APRIL 11-17, 2025
This week's issue features IBJ's Forty Under 40 class of 2025, with profiles of some of the region's up-and-coming leaders and a catch-up interview with Maureen Weber, a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2020 whom IBJ named Alumni of the Year for 2025. Reporter Susan Orr takes a look at how upheaval at the federal Food and Drug Administration is creating uncertainty for some Indiana companies, and Mickey Shuey writes about how the Caitlin Clark and off-season moves by the Indiana Fever are driving up ticket demand—and prices.
Front PageBack to Top
Fever popularity drives up demand, ticket prices
Indiana Fever games have become arguably the hottest tickets in town, and experts say demand will likely continue to increase with the offseason team rebuild.
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FDA upheaval worries local companies
The Trump administration’s recent announcement that it plans to eliminate about 3,500 FDA jobs is creating uncertainty among Indianapolis-area companies that interact with the federal agency.
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Q&A with exec Jack Griffin, on the deep impact of anti-Canadian tariffs, commitment to DEI
The Atlas World Group CEO speaks candidly about what he believes the impact tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump will have. On his company, on Americans and on other countries.
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Towns eager for READI grants to jump-start projects
Cities and towns around central Indiana are preparing to move forward on projects that will receive funding through the second round of state-funded regional grants from the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
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Stand-up comedy isn’t confined to traditional clubs
Several independent producers work outside the context of the two-drink minimums and brick-wall backdrops associated with comedy clubs.
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Mark Montieth: Unprecedented shift of power
Changes are coming, but it’s a fluid environment with churning waters and probably always will be.
Read MoreCecil Bohanon and John Horowitz: World trade is an ever-shifting balance
The balance of payments is an accounting device used to track a nation’s financial/economic interactions with the rest of the world.
Read MorePete the planner: The president should be clear: Success requires sacrifice
Let me be clear: This will not be painless.
Read MoreMark Mayer: What entrepreneurs can learn from nonalcoholic beers
According to Nielsen data, nonalcoholic beer retail sales grew 415% (not a typo) last year, to around $700 million, and continue to surge.
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3 Indianapolis cultural nonprofits to miss out on $1M in federal support
Indiana Humanities, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library won’t receive the expected funding after the Trump administration canceled National Endowment for the Humanities grants.
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UPDATE: Republic Airways takes over troubled Mesa Air Group in all-stock deal
The all-stock deal is expected to close in the late third or early fourth quarter of this year.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Indianapolis set to host 10,000-plus for national gathering of beer brewers
More than 550 vendors are set to showcase their products at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, but experts told IBJ the conference goes far beyond the walls of the Indiana Convention Center.
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Cadillac F1 HQ developer purchases Fishers hotel next to racing facility
Bradford Allen launched its hospitality platform in 2022. Over the past three years, the company has acquired seven hotels totaling about 900 rooms.
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Home2 Suites near Monument Circle sold to Michigan firm amid downtown hotel boom
The property is expected to remain open during its $3.2 million remodel, with crews going floor-by-floor on improvements to avoid disrupting guests.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Editorial: Braun’s order that state foundations file fiscal reports is win for public
We encourage the governor to use a similar approach as he faces future public records issues.
Read MoreMark Mayer: What entrepreneurs can learn from nonalcoholic beers
According to Nielsen data, nonalcoholic beer retail sales grew 415% (not a typo) last year, to around $700 million, and continue to surge.
Read MoreMark Fisher: Rental caps would limit opportunities for homeowners
Overruling private property rights with arbitrary caps on rental properties won’t help Fishers continue to grow.
Read MoreNate LaMar: Young is working to restore America’s military might
During my years of service, I witnessed that, when America led, the world followed.
Read MoreDr. Marc Watkins: APRNs enable high-quality, accessible health care
Over 2 million Hoosiers live in areas with inadequate access to primary care providers, and the state ranks 33rd for primary care access and 43rd for mental health access.
Read MoreCarol D’Amico: Why dismantling the Education Department has merit
Governors, state legislatures and local school boards oversee funding, curriculum standards, teacher licensing and student testing.
Read MoreLesley Weidenbener: Help IBJ honor nonprofits at new awards event
This program aims to lift up and support top organizations with three Nonprofit of the Year awards and one Foundation of the Year award as well as several nonprofit leadership and program awards.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Carmel City Council OKs plan to help businesses and homeowners impacted by tornado
Carmel Fire Department Chief Joel Thacker told council members that 54 houses and 13 businesses were damaged in the storm. Five houses and six businesses sustained major damage.
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OrthoIndy merging with Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center
The move is the latest expansion for OrthoIndy, which recently announced mergers with practices in Evansville and Fort Wayne.
