INARF as an Association, has multiple initiatives in which we recognize and promote commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Annual Awards, Costa N. Miller Award and PAC Awards are a few ways we recognize our members' staff, community partners and legislators. Join us in celebrating the following individuals who have exemplified INARF's continued mission to influence the disabilities services industry.

INARF Annual Awards

Every year, INARF hosts an Awards Recognition Program at our Annual Conference. The Annual Awards Program provides our members the opportunity to publicly recognize their staff, individuals served, and community partners who embrace individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Below are the past four years' recipients for each award.

James M. Hammond III Executive Leadership Award​

• 2024: Neil Samahon, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.
• 2023: Allison Wharry, New Hope of Indiana
• 2022: Jim Allbaugh, Carey Services, Inc.
• 2021: Russ Bonanno, LIFEDesigns, Inc.
• 2020: ​Patrick Sandy, Easterseals Crossroads​​

Pinnacle Award

• 2024: Sherri Bailey, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
• 2023: Brandi Foreman, Carey Services, Inc.
• 2022: Debra "Deb" Beach, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
• ​​2021: Melissa Market, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
• 2020: Lynn Feldman, New Hope of Indiana ​

Keystone Award

• 2024: Michael Hedrington, ADEC, Inc.
• 2023: Tabitha Johnson, Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc.
• 2022: Tracy "Trace" Tucker, LEL Home Services, LLC
• ​2021: Alex Buchman, Easterseals Crossroads
• 2020: Spencer Shepard, Developmental Services, Inc. ​

Justin Dart Jr. Personal Achievement Award

• 2024: Becky Oaks, The Arc of Greater Boone County
• 2023: Rebekah Geist, Carey Services, Inc.
• 2022: Jack Huybers, insights/ViaQuest Community Solutions
• ​​2021: Brad Lain, IPMG, Inc.
• 2020: Liam Price, Tangram, Inc.  ​

Partnership Award

• 2024: G.D. Ritzy's 
• 2023: Pokagon Band of Potowatomi and its Four Winds Casinos
• 2022: Meijer of Kokomo 
• ​2021: Strack & Van Til Food Market 
• 2020: City of Greencastle 

Costa N. Miller Award

​Each year the Costa N. Miller Award is awarded to (2) individuals employed by an INARF member organization.  As of May 2024,  the Costa N. Miller Award is separate from the INARF Annual Awards.  The award recipients were honored among their peers during the INARF Conference for DSPs on September 10, 2024.  Please visit the Costa N. Miller Award Page to view the 2024 Award Winners as well as more information about this annual award.  Below are the past six years' recipients.

2024:

• Karen Frazier, Marshall-Starke Development Center
• Leticia Galvan, Respite Care Services, Inc. 

2023: 

• Allison Bullock, LEL Home Services, LLC
• Lynette Luphahla, New Hope of Indiana

2022:

• Teyana Lockett, New Hope of Indiana
• Brooklynn Weber, LEL Home Services, LLC​

​​

2021:

• Yves Bayiringire, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
• Heather Enyeart, The Arc of Wabash County
  

2020:

• ​Kaylie Savoy, Hillcroft Services, Inc.
• Kimberly Shanklin, Tangram, Inc.

​2019: 

• Taylor Hartsock, Passages, Inc.
• Rachael Lechlitner, Goldenrod​​

INARF PAC Awards

The INARF PAC annually recognizes legislative champions who have gone above and beyond to author and support legislation impacting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Below are the past four years' recipients:

2022:

• INARF PAC Lifetime Achievement Award - Chairman Tim Brown
• Legislator of the Year Award - Representative Greg Porter  

2021:

• Legislator of the Year Award - State Senator Ryan Mishler

​2020:

• INARF Advocate of the Year Award - US Congresswoman Jackie Walorski
• INARF PAC Lifetime Achievement Award - Kelli Waggoner

​​2019:

• Legislator of the Year Award - State Representative Todd Huston
• Senate Champion of the Year Award - State Senator Liz Brown