The Hamilton County Leadership Academy, established in 1991 to educate and inspire leadership to create a positive impact in our communities, has added six community leaders to its board of directors.  The new board members include:  Josh Blackmore, Carmel Dad’s Club; Patricia Fox, Riverview Hospital; Matt Snively, Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union; Liz Tate, Central Indiana Community Foundation; Jennifer Williams, Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim and Greg Wyant, Noblesville Fire Department.

The following individuals were also named as officers:

President: Beth Smietana, Carmel Public Library
Vice President: Carrie Cason, City of Westfield
Treasurer: Paul Hensel, Community Bank
Secretary: Judy Gareis, HR Essentials

Outgoing Board members include Lone Callahan, FORUM Credit Union; Terri Gill, Fifth Third Bank; Dan Kloc, St. Vincent Health and Sam Mishelow, Meyer Najem Corporation.

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy is a 10-month program that  begins with a two-day retreat in September and is followed by monthly educational sessions held in sites throughout the county.  The sessions are designed to increase awareness of the existing institutions and leaders in the county and develop personal leadership skills.  A graduation ceremony is held each June.

Upon graduation, the program participants will be prepared for greater levels of involvement in the community.  Alumni are often called upon to serve on boards of county organizations and volunteer their time for community development efforts.  Applications for the 2011-2012 class will be accepted through June 30, 2011.

For more information on the Hamilton County Leadership Academy, contact Jill Doyle at 379-1879 or visit their website at www.hcla.net.