The Founder’s Award is a way of recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general, and specifically to the POPAI organization. The recipient need not be a Probation Officer or POPAI member. The selected person, however, shall be characterized by his/her commitment of influence and promotion of professionalism to Indiana probation. Previous award winners are listed below.
2025 Nominations
The Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Founder’s Award. The Nomination Form and instructions are available here, with all entries due by August 5, 2025, before Noon Eastern Time.
2024 Two Winners
On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Deborah Kesler, Juvenile Chief Probation Officer from Vigo County and Cherie Epley, Chief Probation Officer of Vanderburgh County Probation were presented the Founder’s Award. Learn more about both here.
Founder’s Award Recipients