Nate Feltman: Honoring Indiana’s most influential

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IBJ Media is proud to present the third annual Indiana 250, honoring the most influential and impactful leaders across the state. This year’s list introduces nearly 70 new individuals, encompassing corporate executives, philanthropic leaders and notable personalities making significant contributions in Indiana.

Among the new entrants are Brad Moore of Roche Diagnostics, Curt Begle of Berry Global and Brandi Davis-Handy of AES Indiana. These corporate leaders bring fresh perspectives and initiatives that shape Indiana’s business and community environments. Equally impactful are philanthropic leaders such as Dennis Bland from the Center for Leadership Development, Fred Glass of Gleaners and Laura Berry of the Indiana Coalition of Domestic Violence, who foster social change and community welfare.

The evolution of the Indiana 250 underscores its relevance as a barometer of Indiana’s progress. Each annual update reflects the dynamic growth and emerging leadership across various sectors. The selection criteria emphasize current impact, showcasing individuals like Kalen Jackson, vice president of the Indianapolis Colts, who has championed mental health initiatives. Similarly, Philip Low, a Purdue University chemistry professor, has advanced medical technology through his startup, On Target Laboratories, enhancing cancer treatment through molecular imaging.

Sports and cultural figures are featured prominently, such as Caitlin Clark, whose prowess in women’s basketball has elevated the sport and brought recognition to Indiana. Recognizable names include Eli Lilly and Co. CEO David Ricks, Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey, Indiana University Health CEO Dennis Murphy and Thompson Distribution CEO John Thompson, who not only excel in their respective industries but also play pivotal roles in community development and advocacy.

The list extends across government, education, arts and philanthropy. New faces include Polina Osherov, editor of Pattern magazine and founder of St’artup 317; Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education, and Jennett Hill, president of the Lilly Endowment. Returning leaders such as G. Marcus Cole, dean of the University of Notre Dame Law School, and Fred Payne, CEO of the United Way of Central Indiana, continue to shape policy, education and community welfare.

The Indiana 250 celebrates leaders from all corners of the state, reflecting geographic diversity and the unique contributions of regions. IBJ Media’s commitment to statewide collaboration is underscored by our Engage event series, held in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corp., which explores economic opportunities and challenges across Indiana’s diverse regions.

We celebrated the Indiana 250 at an event hosted on July 17 at Salesforce Tower, where we also memorialized Jim Morris, who has been on all three of IBJ Media’s Indiana 250 lists. Jim died on July 12. We’re honored he remains on the 2024 list, and he will be missed next year.

Our event was generously supported by sponsors, including Salesforce, CareSource, Ice Miller, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, Aaron Wealth Advisors, Bank of America and Northwest Bank. This gathering fosters connections and collaborations essential for Indiana’s continued growth and prosperity.

The Indiana 250 serves as a testament to the state’s vibrant leadership landscape and its ongoing evolution. By spotlighting these influential figures, IBJ Media reaffirms its dedication to highlighting excellence and inspiring future leaders across Indiana’s communities.•

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Feltman is publisher of IBJ and CEO of IBJ Media. Send comments to nfeltman@ibj.com.

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