Crowther Named 2019 International Citizen of The Year

Crowther (center) received the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award last August.

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The International Center in Indianapolis has named Indianapolis Zoo Chief Executive Officer Michael Crowther the 2019 International Citizen of the Year. The organization is citing Crowther’s achievements including founding the Indianapolis Prize, considered the world’s leading award for animal conservation, as well as his work in diversity at the zoo.

International Center Board Chair Julie Griffith says Crowther’s efforts "have made such a tremendous impact on the world and, at the same time, brought Indianapolis to the world’s attention in such a profound way." He will be honored at a dinner and ceremony on October 8 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

Crowther will be the 33rd recipient of the International Citizen of the Year Award. Previous winners include former Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) Chief Executive Officer John Lechleiter, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg and Winnie Ballard and Richard Lugar. The award was established in 1985 to honor people who have spread Indiana business, culture, education, sports and more throughout the world.

In August, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development named Crowther the 2018 recipient of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award, which is the highest tourism honor in Indiana.