Gov. Mike Braun personally bestowed the Sagamore of the Wabash award on Michael Mellon, American Community Bank president and CEO.
Mellon was presented the award on June 16 at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville. The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of the highest honors a governor can bestow on Indiana residents. It was established in the 1940s.
“It is such an honorable distinction, and I am humbled to be recognized in this way,” Mellon said in a press release. “I am both thrilled and flattered! Receiving this award will create a truly lasting, lifelong memory for me.”
Dana and Dan Dumezich nominated Mellon for the award. Dana is a a board member of American Community Bank.
“Mike has built an impressive record in business and public service,” Dana said. “Beyond his many leadership roles, he has made exceptional contributions to our community and state. Many business and community leaders have benefited from Mike’s guidance and friendship.”
Mellon has 30 years of banking experience. Since leading the bank to a state-chartered commercial bank, it has grown to five branches.
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb award the bank with a Century Award in 2024. Holcomb also asked Mellon to serve on the Business Affairs Transition Council.
Mellon is active in the community. He serves as vice chairman of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, which operates Powers Health and its affiliated hospitals.
He served 13 years on the Lake County Election Board, and eight years on the Munster Council, after which he joined the Munster Plan Commission.
“In addition to Mike’s numerous leadership roles, he has acted in a supporting role in our community and state,” according to the Dumeziches' statement nominating Mellon for the award. “Many community leaders would not have been as successful without Mike’s guidance, loyalty and wisdom.”
Mellon is also active in the Republican party. He earned an MBA from Purdue Univeristy Northwest, a Master of Finance in business banking from Fairfield University, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Ball State University.
American Community Bank of Indiana was founded in 1910, and serves customers at five branches in Schererville, Crown Point, Dyer, Hammond and Munster.
