Courtesy of Tippecanoe County CASA
Tippecanoe County CASA’s Executive Director, Coleen Connor, retired today after twenty-two (22) years of exemplary service to the county and to the State of Indiana.
At a reception celebrating her tenure and retirement, Connor was presented the Governor’s Distinguished Hoosier Award by Senator Ron Alting. The Distinguished Hoosier Award is one of the highest tributes given by the State of Indiana to its citizens. It is granted at the sole discretion of the Governor to Hoosiers who have uniquely brought admiration and respect to the state through their character and accomplishments.
Connor has established Tippecanoe County’s CASA program as one of the most respected and successful CASA organizations in the state. Locally, Connor has been an active member of the Tippecanoe County Child Protection Team, Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention Council, Indiana Department of Child Services’ Regional Service Council and Tippecanoe County’s Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative. Connor has been a member of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana: Juvenile Justice and Cross System Youth Task Force, the Indiana Supreme Court Advisory Commission, and Indiana’s Dual Status Implementation Committee. She has also chaired the Indiana State CASA/GAL Certifications, Standards and Best Practices Committee for the past 10 years.
Tippecanoe County’s Juvenile Court Judge, Hon. Faith A. Graham, notes: “Coleen is highly respected by all child welfare stakeholders. She has always demonstrated an incredible work ethic and her commitment to improving outcomes for at-risk children has never wavered. Her steadfast dedication to the CASA mission has empowered advocates to protect the safety and well-being of thousands of Hoosier children. This award is well-deserved, and she will be greatly missed.”