HCLA Leadership Summit to explore momentum of sports in Hamilton County

Annual event will feature award recognition, panel focused on economic & community impact of sports in county

There’s never been a bigger time for sports in Hamilton County.

With championship-caliber facilities such as Grand Park and the new Fishers Event Center; teams like Indy Ignite, Noblesville Boom, Fishers Freight and Indy Fuel calling the county home; and major sporting events like the Pro Volleyball Federation’s All-Star Match, LIV Golf Indianapolis and Carmel Marathon driving tourism to the county; Hamilton County is quickly becoming a standout sports destination.

This momentum will serve as the topic of Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s (HCLA) annual Leadership Summit on Tuesday, June 24. This public event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville.

The summit will feature a panel of community leaders who each play a vital role in shaping the local sports industry. Panelists include Tim Bawmann, Team President of Noblesville Boom; Steve Henke, owner of Henke Development Group, LLC; and Indy Ignite player Carly Skjodt. Together, they’ll explore how access to sports drives economic development, enhances quality of life, and strengthens the identity of Hamilton County.

“In Hamilton County, sports are building stronger communities – driving innovation, impact and collaboration,” HCLA Executive Director Diana Coyle said. “Through storytelling and strategic investment, athletics are shaping a vibrant future for all who live, work, and play here. This panel brings together leaders at the forefront of this momentum, offering insight into how we learn, connect, and lead through the power of sports.”

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

This year’s Distinguished Alumni recipient is Karen Radcliff, President & CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. For the past 30 years, she has helped to successfully build tourism markets for golf, weddings, youth sports, weekend leisure, and small meetings. She also developed the strategic partnerships and research that led to building Grand Park Sports Campus – the nation’s most visited multi-sports venue.

Beck’s Hybrids CEO Sonny Beck will also be honored as the recipient of the 2025 Honorary Alumni Award. Under his leadership, Beck’s Hybrids has become the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the United States, serving farmers in 19 states throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. Beck’s business emphasizes quality, service, and the importance of agronomic research to the future well-being of the American farmer.

The event is open to the public. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available at HCLA.net. Registration closes on Friday, June 13.

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.