2024 Women in Leadership Honorees Announced

July 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Frey, 812-379-4457
2024 Women in Leadership Honorees Announced
The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to unveil an exceptional lineup of distinguished women who will inspire the audience at the 2024 Women in Leadership Lunch on August 23 at The Commons. Under the banner of "Wiser Than Me," this year's gathering promises to be a tribute to the resilience and accomplishments of four honorees and to those who have inspired and mentored them.
Cindy Frey, the president of the Chamber, shared her enthusiasm, highlighting the event's significance, stating, "Year after year, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions that women bring to both our professional arenas and our wider community. This year, we will also give a nod to the women of previous generations who serve as trailblazers and mentors."
Set to grace the stage as this year's honorees are Cheryl Buffo, Laura Mount, Diane Robbins, and Nicole Wheeldon.  Their stories will undoubtedly resonate, underscoring the profound impact of women in leadership roles.  The honorees are:
Cheryl Buffo, with over 30 years of experience in project management and strategic planning across various sectors, currently leads Community Programs for Columbus Regional Health Foundation and serves as Program Manager for Mental Health Matters. She has demonstrated professional excellence through roles such as leading Reams Asset Management Firm’s corporate identity redesign and overseeing over $15 million in strategic philanthropic projects for Irwin Management Company. Buffo's commitment to community service is evident in her board participation with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, kidscommons, and Centra Credit Union.
Lora Mount co-owns Voelz, Reed, & Mount, LLC, one of South Central Indiana's largest elder law firms. She co-founded the Voelz, Reed, & Mount Foundation, providing annual grants to organizations serving seniors and individuals with special needs. Her community service includes roles on the Riley Children’s Foundation Professional Advisors Council, the Indiana University-Columbus Board of Advisors, and the board of Heritage Fund, along with her past presidency of the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Diane Robbins, currently the executive director of the Bartholomew County Historical Society, Diane Robbins has dedicated much of her professional and personal life to service, community involvement, and leadership. She worked at Firestone Tire Company as a buyer early in her career. After a move to Columbus, she also served as Assistant Athletic Director at Columbus North High School and Executive Director of kidscommons. Her extensive volunteer work includes leadership roles in the Columbus Service League, St. Peter's Church Council, Columbus Area Arts Council Board of Directors, and Columbus Area Visitors Center.
Nicole Wheeldon, Plant Manager at Cummins, Inc., has a rich background in engineering, holding degrees from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and Purdue University. She is the current President of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board, and she represents the board on the BCSC Diversity Leadership Council, and the Bartholomew County Redevelopment Commission, highlighting her deep commitment to the Columbus community. Nicole's community involvement includes volunteering with United Way and Feed My Starving Children, showcasing her dedication to supporting local needs.
The 2023 event is presented by Tara Treatment Center with additional support from Old National Bank, Centra Credit Union, WWA Planning and Investments, and CSO Architects.
Tickets are $65. Tables of 8 are available for $500. Reservations are required and can be made on the Chamber website: www.columbusareachamber.com