Connie Lawson named Sagamore of the Wabash

Having earlier received a Sagamore of the Wabash award from Gov. Mike Pence, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson shares the award with her family at her Statehouse office. Family members in attendance include (front from left) Lucy Kult, Kylie Kult, Naomi Mynatt, Secretary Lawson, Toby Kult, Sara Carter, Michael Carter, (back) husband Jack Lawson, Tance Lawson, Tarron Lawson, Brandon Lawson and Tricia Lawson.

Courtesy Indiana Secretary of State

INDIANAPOLIS – Secretary of State Connie Lawson has joined the list of distinguished Hoosiers receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash. Vice President-Elect Mike Pence presented Lawson with the award at a ceremony in his Statehouse office today.

The Sagamore of the Wabash award is considered the state’s highest civilian honor and is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to Indiana. The term “sagamore” was used by early Native Americans to describe someone among the tribe to whom the chief would look for wisdom, guidance and advice. Similarly, the Sagamore is given to Hoosiers who have rendered distinguished service to the state and contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.

Secretary Lawson was awarded with a Sagamore of the Wabash for her work as public servant. During her tenure, she has been an inspiration to women in government. As Secretary of State, Lawson has focused on ensuring the integrity and security of our state’s elections. She has been a tireless advocate for increasing Indiana’s financial literacy and protecting Hoosier investors. She has been an agent of change for state government in launching INBiz, the state’s business one-stop portal that will ultimately serve as businesses’ single point of contact for registration, filing, reporting and making payments across state agencies.

Prior to serving as Secretary of State, Lawson served in the Indiana State Senate for 16 years authoring legislation designed to have a lasting, positive impact on Indiana. She championed local government reform efforts, moved the school board elections from the primary to the general, helped lead the state’s redistricting process and advocated for stronger awareness of health issues such as cervical cancer, lupus and youth suicide prevention.

Before joining the Indiana Senate, Lawson served as Clerk of the Hendricks County Circuit Court for eight years. During her tenure, she was named Elections Administrator of the Year by the Indiana State Election Board and Clerk of the Year by the Indiana Clerk’s Association, both in 1993. The Association of Indiana Counties awarded her a similar award in 1996.