Jennifer Sharkey Recognized as Trail Development Leader in Northeast Indiana
Mayor of Angola, Dave Martin, accepted the award on behalf of Jennifer Sharkey at the Trails Celebration. Pictured with Mitch Barloga, Board President of Greenways Foundation.
Jennifer Sharkey's tireless dedication to trail development and her visionary leadership have earned her the title of Outstanding Trail Advocate for 2024 by the Greenways Foundation. Sharkey's impact extends beyond Angola to Steuben County and Northeast Indiana, where her passion for trails has sparked a wave of enthusiasm and collaboration.
As the driving force behind the creation of the Steuben County Trails organization, Sharkey has been instrumental in fostering a culture of trail development within the region. Her nomination praised her for single-handedly igniting a synergy around trail initiatives in Steuben County, underscoring her ability to inspire and mobilize communities towards a common goal.
Sharkey's influence also played a pivotal role in securing funding for trail projects, notably through her involvement in the application process for the NLT (Next Level Trails) initiative. Her diligent efforts led to the successful acquisition of over $5 million in funding, providing a significant boost to trail development efforts across the county and city.
One of Sharkey's most notable contributions is her leadership in the Poka-Bache Connector Trail project, a proposed 81-mile-long State Visionary Trail stretching through four counties and seven municipalities in Northeast Indiana. Serving as the previous Steuben County Engineer, Sharkey oversaw the engineering and construction of a crucial section of the trail, demonstrating her ability to foster partnerships between local governments and stakeholders.
In addition to her hands-on involvement, Sharkey assumed the role of president for the newly formed Poka-Bache Coalition, where she guided the group in establishing its mission, vision, and work plan. Under her leadership, the coalition developed an interlocal agreement to streamline governance and coordination, laying the groundwork for accelerated trail development efforts in the region.
The Greenways Foundation's recognition of Jennifer Sharkey as Outstanding Trail Advocate for 2024 celebrates her leadership, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to improving trails and greenways in Northeast Indiana. Sharkey's transformative impact serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and connectivity in the region.
About the Greenways Foundation
The Greenways Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for, promoting, and supporting the growth of trails throughout Indiana. Since its inception, the foundation has played a pivotal role in facilitating trail development, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for Indiana residents.
