As Hamilton County Leadership Academy approaches its 25th anniversary in 2016, Current is highlighting local leaders who have helped build and sustain the program, which focuses on strengthening our community by developing informed leaders. In June, another class of engaged citizens will join the 600-plus graduates already working to make a difference.
Kenton C. Ward, HCLA Class of 1995
Hometown: Noblesville
Lives and works: Noblesville
Family: Wife of 39 years, Robin; children Kate (Adam) Murray and Alex (Cara) Ward; first grandchild, as of Oct. 21, Beckham Alexander Ward.
Career: Ward has been Hamilton County surveyor since 1977 and is involved in many local, state and national professional organizations including the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Surveyors, and the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
Community involvement: He serves as a Republican precinct committeeman and recently was Region 6 Director of the National Conference of Republican County Officials.
Nice to know: A member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Ward has an hour of “stick time” in a T-37 jet trainer.
Favorite HCLA speaker: “Chuck Leonard, who was then superintendent of schools at [Hamilton] Southeastern.”
Most vivid HCLA memory: “The events at the opening retreat.”
What impact has HCLA made on the community? “HCLA has provided Hamilton County with leadership in its not-for-profit boards and in local government.”
Last movie you saw? “The Martian”
Last book you read? “The Measure of Manhattan: The Tumultuous Career and Surprising Legacy of John Randel, Jr., Cartographer, Surveyor, Inventor,” by Marguerite Holloway.
Favorite Hamilton County restaurant: Matteo’s
Favorite thing to do in Hamilton County: “Paddle down the White River in a canoe.”
Best-kept Hamilton County secret: “The Hamilton County Museum of History, in the old Hamilton County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail on the courthouse square in Noblesville. It’s operated by the Hamilton County Historical Society.”
