NEWS
If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at HCLA, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to check back frequently to get our latest news updates.
HCLA Announces the Class of 2023
NOBLESVILLE, IN – Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) has selected 35 individuals who live or work in Hamilton County to take part in its 10-month community leadership program.
HCLA is thrilled to officially announce the Class of 2023 and welcome them into the folds of HCLA’s 30+ year legacy in Hamilton County:
- Ramona Adams | The Center for the Performing Arts
- Ali Alvey | Beaver Gravel
- Stephanie Amick | Agape Therapeutic Riding
- Ed Bukovac | Citizens Energy Group
- Jamar Cobb-Dennard | Indiana Business Advisors
- Todd Crosby | Eli Lilly and Company
- Christi Crosser | Nova 29, LLC
- John DeLucia | Citizens State Bank
- Dustin Dixon | Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
- Laurie Dyer | T&T Sales and Promotions, Inc.
- Brad Fruth | Beck’s Hybrids
- Roz Harris | Fit Chicks
- John Helling | Hamilton East Public Library
- Taylor Hollenbeck | Indiana Office of Technology
- Sam Hughes | Church Church Hittle + Antrim
- Dave Hyatt | Riverview Health
- Mindy Konrath | Prevail
- Travis Lovett | Krieg DeVault LLP
- John Mann | Noblesville Police Department
- Harley McCorkle | Duke Energy
- Kathryn McLaughlin | Community Health Network
- Brian Millis | ADVISA
- Jennifer Neher Sommers | Conner Prairie
- Kathy Pelletier | The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc.
- Jennifer Penix | Carmel Education Foundation
- Stephanie Perry | City of Fishers
- Julie Pettypool | Browning
- Anita Rogers | Hamilton County Community Foundation
- Steven Rushforth | Hamilton County Government
- Jack Russell | OneZone Chamber of Commerce
- Jen Sacheck | Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP
- Sarah Shields | Terry & Gookins, LLC
- Bailey Spitznagle | City of Westfield
- Dr. Jennifer Wheat Townsend | Noblesville Schools
- Leah York | Talbott Talent
HCLA executive director, Diana Coyle, shared, “We know each participant will invest in our values of learn, connect, and lead to help define their unique impact on Hamilton County. The class experience will allow our cohort time to take a deep dive into the operations and networks where they live, work, and play and expand their confidence and competency as leaders across the county and state.”
Each year, HCLA selects participants through a highly competitive application process. Class members are selected based on their community engagement, desire to learn and grow through the HCLA program, and passion for making an impact through leading and serving in Hamilton County.
Earlier this year, HCLA announced that Karen Radcliff would serve HCLA as the Class of 2023 Dean.
HCLA will kick off its Class of 2023 cohort experience in mid-August with a two-day opening retreat.
HCLA Selects Karen Radcliff as the Class of 2023 Dean
NOBLESVILLE, IN – Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) has been educating leaders and cultivating community networks for over 30 years. As Hamilton County enters a milestone year with its bicentennial in 2023, HCLA is eager to welcome its 32nd cohort to its leadership legacy. At the lead of this next cohort will be Karen Radcliff who has been selected to serve as the HCLA dean for the Class of 2023.
The dean plays an integral role in providing meaningful insight and expertise throughout the HCLA class experience. They serve as an ambassador for the program in the community and will collaborate with the HCLA executive director and board to cultivate and maintain an engaging, dynamic, and thought-provoking learning environment.
“This is a truly exciting time for Hamilton County and HCLA. As we celebrate the history of Hamilton County, HCLA looks to learn from our county’s past to influence our present and future. We know that Karen will be a key player in developing those connections for the Class of 2023 and we cannot wait to see the impact she will continue to make in Hamilton County as our dean,” said Diana Coyle, Hamilton County Leadership Academy executive director.
Karen Radcliff serves as the vice president/chief strategy officer for Hamilton County Tourism and the director of Hamilton County Sports Authority. Karen has worked for Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. for over 20 years. In her work, she successfully positioned Hamilton County as a visitor destination for golf, weddings, youth sports, weekend leisure fun, and small meetings. Currently, she oversees the marketing, sports, sales, and visitor services departments for Hamilton County Tourism and informs strategic direction on special projects and long-range plans. Karen lives in Westfield and enjoys yoga, hiking, cooking, summer Jeep rides, and spending time with her two sons. Radcliff shared, “I am humbled and honored to be HCLA’s next dean and thrilled to usher in the county’s bicentennial with the graduating class of 2023. I hope to foster meaningful connections for learning, friendship, networking, and stewardship, and I can’t think of a better way to accomplish that than through the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.”
“Karen offers a treasure trove of community leadership experience, providing a deep passion and connection to all elements which elevate Hamilton County and our region. Pairing her leadership as dean of the next HCLA cohort perfectly aligns with our mission to educate and ignite changemakers and bridge-builders through the HCLA program. Under her leadership, HCLA will continue to serve as a flagship experience for our community,” said Alaina Shonkwiler, HCLA Board president.
Applications for the HCLA Class of 2023 are currently open and will close on May 31. Members of the Class of 2023 will be announced at the end of July.
HCLA Announces Hiring of New Executive Director
Hamilton County, IN – The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) is excited to announce the hiring of its new executive director, Diana Coyle. Coyle will begin her role as executive director effective January 3, 2022.
Coyle holds a BA in Communication from North Carolina State University and a Master’s of Education with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Most recently, she served as the Director of Education & Programs for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors in Indianapolis. She has also held leadership positions at Chi Omega Executive Headquarters in Memphis and Wingate University in North Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome Diana to the HCLA team,” says Alaina Shonkwiler, HCLA board president. “Her passion for building networks and connecting people with resources will help our program thrive and make her a true asset to our organization. She will undoubtedly hit the ground running on January 3rd,” says Shonkwiler.
Outside of work, Coyle is a member of the Junior League of Indianapolis and enjoys exploring restaurants, hidden gems for shopping, and cultural and community events in Hamilton County and across Indiana. She resides in Indianapolis with her dachshund mix, Coal.