Compiled by Andrea Davis, HCLA Class of 2014
As Hamilton County Leadership Academy approaches its 25th anniversary in 2016, Current is highlighting local leaders who’ve helped build and sustain the program, which focuses on developing informed leaders to strengthen the community. In June, another class of engaged citizens will join 600-plus graduates already making a difference.
Todd Burtron, HCLA Class of 2011
Hometown: Sheridan
Lives: Sheridan
Works: Westfield
Family: Wife Tami; daughter Annaka, 19; son Weston, 17.
Career: Chief of staff/deputy mayor, Westfield; Burtron’s decades of public service also includes duty as a firefighter and five years as fire chief. Outside public life, he founded Conrad Consulting & Training LLC.
Community involvement: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation volunteer; Sheridan Community Schools Board of Trustees; Hamilton County Firefighters Foundation board.
Nice to know: Burtron has been instrumental in developing Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus, and he negotiated the recent $91 million sale of the city’s water and sewer utilities. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing bass guitar and reading about U.S. history.
Favorite HCLA “field trip”: “Touring the northern half of the county, because many of my classmates had never been north of State Road 32. It was very enlightening to watch community leaders—current and future—‘discover’ and appreciate the full spectrum of Hamilton County.”
Most valuable lesson learned through HCLA: “The various backgrounds of community leaders are very valuable. We must continue to find ways to partner toward success, because we are much better together than we are apart.”
Best-kept county secret: “The town of Sheridan. While it has significant struggles today, one does not need to look too far back to appreciate the potential. Many communities are spending tremendous capital resources to define a downtown, but Sheridan has one already—it’s ready for people to fall in love with it all over again.”
