Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, City Councilor Megan Wiles and Community and Economic Development Director Sarah Reed were presented with Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s (HCLA) Impact Award during the eighth annual Leadership Summit. The HCLA Impact Award is dedicated to distinguished alumni who have shaped their communities and created lasting impact throughout Hamilton County.
“It was exciting to share in this accolade with fellow Noblesville leaders Megan Wiles and Sarah Reed,” said Jensen, a graduate of the Class of 2015. “HCLA has helped guide my career in public service. I was able to learn from that experience and not only surround myself with individuals who challenge me, but also a strong desire to tackle hard topics and projects that can be transformational to Noblesville.”
Wiles has more than 20 years in philanthropy and non-profit advocacy, as a volunteer, board member and staff. She also is in her second term on the Noblesville Common Council, where she serves as the vice president. Looking back on being in the HCLA Class of 2000, Wiles said her favorite memory was how much she learned during the program about Hamilton County and what it has to offer.
“I am honored to earn this award and I’m passionate about staying involved in HCLA to help connect with people equally passionate about Hamilton County,” Wiles said. “There are so many organizations working to make Hamilton County such a wonderful place to live and work. HCLA is a great resource to connect those organizations looking for people with those individuals who want to get involved and give back.”
Reed was appointed by Jensen to the newly created position in January 2020 after serving the previous four years as the city’s director of planning and development. A graduate of HCLA in 2013, Reed said one of the most significant leadership lessons she was taught in the program was to use the servant leadership approach to networking and connections.
“I stay involved with HCLA because it is a proven leadership program that helps to prepare members for future involvement by an immersion into community-wide topics and earning this award is an honor to do alongside amazing community leaders in Hamilton County,” Reed said. “I thrive on any opportunity to build a dynamic and collaborative network and encourage development potential in others by providing the tools, support and capacity for change in our community in order to motivate a team and cultivate growth. HCLA is that opportunity for us here in Hamilton County.”
About Hamilton County Leadership Academy
For 30 years, Hamilton County Leadership Academy has preserved the leadership of the past, embraced leadership of the present, and developed the leadership for the future of Hamilton County. HCLA is making an impact and providing the foundations for stronger, healthier communities.
HCLA has built a reputation for delivering excellent programming that informs and equips future leaders for community service. This tradition of excellence is unmatched. Today’s alumni are continually engaged in important conversations around issues affecting our community.