Leadership La Porte County recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with their Ruby Red Reception, held at the Civic Auditorium in La Porte. More than 150 community members, program alumni and local dignitaries attended the event to mark the occasion. Kristy Hahn, a board member of Leadership La Porte County and a graduate of the 38th Leadership class served as the event chair. Food was provided by Country Caterers, and music was provided by Jay Ollero. Monica Komasinski, Executive Director of Leadership La Porte County stated, “We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and attendees. It was a great evening of celebrating and networking.”
The 2023 Robert J Hiler Outstanding Alumni Award was presented that evening to former La Porte County Sheriff John Boyd. John was recognized for his significant contributions to the community during his thirty-four years in law enforcement. The award is named for Robert J. Hiler, who significantly contributed his time, talent, and treasure to the organization. Monica Komasinski presented the award and stated, “In our leadership programs we talk about the qualities of good community leaders. At the top of that list are authenticity and humility. John Boyd epitomizes those qualities and is a true servant leader.”
John Boyd was born and raised in La Porte, is a 1984 graduate of La Porte High School, and a 1988 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, he worked for the La Porte Police Department for 2 years and in 1990 he was hired by the La Porte County Sheriff's Office where he served for 32 years. During his time at the Sheriff's Office John served as a Patrol Deputy, DARE Instructor, Sergeant, Captain, Chief of Detectives and Major. In 2014 he was elected to serve as Sheriff of La Porte County and served two consecutive terms beginning in January of 2015. John retired from law enforcement in December of 2022, having served for 34 years.
He is 2002 graduate of Leadership La Porte County and served on many boards and commissions that include: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board of Trustees, Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch Board of Trustees, Chair of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Board of Directors, Board of Directors La Porte County Chapter of American Red Cross. In 2020 he shared the Co-Sheriff of the Year award by the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, and in 2022 he was inducted into the Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch Wall of Fame. John now serves as the Manager of Law Enforcement Relations for Utility, Inc., a law enforcement technology-based company located in Atlanta, Georgia.
An additional award was announced at the event to honor founding board member and 40-year volunteer Jim Jessup. The “Jim Jessup Spirit of Leadership Award” was presented to Leadership La Porte County’s outgoing Board President, Carrie Campbell. Carrie joined the board of directors in 2015, serving as President for the last several years. She was recognized for her community focused, and collaborative leadership style.
Carrie is the owner of Hatfield Pest Control and McCoy Wildlife. She serves as President of the Indiana Pest Management Association and is Industry Chair of the Purdue University Pest Management Conference. The Purdue Pest Management Conference, now in its 88th year, brings national industry leaders together, underscoring the role of pest management professionals in protecting the health of people, animals, food, and environment. Carrie also recently testified on legislation at the state level aimed at changing the regulation of products used in pest management that could pose a threat to human safety. She worked to inform and educate legislators on the impact and mobilized action. The bill recently passed into law.
A video presentation scrolling throughout the evening recognized event sponsors and showed highlights from the past 40 years of adult and youth leadership programs. To view the presentation, find us on Facebook. For more information on Leadership La Porte County, including nominations for the 41st Adult Class, visit: www.leadershiplaportecounty.com
