FRENCH LICK, Ind. (October 2, 2026) – Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) has announced that Susan Helms, Utility Manager for the Town of Newburgh, is the recipient of the 2026 Aim Financial Management Award. Helms was recognized during the Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly, on Wednesday, September 30, at the 2026 Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick.
Susan Helms, center, stands with Aim President and Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniels and Baker Tilly Principal Eric Walsh
The Financial Management Award honors a financial officer or administrator who has demonstrated excellence in fiscal oversight, financial reporting, and leadership in public service.
Helms has dedicated more than three decades to the Town of Newburgh, building a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and institutional knowledge that colleagues, auditors, and elected officials have relied on across generations of leadership. Since becoming Utility Office Manager in 2011, she has led the utility’s transition from third-party to in-house billing, coordinated the financial administration of approximately $140 million in wastewater infrastructure projects, and helped grow annual operating revenues from roughly $8 million to more than $15 million. Her diligence and commitment to sound financial management have made her an indispensable part of Newburgh’s success.
“The recipients of the Aim Financial Management Award are the finance professionals whose careful stewardship keeps Indiana’s cities and towns on solid ground,” said Aim CEO Matt Greller. “Susan Helms has spent more than three decades ensuring the Town of Newburgh’s financial operations meet the highest standards of accuracy, accountability, and integrity. We are proud to present the Financial Management Award to Susan for the exceptional service she has provided to Newburgh and the tens of thousands of utility customers in the region.”
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 qualified 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.