United Way of Central Indiana honors top partners & donors

United Way’s Board of Directors also recently elected leaders to new terms

At its annual celebration Wednesday evening, United Way of Central Indiana recognized top partners, volunteers, donors, and companies and highlighted the work the nonprofit and its partners did in 2023-2024.

United Way presented awards to top investors and companies and recognized an exceptional nonprofit leader, volunteer, company executive and company employee in the community.

Speaking at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday, Fred Payne, United Way’s president and CEO, shared several highlights from the year and underscored the continued need in the community:

• Investments: During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, United Way of Central Indiana invested more than $59 million in community organizations in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties.
• Economic impact: United Way’s grants and partnerships with hundreds of nonprofits create a significant boost to the region’s economy, collectively contributing more than $1.5 billon to the region’s gross domestic product over the last two and a half years, according to a study published in October 2023.
• The need: From 2021 to 2022, the number of central Indiana households in or near poverty increased by 5 percent, according to updated data from United Way. This represents a continuing trend: the number of households in or near poverty has increased by 17 percent since 2018.

United Way presented these awards Wednesday:

Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year

A new category this year, this award honors a community partner who exemplifies leadership in, and a commitment to, the nonprofit sector.

This year’s winner is Brandon Cosby, executive director, Flanner House of Indianapolis.

Forever United Network Member of the Year

New this year, this award recognizes a person who gives generously of their time, talent and treasure within one of United Way’s Forever United Network groups. The donor groups connect passionate, community-focused philanthropists.

This year’s winner is Michael R. Becher, Retire United.

Spirit United 

Spirit United is the most prestigious recognition United Way gives to corporate partners. The award has been presented annually since 2007 to companies whose employees volunteer, advocate and donate to United Way. Winners are chosen by a group of United Way leaders and previous award recipients.

The 2023-2024 winner is Goelzer Investment Management.

Exceptional Executive & Exceptional Engagement Coordinator

Each year, United Way recognizes an exceptional executive who encourages their employees to give back to the community and an exceptional engagement coordinator who leads a United Way fundraising campaign in their workplace with dedication and creativity.

This year’s Exceptional Executive is Ann Merkel of The National Bank of Indianapolis.

This year’s Exceptional Engagement Coordinator is Becky Doemland of Allied Solutions.

Top community investors

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes the following companies and organizations that were this year’s top investors:

• Allison Transmission, Inc., and UAW Local #933
• Citizens Energy Group
• Community Health Network
• Corteva Agriscience
• Cummins, Inc.
• Elevance Health Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Forvis Mazars
• Glick Company and Glick Philanthropies
• Lilly Endowment, Inc.
• Marian, Inc.
• OneAmerica Financial

United Way’s Board of Directors also recently elected leaders to new terms.

Jeffrey Harrison will serve a two-year term as chair, replacing outgoing chair Deborah J. Daniels. Richard E. Hester will serve as secretary, and Heather Harris will serve as treasurer, both one-year terms.

New Class of 2027 directors, serving three-year terms: Chris Barney, Amanda Bonilla, Deborah Daniels, Kelley Karn, Stephanie Kim, Michael North, Mike O’Connor, Kimberly Roop, Rafael Sanchez, James Starbuck, Maria Wiley, and Jean Wojtowicz.

Elected as executive committee at-large members, for one-year terms: Jeb Banner, Mary Boelke, Tory Castor, Jason Eckerle, Grace Findley, Stephanie Kim, Chris Lowery, Jimmie McMillian, Ann Merkel, Bryan Mills, Sam Odle, Julie Singer, and Jean Wojtowicz.