Indiana State Representative Kathy Richardson, Noblesville, received her “Difference Maker” award from Duke Energy Indiana at a recent Butler University men’s basketball game. Also pictured are Ken LaRose (left) Butler’s associate athletic director for development, and Mark LaBarr (right) Duke Energy Indiana community relations manager for Hamilton County. (Photo provided)
Duke Energy has honored three community leaders in Hamilton County with the company’s “Difference Maker” award. The award recognizes leaders who focus on bettering peoples’ lives in their communities. They go out of their way to bring about significant change. And they distinguish themselves by their dedication and impact.
The three honorees who were honored during this season’s Butler University men’s basketball games included:
Indiana State Representative Kathy Richardson, Noblesville. Representative Richardson has been a community leader in the Noblesville area for several decades. She has been active in many civic organizations including the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis International, the Humane Society for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Historical Society.
Rep. Richardson has represented Indiana House District 29 since 1992. She was the first woman elected to a leadership position in the state legislature and has held the position of caucus chair since 2000. Richardson is retiring from the General Assembly when her term of office expires in 2018.
Adriann Young, executive director of the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, which supports a variety of scholastic and academic initiatives in the Noblesville schools. In addition, Young has volunteered with Purdue Extension, Leadership Hendricks County and the Tri-West Alumni Association.
She has a passion for mentoring youth, having served as a sports coach and reading mentor with third-grade students.
Greg O’Connor, senior vice president and director of BMO Harris bank in Indianapolis. O’Connor has served several years on the Noblesville City Council, including two terms as council president. He also has served on the Noblesville Plan Commission, Riverview Health Foundation board and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce business advisory board.
He is a 1979 graduate of the Butler University Lacy School of Business, where he earned his master of business administration degree.