Indiana State Representative Phil GiaQuinta presenting Patti Hays with the Circle of Corydon Award.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (October 30, 2026) – Patti Hays, CEO of WindSwell Foundation and longtime Fort Wayne community leader, was honored with the State of Indiana’s Circle of Corydon Award on Friday, October 30. State Representative Phil GiaQuinta presented the award in recognition of Hays’ contributions to Northeast Indiana through her leadership, advocacy, and community service.
Established in 2017, the Circle of Corydon recognizes Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to improving Indiana and the lives of its residents. The award is the only state honor issued and signed jointly by members of Indiana’s executive and legislative branches. It takes its name from Corydon, Indiana’s first state capital.
As CEO of WindSwell Foundation, Hays has championed efforts to build a more inclusive Northeast Indiana for people with disabilities. Her contributions to Indiana, however, extend well beyond the foundation. With more than 40 years of experience in clinical nursing, nursing education, and hospital administration, Hays has long worked to improve the well-being of others. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the Allen County Department of Health, helping oversee local public health services. Her volunteer leadership also spans numerous civic and nonprofit organizations focused on economic development, higher education, and the arts.
In 2017, Hays co-founded Advancing Voices of Women (AVOW), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in civic life, encouraging civil discourse, and preparing women for leadership and public service. Hays and her fellow AVOW co-founders were named The Journal Gazette’s 2018 Citizens of the Year in recognition of their efforts.
“Patti doesn’t just encourage others to make our community better, she leads by example,” said Whitney Bandemer, WindSwell Foundation Board Member and immediate past chair. “Her dedication to strengthening our community extends far beyond any one organization or cause, and this recognition is a testament to the impact she has made throughout Northeast Indiana.”
The Circle of Corydon recognizes individuals whose lives and service reflect the qualities demonstrated by Indiana’s greatest citizens.
