By Emma Uber
Carmel resident Andrea Marley has accepted the position of executive director of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.
HCLA equips individuals with the skills to serve as local leaders through its 10-month curriculum.
“There has never been a more important time for servant leadership. Leaders can help give a voice to the voiceless,” Marley said. “My job at HCLA involves facilitating curriculum that challenges participants to understand the unique needs of our county. From there, we encourage each other to participate and engage in various roles and do our part. Everyone can find a seat at the table, everyone’s voice is needed. HCLA provides a clear path to make this happen.”
After serving as program coordinator and interim executive director, Marley said she felt prepared to lead HCLA and help train the leaders of Hamilton County.
“I am thankful for my time working behind the scenes to fully appreciate HCLA’s story. I hope to continue to sharpen my vision to make each class experience better than the year before,” Marley said.
A Carmel native and Carmel High School graduate, Marley embraced the opportunities provided by the city at a young age and now strives to give back to the community.
“I was able to study Japanese at the high school while still (at) Clay Junior High, and I participated in the second year of the exchange program with Kawachinagano, Osaka, Carmel’s sister city, in 1996 when Mayor (Jim) Brainard joined the trip,” Marley said. “Growing up in Carmel supplied me with endless opportunities.”
