By Melissa Narlock—
MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award this year to Marta Moody, board president of Cardinal Greenways. Moody was recognized with the award at the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Meeting Celebration on October 27.
The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award annually honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County for exemplary leadership, integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
“I can attest to the strong, passionate leader Marta Moody has been and continues to be for our organization,” Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenways, wrote in Moody’s nomination. “She has created a vibrant, active, supportive board that helps the staff in every way possible.”
From the beginning of her role as president, Moody faced challenges. She recognized the need for the board to shift directions and to focus on operating as one entity across the trail’s many miles and communities. This was no small feat. Her steadfast commitment to addressing the maintenance of facilities and improving operations policies and procedures have prompted the growth of the trails today.
“[Moody’s] dedication to the Cardinal Greenway trail system is strong and her passion rings out when speaking about the trail to other cities and organizations,” Pool noted.
For over 20 years, Moody has served on the Cardinal Greenways Board of Directors, where she has helped spearhead pivotal projects for the organization. The completion of the White River Greenway and Kitselman Trailhead were once just visions. Now, these two projects connect critical neighborhoods and trail segments, further building on Cardinal Greenways’ reputation as Indiana’s longest rail-trail. Moody’s oversight and collaboration with the board has led to the creation of two strategic plans that have directed clear goals and outlined priorities for trail maintenance and growth far into the future.
“Marta has been at the table countless times over these 40 plus years gracefully bringing the community together when conversations about trails and/or active transportation were held,” Pool commented. Amid the pandemic, Marta’s strong leadership and encouragement were key to helping the organization adapt to a dramatic increase in trail usage.
Above all, Marta’s influential leadership has shaped the structure and organization of the board. When asked about the organization and the impact they’re making, Marta reflected, “At Cardinal Greenways, we are changing Indiana through neighborhood, community and county connections and we are doing so as one of the rare privately owned and operated trail systems.” Through Moody’s guidance, coaching of the staff, and encouragement of an open dialogue, board members have truly embodied the values and mission of the unique organization in all that they do.
“Her strong leadership has elevated the Cardinal Greenway into a nationally recognized, award-winning trail system,” Pool expressed. “We continue to grow as an organization, continue to win awards during her years as President and are positioning ourselves for the best future for our trail to remain here for years to come.”
As part of Moody’s recognition as an exceptional leader, Ball Brothers Foundation granted $10,000 to Cardinal Greenways for operations or further board development. Moody also received a specially designed award hand-crafted by Brent Cole, associate professor of art at Ball State University’s Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass.
Previous recipients of the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award include:
- Heather Williams, ecoREHAB (2021)
- Ron Fauquher, Innovation Connector (2020)
- James Rosema, Muncie Mission Ministries (2019)
- Leigh Edwards, Muncie Civic Theatre (2018)
- John Craddock, Community Enhancement Projects (2017)
- Ron Orebaugh, Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (2016)
- Juli Metzger, Project Leadership and Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie (2015)
- Pat Botts, Greater Muncie, IN Habitat for Humanity (2014)
- Nancy Turner, Muncie Public Library (2013)
- Jeff Parsons, Youth Opportunity Center (2012)
- Teresa Willman, Cardinal Greenway, Inc. (2011)
About Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. Annually, the foundation makes approximately $8 million in grants to support arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.
