EVANSVILLE — Long-time youth advocate Tim Hollander, President of Toyota Canada, was honored as the recipient of the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award at the organization’s 2025 Breakfast of Champions. The event, presented by Toyota Indiana, took place on Tuesday, October 21, at the Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh.
Hollander, an Evansville native, was recognized for his “tireless passion for helping young people recognize their full potential,” which has established him as a distinguished community leader who champions education, a strong workforce, and thriving families.
Before taking his current role as President of Toyota Canada, Hollander served as President of Toyota Indiana and General Manager of Toyota West Virginia. His commitment to Youth First is rooted in his past service as a Youth First Board Member; he currently serves on the Youth First Advisory Council.
Jason Puckett, President of Toyota Indiana, drew parallels between the two organizations. “Tim’s passion for Youth First is both evident and infectious,” Puckett said, noting that Youth First’s values—empathy, kindness, and compassion—mirror the “Respect for people and continuous improvement” principles at the core of The Toyota Way.
In 2023, Hollander was instrumental in championing Youth First as a partner in the Driving Possibilities initiative with the Toyota USA Foundation, which deepened Youth First services in Gibson and Vanderburgh County schools.
In recognition of his impact, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 21, 2025, as “Tim Hollander, Champion of Youth First Day.”
The event, which drew over 300 guests, also celebrated Youth First’s donors, school partners, and volunteers. Beyond his work with Youth First, Hollander has served on numerous boards during his time at Toyota Indiana, including the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, and the Signature School Foundation.
Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana to embed licensed, master’s-level mental health professionals in school buildings, contributing to healthier, safer, and more vibrant schools and communities.
