Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) announced on Tuesday that Megan Wiles will serve as dean for the Class of 2025. HCLA will open applications for its 34th cohort of community leaders on Friday, March 1.
Wiles
“I am honored to be asked to serve as dean for the Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s upcoming class,” said Wiles, vice president of the Foundation and Community Affairs for Riverview Health and member of the Noblesville Common Council. “HCLA does such a great job of exposing its class members to aspects of our community they might never have seen. It also provides opportunities for those individuals to become engaged and continue to make Hamilton County such a great place to live. I look forward to working with the upcoming class to help them feel more connected to our community.”
HCLA has been educating leaders and cultivating community networks for over 30 years. Since its inception in 1991, more than 850 community leaders have graduated from HCLA. The organization is anchored by its mission to inspire and empower HCLA participants and alumni to drive and amplify community impact by providing them with unique access to knowledge, leaders, and organizations.
The dean plays an integral role in creating the class culture and connectivity and provides meaningful insight and expertise throughout the HCLA class experience. They also serve as an ambassador for the program in the community and collaborate with the HCLA executive director and board to cultivate and maintain an engaging, dynamic, and thought-provoking learning environment.
“HCLA is thrilled to have Megan serve as our dean for the Class of 2025,” HCLA Executive Director Diana Coyle said. “Megan embodies our values of community, learning, and strategic flexibility, and we are confident in her ability to bring those values to life in our class days. She has a firm pulse on the business, government, and non-profit intersections because of her professional and community leadership, and will be able to utilize that knowledge to increase the competency and connections for our cohort. We can’t wait to see Megan leave her mark on HCLA’s legacy.”
With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, in both paid and volunteer positions, Wiles is passionate about working with others in making a difference in Hamilton County. In 2023, she joined Conner Prairie’s Board of Directors where she serves on the Development and Finance Committees. She has been a member of the Conner Prairie Alliance for over 15 years.
In January 2024, Wiles began her third term as a member of the Noblesville Common Council where she serves as vice president of the Council and chairs the Economic Development Committee. She previously served as president of the Council and is a member of the Finance Committee and created the Downtown District Committee. Wiles was appointed by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen to serve as co-chair of the Noblesville Bicentennial Committee in 2023.
Wiles is a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and serves on the vestry and planning committee for its annual Strawberry Festival. She is a graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series and Hamilton County Leadership Academy, Class of 2000.
Applications for the HCLA Class of 2025 will close April 8, 2024. The cohort will be announced in June.
HCLA will also host meetups for those interested in joining the 2025 cohort and looking to learn more about HCLA and the application process. Meet-ups include:
- Thursday, March 7 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at The Collaboration Hub, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers
- Monday, March 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Northbrook Brewing Company, 119 W. Main St., Arcadia
- Wednesday, March 20 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Hamilton County Tourism, 37 E. Main St., Carmel
To learn more about HCLA, its community impact, and to apply for the Class of 2025, visit hcla.net.
About HCLA
Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) unites, inspires, and empowers confident leaders from varied industries to support Hamilton County. The 10-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.