WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Karen Pipes, board chair of United Way of Whitewater Valley, has been awarded the prestigious Castaldi Award by the Indiana Association of United Ways.

The honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and longstanding commitment to the United Way mission at both the local and state levels.

Pipes received the award during the Volunteers of the Year Recognition Banquet held in Indianapolis.

The Castaldi Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional volunteer leadership and dedication to advancing the work of United Way organizations across Indiana.

Currently serving as board chair, Pipes served in a significant role at the state level as a past board chair for Indiana United Ways.