Hardship, faith and family built foundation for Nass leadership

Connie Nass’s steel blue eyes scanned the crowd and her voice never wavered as she was presented the 2016 Athena International Leadership Award Thursday evening.

Sharpened by the many years in the public’s eye that began during a time in which women were not seen as public leaders, her poise appeared natural. In reality, it comes from a long life of leadership built on the foundation of childhood hardship strengthened by her faith and family.

Born an Aufderhar on a Huntingburg farm, it was during her childhood that she felt the impact of economic hardship. The family lost the farm due to medical expenses from a sister with Down Syndrome.

“Daddy lost the farm,” she said. “We were on welfare.”

But, in testament to the source of Nass’s own resolve and tenacity, the family worked through the hardship to repurchase the farm.

“I had a pretty tough life but it made me a stronger person,” she said. “And for my age, I think I did pretty good.”

She is an esteemed leader in the city, county and state. Getting there, she was the first female elected to a political position in Dubois County but not before being told by an esteemed member of the community that women belonged at home.

“Things have changed now,” she explained. “But when I started, I would have men that got right in your face and when they get excited, they spit. I bet I have been told 100 times by men that I didn’t belong here.”

At the urging of four men, Nass ran anyway and was elected to the Huntingburg Council where she served two terms before running for mayor.

After being elected, she served two terms and then headed to Indianapolis as State Auditor where she served two terms as well. Since then she has served in various capacities in the Republican Party and has continued to serve on boards and committees in Huntingburg.

In her long list of awards is a Sagamore of the Wabash and the Huntingburg Chamber’s Golden Leaf Award. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson declared Dec. 7, 2006 as “Connie Nass Day.”

She has also been named a Kentucky Colonel.

And after landing on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, she was named an Honorary Tailhooker in reference to the arresting gear used to catch the plane as it lands on the carrier deck.

In 2005, Oakland City University awarded the 1959 graduate of Huntingburg High School an honorary doctorate in humanities.

She also served as Vice President of the her husband’s family business, Nass & Son, Inc.

Her list of accolades and appointments is much longer than these few listed here. The Athena International Leadership Award recognizes the longer ladder women like Nass are required to climb to reach that pinnacle.

“It’s not been easy, but I feel I have been a leader in Indiana,” she said. “Look at how women far women have climbed now.”

The Rotary Club of Jasper’s annual event not only honors the Athena designee but also the multiple women leaders nominated for the award by community members. Jessica DeLorenzo, Elaine Brames, Brenda Buehler, Betty Jenkins, Vicky Lewis and Dr. Tracy Lorey each have provided years of service and leadership in their personal and professional communities.

Nass’s tree of accomplishments and leadership may have overshadowed the other women nominated this year but only barely. If anything, her accomplishments and growth helped pave the way for their growth to eclipse her own.

As the Athena designee, Nass can name a cause or charity that the proceeds from the annual event will go to support. She chose the Teen Outback.

Reminiscent of the Huntingburg Canteen, a dance hall and popular hangout in Nass’s day, the Teen Outback serves a similar purpose as a place for teens to gather and take part in fun activities. It is a safe place to hangout and it is attracting kids from around Dubois County and Spencer County.

“I have become involved in the board and fundraising,” she said. “It is so exciting what they are doing there. The facility is amazing and the opportunities that are available for these kids are exciting.”

During her acceptance speech, Nass pointed out how important it is to remember the roles leaders have in their communities.

“I have discovered — in my 75 years now — we can always learn more about being good leaders,” she said. “As women, one important thing we have to remember is that a girl is watching and she is learning.”