State's newest Senator Travis Holdman inspiring leadership in Whitley County
(Photo contributed by Kelley Sheiss) Travis Holdman worked with the Leadership Whitley County class in January discussing the topic “Leadership and Credibility – Earning the Right to Lead.” Holdman worked with the group on a variety of principles and applications that can be applied in one’s personal and professional life.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Newly minted Senator Travis Holdman has an interesting connection to Whitley County -- even though the county is not within his constituency.
Holdman, an attorney and Markle resident, was elected by a caucus on Saturday to serve District 19’s Senator, serving areas of Allen, Wells, Adams, Grant and Blackford counties. At Bluffton High School, a caucus filled the open position formerly held by the late Senator David Ford who died of pancreatic cancer on March 5.
To many members of the current Leadership Whitley County class, however, Holdman is the January class presenter who captured their attention and inspired many to utilize concepts they’d learned from him early this winter.
“Travis had contacted Leadership Whitley County with an interest in being a trainer for our program,” said Leadership Whitley County executive director Kelley Sheiss.
Holdman was selected to lead a course entitled “Leadership and Credibility – Earning the Right to Lead,” which he presented in January.
“He talked about the Sigmoid Curve,” Sheiss said of a term that is frequently used in the medical and mathematics fields, but that Holdman had made relevant in the business world.
“They found it very fascinating,” Sheiss said. “I heard that several of the classmates actually implemented some of what they learned in their own workplace.”
“I think it is a real compliment to the Leadership Whitley County program to have a presenter of this caliber,” she said.
Sheiss said it is exciting for the class to be able to watch as the presenter they had in class achieves such a remarkable success.
“What he’s done exemplifies a servant leader – a concept we try to hit home during Leadership Whitley County training,” she said. “Through politics, his activities in the community where he lives and his role at Huntington University, he’s been an example of a servant leader.”
Holdman has been an engaged volunteer of the Huntington University Foundation.
“It’s been exciting to know him and to learn from him and it has been a great opportunity for our class to be able to witness this event in his life and career,” Sheiss said.
Sheiss said Holdman indicated after this year’s presentation that he would like to be a presenter for next year’s class, however, in consideration of the most recent developments in his career, the time to do so might not be available.
Regardless, Leadership Whitley County residents are celebrating Holdman’s success and wishing him well in this latest endeavor.
Holdman’s term as senator will continue until 2010. Holdman is a Wells County councilman, a former Wells County prosecutor and vice president of the Wells County Republican Party.