FRENCH LICK, Ind. (October 2, 2026) – Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) has announced that Chris McConnell, Director of Parks & Recreation of the City of Westfield, is the recipient of the 2026 Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award. McConnell was recognized during the Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly, on Wednesday, September 30, at the 2026 Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick.
The Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award honors an appointed municipal official with more than 10 years of service who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedication to their community.
From left: Aim President and Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel, Westfield Parks & Recreation Director Chris McConnell, and Baker Tilly Principal Eric Walsh
McConnell has earned a reputation as a visionary leader and trusted consensus-builder who has helped shape Westfield’s transformation over more than 16 years of service. Under his stewardship, the city has grown from fewer than 50 acres of parkland to 212 acres and more than 100 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community destinations. From establishing Westfield’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Department to guiding signature projects like Grand Junction Plaza and the $6.8 million Simon Moon Park, McConnell has played a pivotal role in defining Westfield’s quality of life while maintaining a strong focus on stewardship, accessibility, and community.
“The recipients of the Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award are appointed municipal officials whose long service has shaped the character of their communities,” said Aim CEO Matt Greller. “Chris McConnell’s stewardship of Westfield’s parks system reflects decades of steady, thoughtful leadership that has transformed the city’s public spaces and defined its quality of life. We are proud to present the Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award to Chris for the vision and commitment he has brought to public service.”
In its 50th year, the Aim Annual Awards program, presented by Baker Tilly, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A seven-member panel of judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.
Conference Facts:
2026 Aim Ideas Summit
September 29-October 1, 2026
French Lick Springs Resort | French Lick, Indiana
Attendance: 1,100 (pending final registration count)
Further information: www.aimindiana.org
Since the 1890s, Aim, formerly the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, has been an advocate for Indiana municipalities. Aim is the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, with more than 460 cities and towns as members. Our purpose is to foster, promote and advocate for the success of Hoosier municipalities as laboratories of innovation, hubs of talent and the engines driving our state’s economy.