20 in their Twenties 2022: Adam Burtner

Vice President, Government Affairs, Indy Chamber

Adam Burtner leads the Indy Chamber’s legislative and political operations and is charged with implementing the group’s public-policy agenda to ensure that the Indy region and its business community’s priorities are at the forefront of policymaking in Indiana. During his time at the chamber, Burtner has held four different positions. His career path includes stops in former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s office, on political campaigns and delivering eggs to local food pantries as executive director of a hunger-relief not-for-profit.

Proud moment in your career? “It’s our view at the Indy Chamber that everything—from protecting diversity education in the classroom and closing the achievement gap to improving our public health outcomes and making our state welcoming to ALL Hoosiers—[is] vital talent and quality-of-life issues that are essential for a thriving Indy business community. While it can be extremely frustrating at times to make these appeals to some lawmakers, I’m damn proud that we do and can’t wait to keep fighting that fight.”

What have you learned about yourself since joining the workforce? “Not everyone will have the same work cadence or career-priority set as you do at this given time in your life. And that’s a good thing.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Still in Indy (perhaps in a house with a few more bedrooms, thanks to some kiddos) and hopefully still working in the civic or governmental arenas.”

Favorite social media platform: Twitter (“against my better judgment and my blood pressure”)

Favorite podcast: “Slow Burn”

Netflix recommendations: “It’s HBO, but I’m a big ‘Veep’ and ‘Succession’ fan.”

Go-to coffee order: caramel latte with oat milk

Morning person or night owl? “Biggest night owl you know. Recovering-2-a.m.-emailer kind of night owl.”•

Check out more 20 in their Twenties honorees.