
- Scott O’Neil, Business Development, OfficeWorks
- Megan Peck, Owner & Mental Health Therapist, Mini Minds
- Heather Perdue, Director, Philanthropy, IU Health
- Peter Primason, Insurance Agent, Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Ranjit Puthran, Board of Trustees, Carmel Clay Public Library
- Lauren Schregardus, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Content by Carter
- Brian Seitz, Patron Services Manager, The Center for the Performing Arts
- Carol Sergi, Director of Marketing, Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation
- Angela Smitherman, Director of Westfield Welcome, City of Westfield
- Lisa Sobek, Executive Chair, Noblesville Diversity Coalition
- Lorna Steele, Executive Director, Noblesville Main Street
- Patrick Sullivan, Associate Attorney, Banks & Brower, LLC
- Kelsey Sweet, Communications Coordinator, Hamilton East Public Library
- Brian Tomamichel, Chief Financial Officer, Westfield Washington Schools
- Brandon Weddle, Senior Business Development Manager, Meyer Najem Construction
- Tim White, Vice President of Client Services, Janus Developmental Services
- Rachel Woloshin, Associate Attorney, Church Church Hittle + Antrim
- William Wood, Client & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
Sam Mishelow will serve the incoming HCLA class as Curriculum Dean. Mishelow, the Chief Strategy Officer for Meyer Najem, is an HCLA graduate and former board member. The dean plays an important role in providing meaningful insight and expertise throughout class days. The dean is an ambassador for the program in the community and will collaborate with the HCLA Executive Director and Board of Directors throughout the year.
HCLA classes meet monthly from August through June. The program touches on a variety of topics, from Government, Public Safety and Education to Business and Arts and Culture. Over 10 months, participants will hear from more than 100 community, nonprofit and business leaders throughout Hamilton County.
For more information, visit hcla.net. For additional information about the program contact John Robbins at jrobbins@HCLA.net or (317) 606-0324.
About Hamilton County Leadership Academy
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy helps leaders connect to their communities, so they can make a difference. Everything the organization does is tied to one of their three pillars: Learn, connect and lead. The core program and related curriculum helps participants gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of Hamilton County. Its 29-year history in the community and more than 700 alumni provide meaningful connections throughout the county. A commitment to leading in the community challenges participants and alumni to seek out issues, causes and projects that will help to make Hamilton County an amazing place to live, work and play.