Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) named Casey Crabb the recipient of the 2024 Tom Taylor Award. Crabb, communications and public relations manager at Carroll White REMC, was presented the award during the Marketing, Member Services, and Communicators professional section fall meeting on Oct. 25. His family was in attendance as he received this honor.
The award is presented annually to an Indiana electric cooperative member services employee who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, attitude and commitment to the electric cooperative principles. The award is named for the award’s first recipient and longtime Boone REMC member services representative, C. Tom Taylor, who lived by the philosophy of “non sibi, sed aliis” — not for self, but for others.
“Not only does Casey exemplify the criteria for the Tom Taylor award, but he also consistently demonstrates his commitment to serving our members, his peers, his family, and our community,” said CW REMC CEO Cathy Raderstorf.
Since 1994, Crabb has been with Member Services at REMC. “During his tenure in the cooperative world, Casey’s heart for others, his admiration and respect for the legacy of all whom he has served throughout the years, and his dedication to everything he committed his time to are among the characteristics that make him shine,” said Raderstorf.
“In addition to the main values that each cooperative embraces, there is also a set of ethical values that all cooperatives function under…the ideals of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others,” said one award nominator. “Casey Crabb is an ambassador for the cooperative spirit…in front of a crowd or in quiet moments, he is the same person. He is genuine. He cares. His positive attitude is admired and contagious.”
Crabb grew up in Brazil, Indiana. His father, Kenny, was a school administrator and later became the Mayor of Brazil. His mother, Phyllis, worked in the schools and later became Mayor Crabb’s administrative assistant. The Crabb family made Brazil proud.
From his family, Crabb learned about faith and the love of a strong family. He also learned the gift of gab, Hoosier love, a strong work ethic, giving back to the community, and joy in the journey.
From Brazil, Indiana, Crabb moved to Monticello, where his Uncle Larry’s family are well-known community leaders. In his adopted community, Crabb added and enhanced the Crabb legacy of service above self.
Crabb is serving his fifth and final term (by his choice) as a White County Councilman at Large. For nearly 20 years, he has provided leadership in the county. As the financial arm of county government, the White County Council has led the county in many successful endeavors with sound financial practices.
As Carroll White REMC’s Communications & Public Relations Manager, Crabb works regionally with 4-H leadership and presents Safety Demonstrations. Safety is the highest priority for the REMC, and with his son, Adam, a Working Foreman at Tipmont, safety is close to Crabb’s heart.
For nearly 20 years, Crabb taught Junior Achievement. His favorite teaching experience is relaying to second graders the importance of community. Session One is based on how people in a community work together, and Crabb lives this lesson daily.
His love of sports has been shared with local teams. He coached Twin Lakes Football at Roosevelt Middle School and was Twin Lakes High School’s varsity assistant football coach for three years. He was a Twin Lakes track coach from 1990 to 1999, and with his fellow coaches, he helped lead the team to win several sectional titles, a regional title, and the Hoosier Conference. He also coached basketball at Twin Lakes for eight years at various grade levels, where he had fun coaching his two sons. His son Justin’s team reached the Class 3A state championship game in 2017, and his son won the Arthur L. Trester Award for Mental Attitude.
Crabb and the love of his life, his wife Chris, live in Monticello. They have two sons, Adam (Tara) and Justin. They also have two grandsons, Bodie and Bentley.
Legend Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” It is almost impossible to fathom the impact Crabb has made on others. From second graders learning about how money travels through a community to instilling a winning attitude in young athletes while remaining humble, Crabb makes a difference.
From the council chambers to the boardroom, Crabb provides intelligent, experienced input. His positive attitude makes his workplace more joyful every day. “Not for self, but for others…” Crabb is walking the talk. That is the true measure of a leader.
Congratulations, Casey Crabb!
