GREENFIELD - Keely Butrum has long found a sense of fulfillment in serving her community as a volunteer, business owner, and civic servant.
On Nov. 21, she was recognized by the Hancock County Business and Professional Women's Club as Outstanding Working Woman of the Year. The award was held in conjunction with Working Women's Month, as recognized by the Indiana Federation of Business & Professional Women.
The local professional women's club sought out public nominations for outstanding Hancock County women who give of themselves outside of their work environment, exhibiting passion, generosity, commitment, optimism and supportiveness through volunteer efforts in their community.
Butrum was nominated by Linda Ostewig, director of the Talitha Koum Women's Recovery House, where Butrum serves as board president. Ostewig surprised Butrum with the award by asking her to arrive early to the November board meeting, where members of the professional women's club were waiting to present her with a plaque commemorating the honor.
"I was definitely surprised," said Butrum, a financial planner and investment risk manager who owns Lion Quest Consulting in Greenfield. "When you do community service you never expect to be recognized, but I must admit it was touching," said the lifelong Greenfield resident.
Butrum was honored not only for her role with the Talitha Koum house but also for The Landing. Both have an emphasis on serving those who have battled substance use and addiction.
"I've had a passion for this work because of that personal experience," she said. "I know how hard it is in those early years."
For Butrum, that meant filling the void with community service. For the past two summers, she has organized a concert fundraiser at Depot Street Park called Revel for a Cause.
"In sobriety...it organically evolved into taking on projects and serving on boards ... which has given me a lot of purpose and personal fulfillment," she said.
She looks forward to spending many more years serving her community and watching organizations grow. She plans to spend more years in civic service while nearing the end of her fourth year on Hancock County Council but plans to submit her name if embattled council member John Jessup resigns as expected.
"I lost to Ethan Lawson...on the campaign trail," she said.
Butrum looks forward to new opportunities and chances to serve her community further.
"I appreciate everyone who has supported me," she concluded.