STATEHOUSE (July 27, 2016) — State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) recently presented Jean Neel with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, one of Indiana’s highest honors given to those who have distinguished themselves in the area of service.
“Jean has played an integral role in promoting community development throughout Kokomo and surrounding communities, both in a professional and personal capacity,” Karickhoff said. “She has dedicated her time to improving the lives of those around her and devoted countless hours to community service through a variety of organizations.”
Neel works for Haynes International Inc. as vice-president of corporate affairs and has been with the company since 1999. She volunteers with a number of community organizations, including the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, United Way of Howard County and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region Board of Trustees for nine years.
Mark Comerford, president and CEO of Haynes International, Inc., said, “We at Haynes International are enormously proud of Jean Neel's contributions, and this recognition of the state's highest honor is testament to her commitment to serving the communities in which we operate. Congratulations, Jean, and thank you for being such an integral part of our team."
Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight has experience with Neel in both his capacity as an elected official and as a previous business leader in the alloy industry.
“Jean is a valuable community leader,” Goodnight said. “We share a passion for economic development in our community. She’s very deserving of this award for her service to Kokomo.”
Stephen J. Daily, the chancellor emeritus of Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region, said, “Jean has served for nine years on the Ivy Tech Kokomo Region Board of Trustees. She has played a significant role in the growth and success of Ivy Tech in the last 10 years.”
The award is the highest honor that the governor can bestow and is presented to Hoosiers who have rendered distinguished to the state, contributing greatly to Indiana’s heritage.
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Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Editor’s note: Please use this photo in your coverage of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award presentation.
SAGAMORE PRESENTATION: State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) presents Jean Neel the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in the House chamber located in the Indiana Statehouse. Neel was honored because of her service to Kokomo and the state of Indiana.
