The Center for Leadership Development, an Indianapolis-based community organization focused on fostering the advancement of minority youth in central Indiana, recently honored Eugene Anderson of United Water with its prestigious Board of Directors Award for his long track record of service and leadership in his hometown of Indianapolis. This is one of the highest honors the organization bestows during its annual Minority Business & Professional Achievement Awards dinner, which was held March 17 at the Indiana Convention Center.
“This is a wonderful award for Eugene. The Center for Leadership Development has recognized his ability to reach out to those from all walks of life and lead them toward a common goal,” said Tom Brown, vice president and general manager of United Water, who nominated Anderson for the award. “Eugene is revered by his colleagues and neighbors, and we couldn’t be happier to have him as part of our organization.”
To be considered for the award, nominees must demonstrate professional success, leadership and dedication to the community through involvement in volunteer and nonprofit organizations. They must also stand out as role models for young people, especially those in minority groups.
Anderson, who is community relations manager for United Water, is responsible for the company’s communications and overseeing educational programs on wastewater and the environment. Prior to joining United Water, Anderson was assistant deputy mayor of Indianapolis, where he coordinated the city’s relationships with more than 250 community organizations. His volunteer commitments include serving on Martin University’s Board of Trustees and the local United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Advisory Council. He is a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Academy of Greater Indianapolis and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Anderson received a bachelor’s degree in speech from Wabash College in 1983 and was also a standout on the school’s football team.
Fellow Kappa Alpha Psi life member William Mays, president of Indianapolis-based Mays Chemical, said one of his key reasons for supporting Anderson’s nomination was Anderson’s commitment to elevating the next generation of minority youths. Through Anderson’s involvement with Martin University, UNCF, United Way of Central Indiana and various other organizations, he has steered minority students toward obtaining quality educations. “If Eugene has one dream, it is that our city’s next generation of young minorities will have the resources and role models necessary to become strong resilient leaders like he has become,” Mays said.
