The Hamilton County Leadership Academy has announced 35 individuals selected for its Class of 2027.
The class includes people who live and/or work in Hamilton County and will begin the academy’s 10-month leadership program in August. The program is designed to give participants a closer look at issues facing communities throughout Hamilton County.
“Each year, we welcome an incredible group of leaders into the HCLA legacy, and this year is no different,” said HCLA Executive Director Maria Kanger. “The staff and leadership of HCLA are looking forward to watching the Class of 2027 learn, connect, and lead during their class year experience and into the future.”
Members of the HCLA Class of 2027 are:
Karl Ahlrichs, ExpertSpeaks
Jessica Barnett, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce
Nolan Barr, Abbott Laboratories
Keeton Bartol, Coverdale Consulting
Katt Boaz, Church Church Hittle + Antrim
Lisa Busse, CFRE, The Milk Bank
Whitney Carriger, Camptown
Sharon J. Coleman, Coleman Strategy and Experience Group, LLC
Bruce Cooley, Citizens Energy Group
Katherine Couch, Hamilton County Tourism
Parker Criswell, Ginovus
Rachel Firestone Mohammad, 9th Street Bistro
Blake Fogelsong, Clancy’s Hospitality
Scott Grady, Indianapolis Airport Police Department
Mary Gould, Gaylor Electric
Scott Higginson, American Structurepoint
Toni Holcombe, Independent Data & Process Analyst
Dr. Greg Hunt, Westfield Washington Schools
Dawn Lang, Life Centers
Tom MacDonald, City of Noblesville
Harrison Massonne, Meyer Najem Construction
Brandt McCoskey, ISC Sports Network
Jessica Metz, Ivy Tech Hamilton County
Nick Pease, Grace Church
Ryan M. Potter, REAP Development Group
Leslie Poynter, Indiana Department of Education
Emily Reynolds, Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad
Lauren Stafford, Noblesville Schools Education Foundation
Stacey Summitt-Mann, University High School
Maranda Taylor, The Hagerman Group
Sarah Tosh, Planwell
Andrew Upchurch, Hamilton County Legal Department
Mark Walker, Citizens State Bank
Regina L. Warren, MBA, Northwestern Mutual
Nakeisha Washington, Nyla Nova STEMversity
HCLA selects participants each year through what the organization describes as a highly competitive application process. Class members are chosen based on community engagement, interest in learning and growing through the program, commitment to leading and serving in Hamilton County, and the perspectives and knowledge they bring to the class.
Earlier this year, HCLA announced that Andrew Bradford would serve as dean for the Class of 2027.
Established in 1991, Hamilton County Leadership Academy is considered one of the county’s premier leadership development programs. The academy provides a 10-month immersive experience focused on civic, nonprofit, government and community issues.
HCLA graduates have gone on to serve in civic organizations, nonprofit groups, government agencies and elected office. The organization also hosts alumni events intended to help graduates stay connected and continue their leadership work after completing the program.