Public Service Award

Alice A. Martin of Elkhart recently received the Henry Ferrettie Award for Outstanding Public Service award from the Indiana University South Bend Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society of Public Affairs and Administration and the IU South Bend School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

The award is given annually to honor individuals who exemplify the highest standards in public service. Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller nominated Martin for the award.

Martin is the chief people officer (humane resources) for NIBCO, Inc. as well as vice chairman and lead director of the board of directors. She is also co-founder and president of the Rex and Alice A. Martin Foundation.

Over the years, Martin has lent her talents to both local and national concerns. Locally she has participated on the board of United Way of Elkhart County, the Alzheimer’s Association of St. Joseph County, Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart Center, Michiana Arts and Sciences Council, and the South Bend Symphony.

Nationally, she was involved in the President’s Summit for America’s Future.

Martin’s passion for the children of Elkhart is exemplified by her involvement with Potawatomi Zoo, WNIT Public Television, and the Association for the Disabled.

The Henry Ferrettie Award for Outstanding Public Service was established by T. Brooks Brademas in 1985, to honor the late County Commissioner Henry Ferrettie. He was known for his standard of excellence through many years of public service.

Past recipients of the award include Evelyn Kirkwood, Edwina Kintner, Jon Hunt, Lester Fox, Bill Killilea and Lou Nanni.

The honorary society also honored Rose Meissner, president of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. She was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha as an honorary member. Meissner is active with the Memorial Health Foundation, United Way of St. Joseph County, and Rotary Club of South Bend.

Honorary Members inducted in past years include Joseph Nagy, former Indiana Governor Joe Kernan, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke, and Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea.