Fourth Leadership Academy cohort graduates Wednesday

The fourth cohort of the Putnam County Leadership Academy includes (left row, from bottom) John Batchelor, Bram Baysinger, Tricia Boles, Brian DeVore, Heather Fish, April Garske, (right row, from top) Madison Hanna, Russell Harvey, Tim Jedele, Alex Kalan, Kelly Lundy, Cynthia Kander Miller, Jenny Neureiter and Toria York.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

Concluding 11 weeks of tackling a variety of topics related to leadership, the Putnam County Leadership Academy graduated its fourth cohort on Wednesday.

The short ceremony was held at Ivy Tech to celebrate 14 professionals from nine local organizations and businesses. Considered the 12th and final one, the occasion culminated 11 sessions in which they learned about communication and personal development.

However, facilitator Karen Nelson Heavin provided that the most important elements they learned about were themselves. This, she said, is as the curriculum it meant to challenge participants to make a positive impact at work, at home and in the community.

“Sessions allow for personal experiences to be shared, and that encourages growth for all,” Heavin said. “Sharing experiences fosters a variety of viewpoints to be communicated, belief systems to be challenged and new thoughts to emerge.”

For Heavin, the program is two-fold. While issues about leadership, local government and community needs are discussed, a major component is getting out into the community.

Such included a tour of northwestern Putnam County guided by the iconic Jinsie Bingham, which included stops at Clinton Falls, Portland Mills and Russellville. The cohort also surveyed the Walmart distribution center and Dixie Chopper.

The cohort worked with Gleaners Food Bank on a drive-through distribution. The cohort also volunteered to provide meals for residents at Beyond Homeless. This came shortly after the fire which occurred at the shelter on March 28.

The Putnam County Leadership Academy’s cohort for 2023 includes:

• John Batchelor, Bram Baysinger, Brian DeVore and Alex Kalan - Crown Equipment Corp.;

• Tricia Boles - Putnam County Comprehensive Services;

• Heather Fish, April Garske and Kelly Lundy - Ascena Retail Group;

• Madison Hanna - Putnam County Chamber;

• Russell Harvey - Crown Equipment Corp./Main Street Greencastle;

• Tim Jedele - McTimber Inc./McDonald’s;

• Cynthia Kander Miller - WREB;

• Jenny Neureiter - Putnam County Community Foundation; and

• Toria York - Endeavor Communications

Facilitator Karen Nelson Heavin speaks to the topics and community involvement the Putnam County Leadership Academy hones on.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

Heavin noted that, including the new cohort, the program has graduated 47 people since it began in 2020. One of them, she emphasized, even relocated to Putnam County because of what he learned about the community and its opportunities.

These people are making a positive difference in our community,” Heavin said. “I am grateful to our leaders and their employers for recognizing the value of the Leadership Academy.”

Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Executive Director Kristin Clary concurred, contextualizing that the program was revamped as employers saw a need to develop potential. The list of alumni, she declared, is now, “pretty damn impressive.”

“We’re only as strong as what you see the value is of what we’re offering,” Clary said about employers continuing to bring their people to the program. “I am so grateful for all of you partnering with us to raise up leaders.”

Finally getting choked up as the ceremony concluded, Heavin issued the same challenge to the cohort as she has with previous ones.

“You are skilled, you are prepared to lead. So do so,” she yearned. “Go out and make your workplace, your home and our community better for all.”