Leadership La Porte County honored its Adult Class at a luncheon held on Thursday, May 19 at Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City.
For the 32nd year a group of La Porte County citizens have spent the past 9 months engaging in leadership skill-building, gaining information about La Porte County, and networking with local leaders. “The annual graduation celebrates and recognizes the leadership class as they prepare to use their knowledge and information to make a positive change in the community,” explains Monica Komasinski, Executive Director of Leadership La Porte County. “We are proud of the commitment this group has made to developing leadership skills and getting involved in their community. Many thanks to Jim Jessup, who once again volunteered his time to serve as facilitator of the class. ” Twenty eight individuals from throughout La Porte County successfully completed this year’s course.
At the event the Outstanding Leadership Alumni Award was also presented. Each year the board of directors of Leadership La Porte County chooses a past graduate of the program to receive the Robert J. Hiler, Jr. Outstanding Alumni Award. The award recognizes one alumnus who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to his/her profession and to the La Porte County community. The award is named in honor of Robert J. Hiler, Jr. (now deceased) who served as a board member, benefactor, and was an inspiration for many in the community.
“Bob Hiler was a true community leader who gave time, talent, and treasure to our organization and many others,” stated Komasinski. “We are proud to honor Bob’s spirit in recognizing outstanding community leadership. We are pleased to announce this year’s award recipient, Angie Nelson-Deuitch.”
Deuitch, a member of the 24th Leadership class (2008) received the award in recognition of her outstanding service to the community and her passion for youth and education. Angie is employed as a NIPSCO Public Affairs and Communications Team member. She is responsible for Community Outreach, Stakeholders and Public Relations for La Porte, Starke, Marshall, Elkhart, St. Joseph and Kosciusko counties.
She is also very active with several not-for-profit organizations. She is on the board of directors of the Unity Foundation, LaPorte County Career and Tech Center Advisory Board, LaPorte County United Way and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. She is also very involved in the South Shore Leadership Center’s youth leadership program.
Prior to her position with NIPSCO, she was always involved in the community. She was a member of the Michigan City Common Council for four years beginning in 2008. She has served as a board member of Dunebrook, CASA/Harmony House, Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, Michigan City Housing Authority, The Hope Program, and the NAACP. She also served as a member of the Michigan City Area Schools Strategic Core team. She has done volunteer work for the Boys and Girls Club and the Minority Health Coalition. She is a member of several women’s civic organizations that include: The Drifters, Inc., The Links, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Angie has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the FAMU / FSU College of Engineering. She also has a Masters of Public Affairs (Public Administration) from Indiana University.
Angie resides in Michigan City with her family. Angie’s husband Jeff is retired from the US Army after 22 years of service and currently serves as Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission for Michigan City. She has two daughters.
The program concluded with the formal recognition of the 32nd class members for completing the program, which included monthly sessions on a variety of community leadership topics, a county bus tour, a trip to the State Legislature, and team projects. The class donated a one of a kind art piece depicting quotes from the class on their “Aha” moments. Jamie Miller of the Unity Foundation and Dalia Zygas, a retired teacher and small business owner, were recognized for outstanding achievement on the extra-curricular activities suggested to the class.
Check out the 2015-16 32nd class list here.
Leadership La Porte County, Inc. a non-profit organization, has a mission to inspire, develop, cultivate and connect emerging and existing leaders to serve their diverse communities. With programs for adults, as well as middle school and high school students, Leadership La Porte County is committed to providing a forum for the development of community leaders. For more information on Leadership La Porte County, or to nominate an individual for the 33rd Adult Program beginning in September, contact Leadership La Porte County at 325-8223, or email: info@leadershiplaportecounty.com