South Shore Leadership Center has named Geof Benson, executive director of Dunes Learning Center, one of 14 finalists for this year’s Leaders as Heroes award.
The award honors individuals who exemplify leadership in the region through innovation, energy and focus on building a dynamic and world class community.
“I was thrilled to see Geof’s nomination, and doubly thrilled at his selection as a finalist,” said Ty Warner AICP, executive director of Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “Geof has a huge capacity to connect disparate people to come together in solving seemingly intractable problems. That, to me, is a mark of exceptional leadership, and something our region greatly needs.”
Since joining Dunes Learning Center in February of 2013, Benson has led an expansion of environmental education and stewardship programs to underserved communities across Northwest Indiana, reaching more than 7,500 students last year.
Benson's career highlights include executive leadership and professional management experience in governmental, business and non-profit organizations. He has served as the Beverly Shores Town Council President, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 2014 Chair and current chair of the Environmental Management Policy Committee. He is Environmental Committee Chair and board member of the National Association of Regional Councils and a Chicago Wilderness Executive Council member.
The winner of the Leaders as Heroes award will be announced at South Shore Leadership Center annual dinner on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at Avalon Manor, 3550 E US Highway 30, Merrillville, Indiana. Tickets are $60 and $500 for table of 8. Tickets can be ordered online at SouthShoreLC.org.
To learn more about Dunes Learning Center and its impact on Northwest Indiana, visit DunesLearningCenter.org.