Attendees of the Leadership Hendricks County’s Celebration of Leaders presented by Duke Energy joined together in honoring three community members on Thursday, May 13 at the CRG Event Center in Plainfield, Indiana.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic interruptions, this program recognizing the accomplishments of 2020 leaders was moved from early January to May.
2020 Leader of the Year Award.
Kevin P. Speer, JD, President & CEO of Hendricks Regional Health received the 2020 Leader of the Year Award. This award honors a servant leader who leads by example, is a collaborator, facilitator, and has a significant impact on the community beyond his/her employment.
“The story of how Hendricks Regional Health responded to COVID-19 speaks to the strength of the person who led the organization through one of the most difficult and uncertain times in our history. Kevin’s ability to see the big picture and work with community leaders was key to keeping our community safe,” his nominator said.
Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award
For his exceptional service to Henricks County, its people, and corporate citizens, the Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award went to Eric Hessel, Vice President of Programs at Hendricks County Community Foundation.
His nominator said, “Eric’s leadership skills were never more pronounced, needed or appreciated. During the pandemic, his work in our community rose to a whole new level.”
2020 Youth Leader of the Year Award
The Youth Leader of the Year is given to one outstanding youth leader and Youth Leadership Hendricks County graduate during his/her senior year of high school. The 2020 Youth Leader of the year went to Madelyn Milharcic, a home-educated high school senior from Avon, Ind.
As part of this award, Milharcic received a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Chick-Fil-a in Avon, Indiana.
Madelyn, the daughter of Jim and Kristen Milharcic, is enrolled at Purdue University’s School of Engineering in West Lafayette, Indiana this fall in pursuit of a degree in environmental engineering.
Leadership Hendricks County, Inc. is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization serving the people and corporate citizens of Hendricks County and west central Indiana by offering top-notch leadership and engagement programs for current and emerging leaders who then apply those skills to strengthen their community. Learn more at www.leadershiphendrickscounty.org.