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YMCA, JCC form partnership to increase member access
Beginning April 12, JCC members will be able to use YMCA facilities on days when the JCC is closed or closes early. In turn, YMCA members will be able to use JCC amenities when the Y has reduced hours or closures.
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Allissa M. Impink: DOE funds are essential to serve the most vulnerable
The federal government’s role in education is essential. Funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I helps ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
Read MoreU.S. Rep. Andre Carson: Schools, families rely on federal funds for education
For years, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and countless business associations have stressed that good education is a top policy priority.
Read MoreKeith Gambill: Public education needs a strong federal partner
Without a centralized agency to coordinate and enforce these programs, students and schools risk losing access to consistent and equitable support.
Read MoreClaire Fiddian-Green: Overseeing K-12 data is critical in gauging success
One of the most critical roles the federal government plays in education is overseeing K-12 academic achievement outcomes.
Read MoreTerry Spradlin: SBA 287 puts politics over Indiana students
Contrary to claims, most boards do not operate on a political basis.
Read MoreDana Black: This administration should lead with love, not hate
These are the incidents that we know about. What about the ones we don’t know about?
Read MoreGeorge Gemelas: Apply DOGE to lawns and trees (I’m not kidding)
There are so many ways to uproot the old, usher in the new and improve Indiana’s natural environment.
Read MoreRep. Ed DeLaney: Creating little red school districts in Indiana
We are moving backward on two fronts.
Read MoreAbdul-Hakim Shabazz: Religious freedom restoration and reefer: 10 years later
Never underestimate lawmakers’ abilities to sail the ship of state into some of the most enormous political icebergs possible.
Read MoreJennifer Wagner Chartier: Democrats need to focus on kitchen-table issues
I was filled with an emotion that far too many Hoosiers know.
Read MoreDeborah Daniels: Trump administration’s actions are almost laughable
The good news is, it’s a fun time to watch late-night comedians.
Read MoreGeorge Hornedo: The real divide in the Democratic Party isn’t left vs. center
The more urgent—and more defining—divide is between those who still believe our system basically works, and those who see plainly that it doesn’t.
Read MoreJim Shella: A radical idea to improve public broadcasting
You can point to recent layoffs at WFYI to make a case that the current plan is not working.
Read MoreDr. Richard Feldman: Increasing cigarette tax would support public health
The political influence of the tobacco industry runs dark and deep, and legislators need to push big tobacco aside.
Read MoreBrad Rateike: I own a racehorse. Here’s what Diamond taught us.
Owning even a small part of a racehorse is thrilling; there’s nothing like seeing your horse charge around the final turn.
Read MoreCurt Smith: Judicial restraint feels absent in current times
The loss of trust and calls for limits on judicial activism are not a sign of a settled consensus on these important questions.
Read MoreSpecial SectionsBack to Top
2025 Forty Under 40: Julie Sharp
Julie Sharp leads the tax credit equity division at Merchants Capital, the real estate financing division of Merchants Bank.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Leanna Adeola
Leanna Adeola is behind the brand positioning, marketing and creative execution of Indianapolis management consulting firm Black Onyx Management.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Pamela Anderson
Her passion for financial literacy, as one example, manifests in creating opportunities for PNC to lead financial education and mentorship workshops to help small businesses flourish.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Kelly Doucet
The professional and personal commitments of Kelly Doucet are, as one colleague noted, “inextricably linked.”
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2025 Forty Under 40: Nicole Carey
As CEO of Convergence Global (formerly The Indy Equity Collaborative), she helps organizations with leadership development, strategic planning and consulting to overcome systemic problems.
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2025 Forty Under 40: John Estridge
As an expert on taxes, John Estridge is recognized for his ability to solve complex matters and deliver innovative solutions for KSM’s real estate clients.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Dr. J. David Mossler
Dr. David Mossler is responsible for the quality of care provided by Hancock Health as well as the finances of its clinics.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Hilary Barnes
Barnes, an attorney at Christopher & Taylor, is also co-founder, legal counsel and secretary at Hotel Tango Whiskey.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Chance Benbow
Chance Benbow was hired as executive vice president for JDA Worldwide in 2017 and named CEO in March 2023.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Katelyn Prentice
As global communications director for the $11.7 billion engine business at Cummins, she leads a global team of 30 marketing and communications experts and manages a multimillion-dollar budget.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Drake Sterling
Drake Sterling initially got into public safety because he wanted to help people in crisis.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Lance Evinger
Lance Evinger is the youngest vice president in Wisconsin-based real estate developer Hendricks Commercial Properties’ history.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Maggie Cunningham
Maggie Cunningham has a twofold charge at the Indianapolis Airport Authority: convincing airlines of the merits of offering service out of Indianapolis and ensuring passengers enjoy their time in the airport.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Chris Creighton
Chris Creighton began working for Marian University after his tenure with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration ended.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jeron Peoples
As director of strategic initiatives at the Applied Research Institute, Jeron Peoples connects innovators in national security technology with venture capitalists.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Andrea A. Richter-Garry
Indiana is considered a leader in subnational diplomacy, or efforts at a local level to engage with foreign nations. Playing point in that effort is Andrea Richter-Garry.
