INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 23, 2025) – IBJ Media on Wednesday unveiled its fourth annual Indiana 250, a list of the state’s most influential business and community leaders from a wide range of sectors, including both public and private organizations. For the second consecutive year, South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership’s President and CEO Bethany Hartley has made the list. 

The list, available at Indiana250.com, features more than 60 new names compared to last year who represent cities and counties from across the state. IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman said the team that chooses the Indiana 250 is always looking for the leaders who are making an impact today. 

“Every year, we see fresh faces stepping up and driving meaningful change across Indiana,” Feltman said. “The Indiana 250 is a snapshot of those bold thinkers and doers who are shaping the future of our state – from innovative entrepreneurs to dedicated community advocates. It’s truly inspiring to witness the depth of talent and passion making Indiana a great place to live and work.” 

The list was compiled by executives, editors and newsroom staff from IBJ Media’s three news brands – Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer – following a months-long process of reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and consulting community leaders across the state. 

This year’s honorees include Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, who was recognized for her leadership in advancing regional economic development, fostering innovation, and strengthening workforce initiatives in Northern Indiana. Under her guidance, the Partnership has expanded collaborative programs that attract and retain talent, support entrepreneurs, and enhance quality of place across the five-county region. 

“I’m honored to be included among so many incredible leaders driving progress across Indiana,” said Hartley. “This recognition reflects the collective work of our regional partners, businesses, and community members who are committed to building a vibrant, thriving future for the South Bend – Elkhart region and beyond.” 

Other South Bend – Elkhart region honorees include University of Notre Dame Head Football coach Marcus Freeman, Amy Sink of Interra Credit Union,  Jeff Rea of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jacqueline Barton of Specialized Staffing Solutions, Tracy Graham of Graham Allen Partners, Chris Murphy of 1^st Source Corp., Gary Neidig of ITAMCO, Amish Shah of Kem Krest, Jason Lippert of Lippert Components, Bob Martin of Thor Industries, Tim Sexton of the University of Notre Dame, John Phair of Holladay Hospitality Group, Rich Carlton of Aunalytics, and Isaac Torres of InterCambio Express Inc. 

The Indiana 250 will be celebrated at an exclusive reception on Wednesday evening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Title sponsors are Aaron Wealth Advisors, CareSource, Ice Miller, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. The premier sponsor is Lucas Oil, and the host sponsors are the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Penske Entertainment and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. 

IBJ Media launched the Indiana 250 program in 2022 and plans to continue updating the list annually. 

“The people on this list are not just leaders in their fields; they are champions for their communities and catalysts for progress across Indiana,” Feltman added. “One of our key goals is to foster connections among them, amplifying their collective impact for all Hoosiers.” 

Among those returning to the list are CEOs of some of the state’s largest public and private companies, including David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Co., Gail Boudreaux of Elevance Health, Jennifer Rumsey of Cummins Inc., Dan Starr of Do it Best Corp., Chuck Magro of Corteva Inc., Scott Davison of OneAmerica Financial, Ken Zagzebski of AES, Pete Yonkman of Cook Medical, Jim Ryan of Old National Bank and Brent Yeagy of Wabash. 

IBJ Media added a number of additional executives this year, including Rick Conner of American Structurepoint, Jack Griffin of Atlas World Group, Stan Pinegar of Duke Energy, Brad Bostic of Hc1, J.A. Lacy of LDI Ltd., Mark Music of Ruoff Mortgage, and Rachel Leslie of RJL Solutions. 

Sports played a bigger role in this year’s Indiana 250. New to the list are University of Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman, Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indy Pro Volleyball co-owner Jim Schumacher, Indiana Sports Corp. President Patrick Talty, NCAA Vice President JoAnn Scott, Catch the Stars foundation founder Tamika Catchings, and Indianapolis Indians President and CEO Randy Lewandowski. 

“This has been a huge year in sports—with Notre Dame playing in the college football national championship game, the Pacers in the NBA Finals, Indianapolis hosting the WNBA All-Star Game and the Indiana Sports Corp. securing the Olympic swimming trials for 2028,” said Lesley Weidenbener, the editor of IBJ and the Indiana 250. “It’s no surprise we ended up with a large number of new people on the list who represent sports.” 

To see the full list, visit www.Indiana250.com.  

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About IBJ Media 

IBJ Media is the parent company of three news brands: Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer. Learn more at IBJMedia.com.  

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 30-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. 

The Indiana Lawyer: IBJ Media launched The 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. 

About South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership 

The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, communities across the region can work collectively to achieve what cannot be done individually. For more information about the Regional Partnership, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.