Awards & Recognition

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

2023: Allison Wharry, New Hope of Indiana
2022: Jim Allbaugh, Carey Services, Inc.
2021: Russ Bonanno, LIFEDesigns, Inc.
2020: Patrick Sandy, Easterseals Crossroads
2019: Jason Meyer, Passages, Inc.
2018: Ann Robertson, IPMG, Inc.

Pinnacle Award

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
2019: Kay Boas, Developmental Services, Inc.
2018 *First year for the award.: Cheryl Schade, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.

Keystone Award

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.
2019: Christine Jameson, Cardinal Services, Inc.
2018: Cathy Bradley, Cardinal Services, Inc.

Justin Dart Personal Achievement Award

2023: Rebekah Geist, Carey Services, Inc.
2022: Jack Huybers, insights/ViaQuest Community Solutions
2021: Brad Lain, IPMG, Inc.
2020: Liam Price, Tangram, Inc.
2019: Jonathon Wilfong, Developmental Services, Inc.
2018: Jack Stacey, Wabash Center, Inc.

Partnership Award

2023: Pokagon Band of Potowatomi and its Four Winds Casinos
2022: Meijer of Kokomo
2021: Strack & Van Til Food Market
2020: City of Greencastle
2019: Ted Brown, Toyota
2018: Gregory & Appel

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