David Resnick was participating in a Zoom meeting when the topic unexpectedly turned from routine company business to something rare and personal.
In the middle of the company-wide meeting last month, Resnick – chair of the Katz, Sapper & Miller CPA firm in Carmel – was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash during a virtual presentation presided over by his KSM mentor and predecessor, Curt Miller.
That’s how, and when, Resnick learned of the honor.
“Complete amazement. I was speechless,” he said.
One of the highest honors bestowed to Indiana residents, the Sagamore of the Wabash is presented to Hoosiers who have “rendered a distinguished service to the state of Indiana” or to an Indiana governor. Established during the term of Indiana Gov. Ralph F. Gates (1945-49), the distinction has been conferred to a range of people, including astronauts, ambassadors, artists and musicians.
Resnick, a longtime Carmel resident who serves on the boards of several nonprofits, was honored for an array of community service initiatives that include: Establishing in 2009 an annual firm-wide day of volunteer service; underwriting the restoration and maintenance of the City Market Clock in Indianapolis; helping create a permanent centennial exhibit at the Indianapolis Central Library; and providing financial support to the Eva Kor Outreach and Education program.
“Giving back (to the community) is a part of my upbringing and was always a family value,” Resnick said. “I feel that it is our obligation to do so and give back to our community as a way to say thank you, as KSM has been so blessed to be a part of this community.”
KSM employees, retired partners and Resnick’s family participated in the virtual presentation. The occasion also marked the end of Resnick’s 18-years as the firm’s managing partner and was the beginning of his new role as chair of the board.
Resnick, 61, joined KSM in 1982. He and his wife, Miriam, have lived in Carmel for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Dan and Alison.
