Trustee of the YearThe “Harold Gene Stoffer” Trustee of the Year award for 2011 was presented to Frank Mrvan, Trustee of North Township, Lake County.
The distinguished award was announced during the ITA’s annual educational conference, held in Indianapolis on September 28th and is “given to a trustee who demonstrates passion and ingenuity for the job of trustee,” according to Executive Director Debbie Driskell. “For that, Frank Mrvan certainly fits the bill” she said.
Trustee Mrvan was selected to receive this honor from his peers for having forged a partnership with the social network in his community to offer services to better prepare children for school, thereby ushering in a nationally accredited program that is accomplishing just that.
When there was a need for a summer recreational program to help low income families, the North Township office became a leader in developing a summer camp program for families who could not afford the higher priced alternatives.
When there was a need to reach out to seniors during the heat of summer and the cold isolation of winter, Trustee Mrvan took the lead in creating phone banks in their offices where volunteers could reach out to assure the wellbeing and safety of those who were isolated by age or temporary emergency.
The award was presented by Craig Beckley (Trustee, Sparta Township, Dearborn County), the 2010 winner. Trustee Beckley said in the presentation to Frank Mrvan, “I am convinced that we as trustees are one of the most important offices of the state because we have the potential to do the most good for the most people. It is the trustees that can best look after the conditions of their fellow Hoosiers and then implement the most grass root solutions to making their communities better and safer places to live.”
“It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you a trustee who has proven that the motto “How can I?” is relevant, workable and has caused his township office to be one of the most sought after stakeholder in the projects in his community.”
Township of the Year
The “2011 Township of the Year” award was presented to Fairfield Township, Tippecanoe County – Julie Roush, Trustee. Each year, the ITA’s Awards Committee searches for townships that move “above and beyond” toward effective delivery of services in the most economical means possible. Additionally, the committee members seek to give recognition for innovation and progress.
Trustee Kay Walker (Center Township, Muncie) presented the award to Trustee Roush noting, “this township has put in place a job ready
program that helps clients to work toward greater self-sufficiency.”
“Fairfield Township has worked with agencies and businesses in the community to help their clients with a variety of support services,
including budget counseling, GED readiness, mental health assessments, furniture, clothing – even free false teeth and haircuts, making their clients more presentable for job interviews.”
“With the leadership of their Trustee, Fairfield Township has sought and found ways to share their experiences and knowledge with other
townships, thus supporting the community-at-large,” Walker stated.
Debbie Driskell stated, “Fairfield Township certainly represents the model township. The Trustee, Staff and Board have worked together to become more efficient with a willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of its citizens.”
Upon the announcement of her township’s honor, Trustee Roush invited her four staff members to the stage, noting her reliance on
a “small but mighty” operation. Township Board Member of the Year
The ITA bestowed the “Charles Bogden Memorial” Township Board Member of the Year to Ron Dudley of Ross Township, Lake County.
Mr. Dudley also serves as a fire territory board member and was appointed by the five member board as chairman. Said one nominator, “Ron has worked endlessly to see that the fire territory was created fairly between the Town of Merrillville and Ross Township." Further, the nomination continued, “This is Ron’s first year as a Ross Township Board member, but you would not know it!”
In addition to the primary duties of township board member, Ron Dudley has donated his time and efforts at recreational events for children and autistic adults. Even on the hottest of summer days, he dressed as Santa Clause in July at the Merrillville Parks and recreation day camp to remind the children he was still watching.
Mr. Dudley was awarded the honor by his peers for demonstrating the essence of a public servant. “The ITA is certainly proud of the volunteerism that Ron exhibits in his township”, stated Driskell. “ In a short time, he has ‘moved to the front of his class’!”
Township Employee of the Year
Lynn McWhirter, Assistant Trustee, Wayne Township, Marion County, was granted the ITA “Employee of the Year” .
Among the nominators of Mrs. McWhirter for this award, was Andy Harris, Trustee of Wayne Township. Of Lynn he said, “To say Lynn McWhirter exceeds the expectations of an employee…would be an understatement.”
“As an employee, Lynn has performed and exceeded at numerous positions for more than two decades. She inspires everyone around her with her dedication and caring attitude.”
The nomination continued, “In a small or large organization, it is possible for small, nagging issues to slip through the cracks because they are not consistently assigned to anyone for resolution, or because no one claims responsibility or authority for solving the problem. Lynn never allows the “not me” syndrome to get in the way of excellent service. Regardless of whose job it is, she takes each challenge as her own responsibility and follows through until it is resolved.”
Mrs. McWhirter has worked for the previous four trustees and has adjusted to each of the needs, transitioned to their different leadership styles and was able to embrace each as her leader. |
Please join us today and unite with your fellow trustees to preserve and improve local government.
