IBJ Media releases inaugural Indiana 250 list of influential Hoosiers
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
IBJ Media has named its inaugural Indiana 250, a list of the state’s most influential and impactful business and community leaders, representing public and private companies, law firms, universities, not-for-profits, government and community organizations.
The list, available at Indiana250.com, was compiled by the executives, editors and newsroom staffs at IBJ Media’s three news brands — Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer — after a months long process that included reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and interviewing community leaders across the state.
The Indiana 250 will be celebrated at an exclusive reception featuring remarks by Gov. Eric Holcomb on July 21 at Salesforce Tower. Title sponsors of the event include CareSource, Ice Miller, and Pacers Sports and Entertainment. Premiere sponsors of the event include Bank of America, Indiana University, Key Bank, and Marian University. Salesforce is also serving as the Host sponsor for the evening.
“The leaders included on the Indiana 250 have made significant contributions in their communities, across their regions and to the state and nation,” said IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman.
“But the Indiana 250 is more than a directory or an honor roll,” he said. “It’s a way to help Hoosiers in one part of the state learn about leaders and organizations in other areas of the state. We hope the Indiana 250 will create a bond between influential Hoosiers and help them work together toward a stronger Indiana.”
The list includes the CEOs of some of Indiana’s largest public and private companies, including Gail Boudreaux, CEO of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem Inc.); David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Co.; Tom Salmon, CEO of Berry Global; Dan Starr, CEO of Do it Best; and Tom Linebarger, the outgoing CEO of Cummins Inc., as well as Jennifer Rumsey, the incoming CEO of the company.
Indiana 250 Editor Lesley Weidenbener, who is also Editor of IBJ, said the selections were not pre-determined by companies or titles. Instead, the goal was to find people who are making an impact in their industries and their communities — most often in both.
Many of those on the list are improving Indiana through the arts, the law, philanthropic work, economic development efforts and community-building. Among them: Mali Jeffers, co-founder of cultural startup GangGang; Darrianne Christian, chair of the Newfields board; Loretta Rush, chief justice of the state of Indiana; Brad Chambers, the Indiana commerce secretary; and philanthropist Marianne Glick.
“By its nature, this is a subjective list,” Weidenbener said. “We know it’s not comprehensive and we’re confident we have missed some great people. But our goal is to celebrate leaders who are making a difference in Indiana. And next year, we’ll add new names and find additional people to honor.”
The Indiana 250 features honorees from across the state, including Cook Group President Pete Yonkman of Bloomington; entrepreneur Chuck Surack of Fort Wayne; Kem Krest CEO Amish Shah of Elkhart; and Old National Bancorp CEO Jim Ryan of Evansville.
Elected officials were not eligible.
IBJ Media published profiles of the honorees in a magazine that will be distributed with the July 22 issue of IBJ. The magazine is available for purchase for $100 at Indiana250.com. Indiana Lawyer subscribers will pay $50 for a book. All subscribers of IBJ, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer can access the profiles and additional information online at Indiana250.com.
About IBJ Media
IBJ Media is the parent company of three news brands: Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer.
Indianapolis Business Journal: Since 1980, the Indianapolis Business Journal has been known for its in-depth and thoughtful coverage of central Indiana’s business community. IBJ produces its weekly award-winning newspaper, daily news updates, thought-leading podcasts and 20-plus events and award programs. Learn more at IBJ.com.
Inside INdiana Business: As a winner of five Emmys for best interview or discussion program, Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick delivers compelling business and community news from across the state of Indiana. With a portfolio of television, radio, digital and on-demand business news products, Inside INdiana Business is the leading source for Indiana business news. Learn more at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.
Indiana Lawyer: IBJ Media launched Indiana Lawyer in 1990 to cover the legal community statewide. A multi-award-winning publication, Indiana Lawyer publishes online news and key court decisions daily, produces a print edition and podcast every other week and hosts events, including the annual Leadership in Law awards. Learn more at TheIndianaLawyer.com.