DWD’s Noah Shelton Wins Next Level Leadership Award
DWD Chief Unemployment Insurance Officer Noah Shelton was recently honored as the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s (ICRC) 2024 Next Level Leadership Award recipient. Presented at the Governor’s Reception during Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration June 25, 2024, the award was presented to Shelton in recognition of his impact, initiative and community service as a publicly recognized up-and-coming leader.
In all, Shelton, who didn’t even know he had been nominated, was one of five African American Hoosiers, along with an ICRC employee, to be honored during the ceremony for exceptional efforts across diverse fields that include education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
“I had no clue (about the nomination),” he said. “I was traveling and received a phone call. It was such a humbling moment.”
Shelton was initially nominated by DWD employees Holly Newell and Melisa Matthews but also had letters of recommendation and support submitted on his behalf by many other individuals.
“It was incredible to see what people had written about me,” Shelton said. “I have always tried to do right by people and be helpful. It was incredibly humbling that people in my life acknowledged that effort and took time out of their busy schedules to write such kind words about their experiences with me over the years.”
Shelton joined DWD in 2022 after a 17-year career at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, where he most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of Policy and Programs. Born in Chicago but raised in South Bend, Indiana, Shelton, who holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University where he was a student-athlete in track, is an active member of Living World Baptist Church on the east side of Indianapolis, where he participates in a cultivating community initiative.
The Next Level Award is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Shelton’s career.
“This award is one of those things that puts life in perspective and offers an opportunity to reflect,” he said. “I have been fortunate to work with some great leaders in my work and personal life. I observe their leadership and managerial traits and I have made them my own over the years.
“To be recognized as the recipient for this award when I know of so many other individuals putting in similar effort, if not more into their work and community makes me feel underserving but also makes me want to contribute more and more to my community, church and work.”