Samuel L. Odle receives highly esteemed Whistler Award
The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and Mayor Greg Ballard presented Samuel L. Odle with the 27th annual Charles L. Whistler Award during a breakfast and ceremony on Nov. 29, 2011 at the Indiana Landmarks Center.
The annual award recognizes one or two individuals who, outside the regular duties of their chosen professions, have brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.
Odle is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana University Health. He also serves as President and CEO of IU Health Methodist and University hospitals, and is a past chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of 30,000.
Board certified in healthcare management and an ACHE Fellow, Mr. Odle serves as a member of the board for ITT Educational Services Inc., Jordan Foundation, Crossroads of America Boy Scouts Council and the Methodist Health Foundation. He was proud to have served as the 2008 Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Central Indiana, and was inducted into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame in 2007. He also served on the board of the Indianapolis Department of Waterworks. Odle works with the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship program in developing future health care leaders.
Odle has also served in volunteer capacities for the Circle City Classic, Kiwanis, United Way and Eiteljorg Museum. He has been a member of the Governor’s Family and Social Services Advisory Committee, the Governor’s Technology Roundtable and the Governor’s Indiana Adult Literacy Coalition. He co-chaired the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing.
“The prior winners of this prestigious award are truly the who’s who of Indianapolis civic leaders who have created an enduring culture and legacy of private-public collaboration so vital to the City’s success,” said Murray Clark, chairman of the 2011 Charles L. Whistler Award Committee. “And Sam Odle fits into this remarkable group quite well. In fact, he may be the ideal example of the quiet, effective, private sector leader Chuck Whistler personified.”
In presenting the Charles L. Whistler Award, Ballard praised Odle for strengthening “the linkage between business stewardship and community giving.”
“It is clear that you’re a natural fit for the 27th annual Charles L. Whistler Award,” the Mayor told Odle during the award presentation. “Not only do you demonstrate visionary and enthusiastic leadership in serving the community, but you do so in a way that brings together the public and private sectors for civic improvement.”
Additional biographical information:
Odle received his master’s degree in hospital administration and his bachelor’s degree in allied health education from Indiana University, Indianapolis. He is married to Alexis Odle and has three daughters, Tiffany, Olivia and Montgomery.