As the Hamilton County Leadership Academy approaches its 25th anniversary, Current is highlighting local leaders who have helped build and sustain the program, which focuses on strengthening our community by developing informed leaders. In June 2016, another class of engaged citizens will join 600-plus graduates already working to make a difference.

Beth A. Gehlhausen, HCLA Class of 1994; Distinguished Alumnus, 2000

Hometown: Indianapolis

Lives: Fishers

Works: Noblesville

Family: Husband Tom, chief deputy, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office; adult sons Brandon and Cody.

Career: Executive director, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County; organizational consultant for not-for-profits; founder and former executive director of Prevail, Inc. of Hamilton County.

Community involvement: Fishers Redevelopment Authority, president; Fishers Rotary Club; Fishers YMCA Board of Advisors; Heartland Church, early childhood volunteer; CICOA Advisory Board; Hamilton County Council on Aging.

Nice to know: Before founding Prevail to serve victims of violent crime, Gehlhausen was a police officer.

Most vivid HCLA memory: “Our [group]project. My group looked at planning at a county level, conducting the Hamilton County Future Search Conference in November 1994. The three-day conference was convened to address the explosive growth of Hamilton County and how to effectively deal with it.”

What impact has HCLA made on the community? “HCLA has made a huge impact on Hamilton County. Graduates have become in engaged in a variety of ways, from joining local non-profit boards to running for office and getting involved in local government on various committees and boards. … HCLA allows its participants to see such a broad range of the community and encourages involvement from day one.”

Favorite Hamilton County restaurant: “I love the truly ‘local’ restaurant spots, like Matteo’s, Sahm’s, Sunrise Cafe.”

Best-kept Hamilton County secret: “All the amazing parks!”

For more from Gehlhausen and other HCLA leaders, visit HCLA.net.