Celebration of Leadership

What is COL?

Celebration of Leadership (COL) is a remarkably diverse and inclusive annual event whereby Leadership Everyone publicly seeks out and honors individuals, projects, programs, business, and organizations who make significant, collaborative contributions that improve and transform community in the Evansville region.

Who are the Nominees?

Our nominees represent all walks of life across our Region. Check out the full list of this year’s and past nominees here!

View photos from our 2025 Nominee Party here!

See our Nominees

How Do I Nominate?

Nominate anytime throughout the year for the event the following March. Head to our Nominations page for FAQs!

Nominations for COL 2027 are due December 4, 2026. Any nominations received after this date will be used the following year.

Nominate Now

Who are the Recipients? How are they Selected?

A diverse panel of 10-20 volunteer community members from the Evansville region scores each nomination based on how it meets the criteria outlined by the nomination questions. Multiple nominations per nominee do not increase the chance of an award.

Recipients are not notified ahead of time—they are announced at the event!

See a list of previous recipients here.

How Do We Celebrate?

Every March, the community comes together to celebrate both nominees and recipients! The 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership was on March 18, 2026. See photos here!

View Photos from Past Events

Volunteer at COL

Celebration of Leadership couldn’t happen without all the LE alumni and community members who volunteer their time throughout the year. Let us know if you’re interested in helping at a workday or on the day of the event—we promise it will be fun!

Thank you to our Sponsors

We are so grateful for all the organizations and individuals who make COL possible! We could not do it without YOU. We are especially grateful for CenterPoint Energy, our Title Sponsor for this event.

Interested in advertising in our program? Learn more here!

Help us continue Celebration of Leadership and all our other programs by donating today!

Donate to LE

News

31st Annual Celebration of Leadership Honors Regional Servant Leaders

EVANSVILLE, IN, MARCH 18, 2026 — Leadership Everyone held its 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) at Old National Events Plaza on Wednesday night. Presented by title sponsor CenterPoint Energy, the event recognized and celebrated the innovative, collaborative,...

Leadership Everyone to Honor 138 Nominees at 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership

EVANSVILLE, IN — January 29, 2026 — Leadership Everyone (LE) announced today that it will honor 138 nominees at the 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) on March 18, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Old National Events Plaza. The event is presented by...

Leadership Everyone Invites Public to Nominate Servant Leaders for 31st Annual Award Ceremony

EVANSVILLE, IN, October 6, 2025—Leadership Everyone (LE) is again seeking nominations for its 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership Awards Ceremony (COL) for individuals (including youth), programs, projects and organizations who make significant, collaborative...