County Surveyor Kent Ward Best in State
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) announced that Hamilton County Surveyor Kent Ward received the 2024 Outstanding Surveyor Award. The award recognized Kent’s contributions made to county government throughout his years of public service.
Kent has been serving as the Hamilton County Surveyor since 1977. He holds an associate in applied science in architectural technology and a Bachelor of Science in construction technology from Purdue University. He also earned a Certificate in Public Management and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University.
In 1995, Kent was appointed by Governor Evan Bayh to serve on a work group which compiled the Indiana Drainage Handbook utilized by stormwater designers throughout Indiana. In 2002 and 2003, he served on IDEM’s external group writing Rule 13 so Indiana would be in compliance with EPA’s Stormwaters Regulations.
He is a a graduate of the AIC’s Institute for Excellence in County Government, a certified flood plain manager, certified erosion and sediment storm water inspector, certified professional in municipal stormwater management and a certified inspector of sediment and erosion control.
Kent has served on several national organizations, serving as President of the National Association of County Surveyors. Kent is the AIC’s appointment to the National Association of Counties Board of Directors, and he serves on multiple NACo Committees, including the Chair of the GIS Subcommittee for NACo’s Environment, Energy and Land Use Committee.
Kent is a recipient of AIC’s Himsel Award, and he has served as President of the AIC. The award was presented during the AIC’s 66th Annual Conference in Switzerland County. The AIC’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of county officials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities, and local elected officials addressed issues such as: Retirement, Transportation, Public Records, Human Resources, Elections, Public Health Funding, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Local Funding.