Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University's Nonprofit Leadership Alliance has selected Deborah Plummer as the 2011-2012 Nonprofit Professional of the Year.

Plummer, executive director of the YMCA of Clay County, received the award for her continuing support of the academic program and mentorship of students, in addition to her strategic leadership at the YMCA.

"It is such an honor to be recognized by colleagues that care about the needs of the communities we serve as much as I do," Plummer said.

Plummer initiated the launching of a YMCA in Vigo County, which is set to open soon. Nathan Schaumleffel, campus/executive director of the alliance, described her vision for opening a second YMCA as "remarkable." He also said Plummer's optimism and leadership create excellent learning opportunities for alliance students.

"I have always appreciated your positive attitude, professionalism and mission-based management of the YMCA," Schaumleffel wrote in Plummer's congratulatory letter. "I cannot educate future nonprofit professionals without local practitioners like you for them to model and be mentored by."

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics) is a collaboration of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations dedicated to preparing students to lead nonprofit organizations. The alliance partners with over 70 national nonprofit partners including the YMCA.

"We are so happy to partner with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance to help these young professionals learn and grow through work at the Y," Plummer said.

Contact: Nathan Schaumleffel, associate professor and campus/executive director, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, Indiana State University at 812-237-2189 or nathan.schaumleffel@indstate.edu

Writer: Mallory Metheny, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University at 812-237-3773