INDIANAPOLIS (July 17, 2007) - Sixteen Hoosier education, business and community leaders from across the state will be recognized today for their accomplishments at the Indiana Black Expo, Inc. 37^th Annual Summer Celebration (IBE) Governor's Reception. 

"The success these individuals have achieved should be an example for us all," said Governor Mitch Daniels.  "These leaders truly represent the backbone of Indiana -Hoosiers who see that investing in their community and in their state will pay dividends for years to come." 

Award recipients were selected by the governor in collaboration with the Minority and Women's Business Enterprises division of the Indiana Department of Administration.  Governor Mitch Daniels and Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman will present the awards at a ceremony at the State House.

Thirteen individuals will receive the Governor's Award for Achievement for excellence and service in the fields of education, business, technology, health and religion.  Three individuals will receive specialized awards for leadership and community service. 

Governor's Award for Achievement in Education recipients:

• Reverend Victor Davis (Gary), founder of Spirit of God Fellowship East
• George McCullough, Jr. (South Bend), principal of Washington High School  

Governor's Award for Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship recipients:

• Barbara Johnson (Fort Wayne), president and founder of SheeKriStyle Academy of Dance, Inc.
• Reba Harris (Kokomo), founder of the Gilhead House, a not-for-profit organization that serves women with drug and alcohol addictions
• David Girton (Indianapolis), president and CEO of Liger Securities Corporation, a financial services company.
• Constance Robinson Blair (Evansville), president of HMR Enterprises, a distribution company, and member of the Evansville City Council.
• Venita J. Moore, Debra Simmons Wilson and Tammy Butler Robinson (Indianapolis), principals of Engaging Solutions, LLC, a management consulting firm.

Governor's Award for Achievement in Technology recipient:

• Tracy Barnes (Indianapolis), founder of ENTAP, Inc., a technology consulting firm.

Governor's Award for Achievement in Health recipients:

• John Young, M.D. (Indianapolis), co-founder of the Citizens Ambulatory Clinic and retired professor at The Methodist Hospital Residency Program.
• Terri Martin (Gary), executive director of the Gary Community Health Foundation, Inc., a local not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life and health for the citizens of Gary.
• Nancy Jewell (Indianapolis), president and CEO of the Indiana Minority Health Coalition.

Governor's Award for Achievement in Religion recipients:

• Reverend John Ramsey, Sr. (Indianapolis), senior pastor of the New Life Worship Center.
• Sister Demetria Smith (Indianapolis), order of the Missionary Sister of Our Ladies of Africa on assignment to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Sam Jones Trailblazer Award recipients:

• Harold Calloway (Evansville), insurance agent with State Farm Insurance and president of the Southern Indiana Baptist Layman Association.  
• Tony Dungy (Indianapolis), head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Reverend Charles R. Williams Community Service Award recipient:

• Luscious Newsom (Indianapolis), founder of The Lord's Pantry, an organization of volunteers that helps feed the hungry in Indianapolis.   

-30-

« Back to News Release List

Link to this event: