Bill Wagner Spotlight


Mark Kennedy, who I’ve known for several years, sent out an email in 2010 asking for help in organizing Cedar Lake’s 1st Golf Tournament. My son, Austin, has special needs so it connected to me on a personal level. I wanted to give back and help in any way that I could, so I mentioned that to Mark, not thinking he would take it to the extreme by asking me to serve as Co-Chair of the first Cedar Lake Golf Tournament.

Jim Evans (former Cedar Lake Foundation employee) asked me to meet with him to become more involved with Cedar Lake and then asked me to become a Foundation Board Member. When Dr. John Hubbard’s term as Foundation Board Chair ended, I was asked to serve as Board Chair and have served in that capacity since 2014.

How long have you served on the Board of Directors?

I’ve been on the Board since 2012. This is my 9th year.

Tell me a little bit about yourself: family, job, hobbies, etc.

My wife Amy and I have a blended family with four adult children. Our oldest son lives in Charleston, he’s engaged and getting married in September. Austin is our next oldest and lives in Frankfort. Our son Alex is engaged and lives in Charlotte and will be getting married in October. Our daughter is the youngest. She lives in Louisville and is married with a three-and-a-half-year-old and an 8-month-old.

I’ve been with Kaden Companies for 32 years. I’ve played golf since I was a kid. We enjoy spending time in our home in South Carolina. I enjoy playing pickle ball, boating and reading.

What is your favorite memory of your time with Cedar Lake?

Being a tin man at a former gala (you had to be there). Truly, it’s the people that you meet that are passionate about what they do at Cedar Lake that make Cedar Lake as good as it is. People that get involved with the care of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are truly special people.

What’s your favorite annual event?

Do you have to ask? Golf Tournament! Without Christine Gandara and Tara Oliver, the golf tournament wouldn’t be what it is today. Volunteers have been key to making the tournament a success throughout the years. It’s also raised awareness of who we are and what we do at Cedar Lake. It’s a great opportunity to spread awareness in the community and I look forward to playing every year.

Anything else you’d like to share?

My time on the board is coming to an end in August. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that’s over, but I know I’ll continue to play in the Golf Tournament!

If you were curious about Tin Man Bill, look no further. Here is Bill’s favorite memory at the 2015 Gala. There really is no place like home (at Cedar Lake).