Leadership Hendricks County has named Maria Larrison the 2024 Hendricks County Leader of the Year for her decades of service to the community. Maria played a key role in establishing Sheltering Wings and Susie’s Place, providing crucial resources for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. She has also been a dedicated advocate for victims through her work with the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office and volunteers with Indy Honor Flight, ensuring veterans receive the recognition they deserve. Her leadership and impact have been widely recognized, including receiving the Indiana Commission for Women’s Torchbearer Award.
Maria’s award was presented by Amy Comer Elliott, the 2023 Leader of the Year recipient, in recognition of Maria’s lasting contributions to the county. Maria, who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with her husband Keith, continues to be a pillar of service and compassion in Hendricks County.
The Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award was presented to Nancy Turpin Marsh for her exceptional contributions to local government. With a career spanning three decades, she has served as Middle Township Trustee, Hendricks County Auditor, and County Treasurer, leading key reforms and advocating for property record improvements at the state level. Recognized as Auditor and Treasurer of the Year, Nancy’s leadership has shaped policy both locally and nationally. She continues to serve the community as a newly elected Hendricks County Council member.
Ishneet Ghotra, a junior at Avon High School, was named Youth Leader of the Year for her leadership in mental health advocacy, cancer awareness, and community service. She founded Bring Change to Mind to promote mental health awareness and serves as Vice President of the Avon Cancer Society and Director of the Avon Interact Club. Fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, she is committed to breaking barriers in mental health support for immigrant and underserved communities. Ishneet plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue psychology and continue advocating for mental health awareness.
Since 1993, Leadership Hendricks County has given citizens the background and inside information they need to take on effective leadership roles in the Hendricks County community. Each program participant has completed a Team Capstone project to address a current community need. Leadership Hendricks County, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to seek, prepare, involve and sustain leaders from diverse backgrounds to address community and countywide changes. For information, call 317-718-6075 or visit www.LeadershipHendricksCounty.org.
