Hamilton County Leadership Academy Names Karen Radcliff as Dean for the Class of 2023

Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) has been educating leaders and cultivating community networks for over 30 years. As Hamilton County enters a milestone year with its bicentennial in 2023, HCLA is eager to welcome its 32nd cohort to its leadership legacy. At the lead of this next cohort will be Karen Radcliff who has been selected to serve as the HCLA dean for the Class of 2023.

The dean plays an integral role in providing meaningful insight and expertise throughout the HCLA class experience. They serve as an ambassador for the program in the community and will collaborate with the HCLA executive director and board to cultivate and maintain an engaging, dynamic, and thought-provoking learning environment.

“This is a truly exciting time for Hamilton County and HCLA. As we celebrate the history of Hamilton County, HCLA looks to learn from our county’s past to influence our present and future. We know that Karen will be a key player in developing those connections for the Class of 2023 and we cannot wait to see the impact she will continue to make in Hamilton County as our dean,” said Diana Coyle, Hamilton County Leadership Academy executive director.

Karen Radcliff serves as the vice president/chief strategy officer for Hamilton County Tourism and the director of Hamilton County Sports Authority. Karen has worked for Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. for over 20 years. In her work, she successfully positioned Hamilton County as a visitor destination for golf, weddings, youth sports, weekend leisure fun, and small meetings. Currently, she oversees the marketing, sports, sales, and visitor services departments for Hamilton County Tourism and informs strategic direction on special projects and long-range plans. Karen lives in Westfield and enjoys yoga, hiking, cooking, summer Jeep rides, and spending time with her two sons.

Radcliff shared, “I am humbled and honored to be HCLA’s next dean and thrilled to usher in the county’s bicentennial with the graduating class of 2023. I hope to foster meaningful connections for learning, friendship, networking, and stewardship, and I can’t think of a better way to accomplish that than through the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.”

“Karen offers a treasure trove of community leadership experience, providing a deep passion and connection to all elements which elevate Hamilton County and our region. Pairing her leadership as dean of the next HCLA cohort perfectly aligns with our mission to educate and ignite changemakers and bridge-builders through the HCLA program. Under her leadership, HCLA will continue to serve as a flagship experience for our community,” said Alaina Shonkwiler, HCLA Board president.

Applications for the HCLA Class of 2023 are currently open and will close on May 31. Members of the Class of 2023 will be announced at the end of July.

For more information, visit hcla.net.

HCLA is a 10-month program for professional and community leaders who live or work in Hamilton County. Class sessions cover a wide variety of topics that affect the operations of the county, participants receive learning in the areas of government, education, criminal justice, arts, culture, business, industry, and much more. Graduates of the program have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Hamilton County, create meaningful, life-long connections with their peers, HCLA alumni, and community leaders, and gain clarity around how to lead and make an impact in their backyard.