The Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) is proud to announce that Executive Director Neysa Meyer has been named the 2026 recipient of the Elevate Award for Nonprofit Employee by United Way of Central Indiana. The Elevate Awards recognize outstanding nonprofit leaders across Central Indiana who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and measurable community impact.
Meyer was selected for her visionary leadership, collaborative approach, and steadfast commitment to strengthening Putnam County. As Executive Director, she has guided PCCF through a period of transformational growth, expanding the foundation’s assets by more than $10 million in just three years, while positioning philanthropy as a powerful tool for solving complex community challenges.
A defining example of Meyer’s leadership is her response to the 2023 Putnam County Community Needs Assessment. Recognizing urgent behavioral health needs, she championed the creation of Putnam CARES (Community Action for Recovery, Empowerment, and Support), a county-wide initiative addressing mental health and substance use. Under her leadership, more than 50 community partners, including local government officials, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, and advocates, have come together to coordinate resources, raise awareness, and build long-term strategies to improve outcomes.
Through Meyer’s advocacy and strategic vision, PCCF has committed more than $300,000 to expand mental health services, strengthen the provider pipeline, enhance case management, and support recovery programs. Her inclusive leadership style ensures that solutions are community-driven, rooted in collaboration, and designed for sustainable impact.
In addition to advancing community-wide initiatives, Meyer has invested deeply in PCCF’s team, fostering professional growth and cultivating forward-thinking collaboration.
Meyer’s nominator wrote, “Through her vision, leadership, and dedication, Neysa Meyer is transforming philanthropy in Putnam County, creating a legacy of hope, resilience, and shared purpose that will benefit the community for generations to come.”
For more information about the Elevate Awards, visit www.uwci.org/elevate.