Awards
- Bicentennial Medal - 2019
About Mike Karickhoff
Mike Karickhoff received a B.S. in recreation and park administration from the University of Missouri. An incredible advocate for the state of Indiana, much of Karickhoff’s work has directly benefitted Indiana University Kokomo and the surrounding community.
Karickhoff serves in the Indiana House of Representatives Republican Caucus. Throughout his five terms as a representative, he has been appointed Speaker Pro-tempore, presiding over the House when the speaker is unavailable. Karickhoff also serves on the Ways and Means and Natural Resources committees, and championed the funding of the Kokomo IUK and Ivy Tech capital projects. During the 2019 session, Karickhoff authored a bill aimed to transform Indiana’s tourism industry, establishing the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, which operates as public-private partnership. Karickhoff served as executive director of facilities at Ivy Tech, in Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Rochester for almost two decades. Additionally, he led as the superintendent of parks in Kokomo for more than ten years. Karickhoff also served seven years as the finance chair and president on the Kokomo Common Council.
He has received numerous legislative recognitions, including the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Sagamore of the Wabash Award. He has been recognized as legislator of the year from multiple businesses, including the Indiana Bankers Association, Indiana Conservation Alliance, Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, and Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. Outside of the legislature, Karickhoff has been actively engaged in the community for over three decades with United Way, Kokomo Kiwanis, the Greater Kokomo Economic Alliance, Red Cross, and the Kokomo Y’s Men. In 2019, Karickhoff was awarded Indiana University’s Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the university and surrounding community.