Kosciusko County Mourns the Passing of Jean Northenor — Visionary Founder of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy

The Kosciusko County community is mourning the passing of Jean Northenor, a trailblazing civic leader, community builder, and founder of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy (KLA). Jean’s impact on leadership development and community engagement continues to be felt more than four decades after she helped establish the program in 1981.

In 1980–81, Jean Northenor, alongside Doug Grant and Matt Dalton, recognized the need to cultivate emerging leaders in Kosciusko County. The trio saw each other frequently at community meetings and envisioned a program that would inspire others to take active roles in local leadership. From those conversations, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy was born.

Jean assembled the inaugural Board of Directors and asked each member to send their “best and brightest” to participate in the first cadet class, which ran from 1981 to 1982 and graduated in the spring of 1982. Her vision was clear: KLA would be a county-wide program—and one that welcomed and elevated women.

The original curriculum reflected Jean’s inclusive and comprehensive approach, encompassing law enforcement, county government, agriculture, education, religious organizations, and area planning. “It took calling in a lot of favors to put together the curriculum the first few years,” Jean recalled of the early days.

From its inception, Jean believed that leadership should extend beyond learning to giving back to the community. That belief remains the cornerstone of KLA’s mission today. Over the decades, many community programs, initiatives, and amenities across the county trace their origins to KLA White Paper projects, developed by cadet teams who research and present actionable ideas to enhance local life.

To honor Jean’s dedication, KLA established the Northenor Award, a monetary prize supporting the most impactful White Paper project each year. The fund was initially seeded by Matt Dalton through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in tribute to Jean’s leadership and enduring influence.

Now recognized as one of the longest continually operating community leadership programs in the nation, KLA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a “40 for 40” campaign, raising more than $40,000—half of which was contributed to the Northenor Fund.

Jean remained deeply engaged with KLA throughout her life, attending graduation banquets and serving as a judge for the Northenor Award White Paper panel as recently as 2022. Her example of mentorship, inclusion, and civic commitment continues to inspire the hundreds of alumni who carry her vision forward in their workplaces, schools, and communities.

Allyn Decker, KLA Moderator since 2008 reflects, “I had the privilege of working with Jean for many years during her tenure as Executive Vice President at Lake City Bank and also in my role as KLA Moderator. In both capacities, Jean was an inspiring leader and mentor who always urged others to bring their very best to every initiative. Both organizations continue to thrive today because of Jean’s consistent and impactful leadership.”

The Kosciusko Leadership Academy extends heartfelt condolences to Jean’s family and friends and invites the community to celebrate her life and legacy through continued dedication to the leadership and service she so strongly championed.

About the Kosciusko Leadership Academy

Founded in 1981, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy (KLA) develops informed and engaged leaders who strengthen Kosciusko County through education, connection, and service. For more than four decades, KLA has provided professionals and community members the opportunity to learn about key sectors shaping the region and to contribute through collaborative “White Paper” projects.