Hoosier State Today

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders has been named to IBJ Media’s third annual Indiana 250, a list recognizing the state's most influential business and community leaders. The honorees represent public and private companies, law firms, universities, not-for-profits, government, and community organizations.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many accomplished Hoosiers,” Sinders said. “It’s been a pleasure to meet so many of these esteemed recipients in my travels during my first year leading the Indiana Chamber. I’m excited to meet more of them at the awards ceremony and for the collaborative opportunities to advance the state forward that I’m sure will follow.”

The list includes nearly 70 new names from last year. IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman noted that this indicates ongoing growth and change among those making an impact in Indiana.

“It’s hard to choose just 250 people from among the thousands who work every day to make Indiana a better place to live and to work,” Feltman said. “But we believe the people on the Indiana 250 list are especially worthy of distinction. They are thinking big and driving change.”

The list was compiled by executives, editors, and newsroom staffs at IBJ Media’s three news brands—Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business, and Indiana Lawyer—through a monthslong process involving nominations review, organizational research, and discussions with community leaders across the state.

The Indiana 250 will be celebrated at an exclusive reception featuring remarks by Vice President Mike Pence on July 17. Title sponsors of the event include CareSource, Ice Miller, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Premier sponsors are Aaron Wealth Advisors, Bank of America, and Northwest Bank. Salesforce is the host sponsor.

IBJ Media launched the Indiana 250 program in 2022 with plans for annual updates.

“Creating this list is always inspiring because the people on it have so much passion for our communities and our state,” Feltman said. “One of our goals with the list is to make sure that we recognize people from across Indiana and from diverse industries and then make connections among them for the betterment of all Hoosiers.”

Returning honorees include CEOs from some of Indiana's largest companies such as David Ricks (Eli Lilly), Gail Boudreaux (Elevance Health), Jennifer Rumsey (Cummins Inc.), Dan Starr (Do it Best Corp.), Kimberly Ryan (Hillenbrand), Chuck Magro (Corteva), Scott Davison (OneAmerica), Mark Millett (Steel Dynamics), and Brent Yeagy (Wabash).

New additions include Curt Begle (Berry Global), Ellen Crabb (United Animal Health), Brad Moore (Roche Diagnostics), R. Scott Brand (Subaru of Indiana Automotive), Brandi Davis-Handy (AES Indiana) and Dave Bailey (OrthoPediatrics).

Indiana 250 Editor Lesley Weidenbener highlighted that this year's list also acknowledges leaders in not-for-profit organizations, industry groups, government agencies, healthcare, law philanthropy arts.

Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark made this year's list despite her short tenure in Indiana due to her significant impact on WNBA attendance figures. Dennis Bland from the Center for Leadership Development was also recognized for his efforts in preparing Black youth for careers and college. Kalen Jackson of Indianapolis Colts was honored for her mental health advocacy efforts within sports.

“We love welcoming people to the Indiana 250 who are impacting the state in non-corporate ways,” Weidenbener said. “We are a media company focused on business so our list is heavy on corporate executives but arts philanthropy charitable work key parts larger community.”

Elected officials are not eligible for inclusion on this list.

Profiles of honorees will be published in a magazine distributed with IBJ's July 19 issue available purchase $50 at website subscribers receive discounts online access provided subscribers additional information invitation-only closed media reception hosted by Salesforce featuring remarks by Vice President Mike Pence July event title sponsors CareSource Ice Miller Pacers Sports Entertainment premier sponsors Aaron Wealth Advisors Bank America Northwest Bank host sponsor Salesforce

About IBJ Media

IBJ Media oversees three news brands: Indianapolis Business Journal Inside INdiana Business Indiana Lawyer learn more ibjmedia.com

Indianapolis Business Journal since its inception in 1980 has delivered comprehensive coverage central indiana business community weekly newspaper daily news podcasts events award programs learn more ibj.com

Inside INdiana Business five-time Emmy winner best interview discussion program delivers statewide business news television radio digital products learn more insideindianabusiness.com

Indiana Lawyer launched in 1990 covers legal community publishes daily online key court decisions print edition biweekly podcast events leadership law awards learn more indianalawyer.com