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2025 Forty Under 40: E. ZeNai Savage
Whether it’s working for nonprofits, running for state auditor or handling finances for the Indy Chamber, ZeNai Savage likes to say that everything she does centers around service.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jared Davis
At JPMorgan Chase, Jared Davis serves some of Indiana’s top middle-market business leaders, helping them address their needs and meet their goals.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Tom Askey
Tom Askey and his team manage over $10 billion in assets and more than $20 billion in net worth.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Darren Michael Thomas
As district director of athletics at Indianapolis Public Schools, Darren Michael Thomas views athletics as a bridge to opportunity, whether on the field or off.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Lateva Woolfork
Lateva Woolfork was a health care administrator with six kids when she chose to change careers nine years ago and create her own marketing/consulting firm, Socially Coordinated Consulting.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Ira Maher
Ira Maher founded his marketing company, Revely, in March 2023 because, “I love people and strategy.”
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jillian Foster Turner
Jillian Turner describes her role at the Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences as “the convener.” I
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2025 Forty Under 40: Joshua Kelley
Joshua Kelley is a 39-year-old chief of staff for the governor of the state of Indiana.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Brittney Yocum
Corporate attorney Brittney Yocum is a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, where she specializes in mergers and acquisitions.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jessica Warnke
Jessica Warnke said she’s compelled to build on the legacy her grandfather and father built at Carter Express, a 2,000-employee Anderson-based trucking and logistics company.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Kristen Lampkin
Kristen Lampkin leads Business Equity for Indy, a joint effort of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and the Indy Chamber, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Urban League.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Erika Nelson Sylvester
Erika Sylvester supports the revenue, human resources and product teams at Authenticx,
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jana Hageman
Jana Hageman’s companies—T&H Investment Properties, T&H Construction Properties and T&H Management Properties—develop, build and manage affordable and market-rate housing.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Scott Williams
Scott Williams is co-founder and CEO of Catholic Concepts, the only Indiana-based manufacturer of socks.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Jacob A. German
Jacob German manages the government services practice for Barnes & Thornburg across the United States, earning a reputation for his expertise in municipal law, public finance and lobbying.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Olga Voinarevich
Olga Voinarevich excels in both litigation and commercial law, so establishing a practice vertical within Ice Miller’s business group that united the two was a natural fit.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Olivia Hawbaker VanDuyn
Olivia Hawbaker VanDuyn manages capital planning for water distribution and wastewater collection for Citizens Energy Group.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Xiao Ou Yuan
Xiao built Hageman Capital from a “back-of-the-napkin” concept to a market leader in financing tax-increment-financing incentives for real estate developers that has developed more than $1 billion worth of real estate.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Geng Wang
CEO and Co-founder Civic Champs Somewhere amid eager entrepreneurialism and idealistic benevolence, Civic Champs was born. Geng Wang’s third startup, Civic Champs provides volunteer management software to nonprofits. In short, the software helps nonprofits recruit, manage and schedule volunteers while saving time. Launched in 2019, the company now serves more than 200 nonprofits in the […]
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2025 Forty Under 40: Travis D. Lovett
Krieg DeVault senior attorney Travis Lovett likes closing deals, and “the bigger the deal, the better,” he said. “It’s kind of like winning a football game.”
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2025 Forty Under 40: Ashleigh Newbold
Over the past eight years, Ashleigh Newbold has grown from an events manager to leading engagement and impact for Indiana Sports Corp.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Matt Tyner Jr.
Matt Tyner Jr. in less than three years has helped Elevate Ventures become the most active venture capitalist in the Great Lakes region and among the top 20 globally.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Brad Vogelsmeier
Brad Vogelsmeier leads mixed-use apartment development at Milhaus with a team that’s spread out across 12 U.S. markets and has overseen development of over $2 billion in projects and more than 10,000 units of construction.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Ryan Waggoner
Ryan Waggoner is a first-generation college graduate, and that background drives his professional and personal accomplishments.
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2025 Forty Under 40: Early childhood learning advocate is Forty Under 40 alumni of the year
When IBJ recognized Maureen Weber as a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2010, she had just finished reorganizing the Indiana Department of Education and had taken a job as director of community outreach and engagement at Clarian Health, now Indiana University Health. She was 35, an attorney and had served in three state agencies. “I […]
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