Last month, Earl Martin Phalen and Tim Solso were honored as the inaugural recipients of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation awards. The Foundation will biennially make these awards to persons or organizations doing work that moves the state forward. The foundation was created in honor of former Governor Mitch Daniels, now president of Purdue University, to recognize leaders who promote progress in Indiana. The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage leadership that “refuses to accept the status quo as good enough, constantly aims higher, and executes courageously resulting in lifting the arc of progress in Indiana”.
Phalen, CEO and founder of the Summer Advantage USA and Reach Out and Read programs, as well as the founder of the Phalen Leadership Academy charter school in Indianapolis, received a $50,000 grant. He was abandoned at birth and quickly adopted into a large white Irish Catholic family. Phalen would go on to graduate from Yale University and Harvard Law School. Summer Advantage USA works with schools in Indiana and throughout the country to increase student achievement through rigorous academic instruction, enrichment classes, mentoring activities and physical fitness.
Solso retired from Cummins in 2011 after 11 years with the company. Under his leadership, Cummins ensured that employment opportunities were accessible to all citizens. He opened worldwide markets for Indiana businesses, doubled Cummins’ revenue, and tripled its international business sales. He worked tirelessly to lead Cummins to prominence and success and the significance of his achievements have helped solidify Indiana’s place on the world stage, and to use that influence as a civic platform.
Transform Consulting Group is a BIG fan of Mr. Phalen and Mr. Solso’s work and leadership! We want to help your organization “move the ball forward” and make a difference in Indiana. Contact Transform Consulting Group today to learn how we can help you be an agent for change!
