Jacob Perkins, who serves as the Midwest K-12 education manager at Amatrol, Inc. in Jeffersonville, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Jackson Lewis Emerging Leader of the Year Award by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the chamber’s first Emerging Leaders Forum in Indianapolis, which attracted nearly 250 attendees.
The Emerging Leader Award is given to a young professional under age 45 who lives in Indiana and has made positive contributions to business in the state. More than 40 nominations from various industries across Indiana were submitted for consideration.
Perkins’ work at Amatrol, a company specializing in career and technical education, has focused on developing Indiana’s youth workforce pipeline. His efforts have contributed to an increase in high school graduates pursuing careers within key technology and advanced manufacturing sectors throughout Indiana.
“Despite facing stiff competition, our winner was a unanimous choice by the selection committee,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. “Jacob is helping shape the future of the Hoosier workforce. And that speaks to a desired outcome of our Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan for the state, which is for businesses to thrive and set citizens on a path to be more prosperous and enjoy higher-wage employment.”
Brian McDermott, managing principal for Jackson Lewis’ Indianapolis office, commented: “Jacob led efforts to gain Indiana’s statewide adoption of cutting-edge educational programs that will enhance the advanced manufacturing process to create a more efficient, flexible and intelligent production system. He’s made a tremendous impact, and we can’t think of a more deserving honoree.”
In response to receiving the award, Perkins shared his leadership approach: “The thing I’ve really learned from sports is perseverance,” he stated. “There are going to be days where everything goes really well, and there are days when things are off. Learning how to deal with that and how to push through – will yourself through – that’s key in any job.” He also noted that he tries to “lead by example” and “listen more than I talk.”
Jackson Lewis P.C. served as presenting sponsor for both the forum and award presentation. Gold sponsors included Arcwood Environmental and Lumina Foundation; silver sponsors were IU Kelley School of Business and LHD Benefit Advisors.
