Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending the Indiana Society of Association Executives' annual 'Star Awards' banquet. What made it very special was that our own Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) Executive Director, David Bottorff, was named 'Association Executive of the Year'!
Last year's award recipient made the following presentation:
'This year's executive of the year celebrated his 15th year as executive director of his association. 2019 also marks his 31st year serving the citizens of Indiana in one form or another. According to his staff, whenever a new initiative is proposed or priorities compete, he always asks, 'What is best for the citizens of Indiana?' and, 'What is best for our members?' This individual is the definition of a true working director as he is the first one in the office, and the last one to leave. He works tirelessly on the legislative concerns of association members and is in constant contact with all members to keep them informed of the many changes and issues affecting their offices. In the past year, his efforts representing local government and taxpayers have ranged from mental health initiatives to the opioid drug dependency crisis to assessment and taxation issues, just to name a few. He treats his staff with the utmost courtesy and respect, while making them feel like family. His opinions are highly regarded and his commitment is recognized by both legislators and the many departments of state government. However, his greatest achievement is his ability to represent each unit of local government equally, work through differences, and gain consensus. This year's recipient has been an incredible asset to his industry and deserves to be recognized for what he has contributed with the career devoted to association management. Please help me, and our past honorees, in congratulating this year's Association Executive of the Year, David Bottorff of the Association of Indiana Counties.'
David's speech:
'Thank you, this is a great surprise and, I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to work with other association executives for the betterment of association management and all the members that they serve. Of course, this is really a tribute to my staff at the Association of Indiana Counties. They do a tremendous job representing local government-county government-they buy into our motto of 'serving county officials so they can better serve taxpayers' and, they take that to heart-just tremendous intuitive on their part. I also want to thank my board members. Our President is here-Anton Neff, Owen County Councilperson is here tonight--and our board of directors gives me tremendous amount of latitude, and I very much appreciate that. My wife Melissa is here tonight as well. And, she knows the hours that I put in-that we put in sometimes--to help the association. Again, just really an honor and very grateful and I just want to thank you all for your support of the ISAE and everything you do for your membership so, thank you very much.'
David, congratulations from all of us--this high honor is very much deserved! It's a testament to your hard work and outstanding service in support of county government.
#IndianaCounties
In true David fashion...he raises up the staff...takes little credit of his own...that’s why WE have the best executive director...this award doesn’t even come close to giving you the recognition of the hard work and dedication you so humbly deserve. Job well done! You make it easy to buy into our motto...you lead by example.
Best boss ever! I had the privilege of working for David for 13 years and miss his leadership. He’s one in a million. Congratulations, David!
Congratulations David!
Congratulations! So proud of David and all he represents through his service to County government!
Congratulations!
