FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Three Vigo County people have been selected to join the Indiana Leadership Forum class of 2024.
The Indiana Leadership Forum is a nonprofit educational program that aims to increase involvement of civic, business, and cultural leaders in various levels of government. The program has graduated more than 600 people since it began in 1993.
Joining this upcoming class will be Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer, Thrive West Central Executive Director Ryan Keller, and Dianne Powell the Regional Director for the Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young.
Founded by businessman Al Hubbard, political activist Roger Schmelzer and community leader Joe Hale to prepare qualified individuals for civil service and to generate a greater understanding of the political process.
Today, in its third decade of operation, the Indiana Leadership Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to preparing Indiana’s most talented free enterprise, limited government-minded community and business leaders for greater civic involvement, public service and leadership roles throughout the state.
According to the forum’s website, those selected will go through six classes, then take a group trip to Washington D.C. before graduating at the annual luncheon.
- Class one: The importance of leadership and citizen involvement
- Class two: State government and legislative issues
- Class three: Developing a campaign plan
- Class four: Grassroots and advocacy
- Class five: Message and media training
- Class six: Beyond the ILF
Here is the full list of those accepted into the ILF class of 2024;
- Drake Abramson, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Legislative Director
- Parker Armstrong, Parker Public Affairs, President
- Megan Baumgartner, City of Fishers, Director of Community and Economic Development
- David Boyer, Shreve for Mayor, Director of Policy and Research
- Doug Boyle, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications
- Joe Bursley, Indiana House Republican Campaign Committee, Digital Media Specialist
- J. Phillip Clay, Arthur Clay & Company, Co-Founder & CEO
- Mike Cross, Crossroads Strategies, LLC, Founder and Principal
- Pilar Cuadra, The AES Corporation, Environmental Manager
- Reed Davis, Indiana Conservative Alliance for Energy, Executive Director
- Michelle Fenoughty, Hendricks Regional Health, President & CEO
- Ryan Keller, Thrive West Central, Executive Director
- Emma Legg, Ball State University, Director for Governmental Relations
- Daniel Miller, Indiana American Water, Director of Government Affairs
- John Miller, Clarksville Police Department & Clark County Government, Detective, Public Information Officer, Clark County Councilman
- Adam Novotney, Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., Associate Director for Policy Engagement
- Justin Patterson, Milestone Contractors, Sr. Project Manager
- Dianne Powell, Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young, Regional Director
- Luke Rayfield, Indianapolis Zoo, Vice President of Guest Experience and Safety/Security
- Janet Roll, Indiana State Senate, Legislative Assistant
- Megan Smaltz, Ripple Effect Social Media Management, Founder
- Chris Switzer, Vigo County Commissioner
- Jake Zigenfus, Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP, Associate Attorney
