DonatePresidential Leadership Awards
Rev. Elaine Walters, Russell Foundations, Inc.
Rev. Elaine Walters is nationally known preacher, author, speaker and teacher. She is much sought after in social, civic, and religious circles for her keen ability to integrate theological concepts with social responsibility. Rev. Walters preaches and teaches a gospel that has legs and feet, a gospel of liberation and redemption, a gospel of love and grace.
Rev. Walters describes herself as a product of the unmerited favor of God. Her personal statement: “If there be any praise, let it go to Calvary. To God be the Glory.”
Mr. Wayne Schmidt, President, Schmidt Construction
Wayne Schmidt graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He founded Schmidt & Associates in 1976 which was originally a single-person architectural office, on the belief that the client is best served when included as a partner in the design process. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and a registered architect in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Schmidt grew up in the first motel in Evansville, In., built and owned by his parents.
He learned the value of customers as he grew up and adopted servant leadership as his company’s core value. Recipient of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Edward Pierre Award from the Indiana Society of Architects; the City of Indianapolis. Development Award and the Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Leadership Award. Serves as Chair of the Indianapolis Parks Foundation; St Frances Hospital Central Ind. Region Board of Directors; member of Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce; board member of International School of Indiana; Hoosier Fellows Class of 2008; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and past president of AIA Indianapolis. And Indiana. In 2007 Schmidt was award “Best Place to Work in Indiana (Small/Medium Company)” by Ind. Chamber of Commerce.