Alexander S. Carroll and Reverend Charles Williams receive highly esteemed Whistler Award
The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee presented Alexander S. Carroll and Reverend Charles Williams with the Charles L. Whistler Award. The annual award recognizes one or two individuals who, outside the regular duties of their chosen professions, have brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.
Alex Carroll has been an exemplary community leader and volunteer for over 50 years. Retired from Prudential Securities as Senior Vice President in 2002, Alex continues to offer his insight, intellect, drive, passion, and humor to many activities and organizations.
Alex’s leadership in the community has left a lasting impact on Indianapolis through his participation in business, civic, cultural, and educational endeavors for over 50 years. During his tenure as chairman of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Alex’s leadership helped create a funding mechanism and strategic plan to help build the RCA Dome. He has been a driving force for decades on the numerous civic organizations, such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Junior Achievement, the Children’s Museum, and the Economic Club.
Alex continues to lead through his current affiliation with several organizations including the Red Cross, the Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Charles A. Tindley Charter School.
Alex has also received many different awards and honors, including being named a “Permanent” Class President at his alma mater Williams College, and a Life Member of the Board of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Reverend Charles Williams has been the President of Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) since 1983. He is responsible for the restructuring of IBE, the development of year-round programs that promote harmony among people of all races. Under his leadership, the IBE was named one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” by the American Bus Association. He is the founder of Circle City Classic, the Black collegiate football game which is held annually and raises money for scholarships.
In addition to his duties at IBE, Reverend Williams has made a substantial contribution to Indianapolis as a leader and participant in numerous civic organizations. Reverend Williams is also a Chaplain for the Indiana Pacers Basketball Corporation and a member of the Board of the Directors for the Pacers Foundation, Inc.
In recognition of his service to the city of Indianapolis, Reverend Williams has received many awards, including the Indiana Jefferson Award, Indianapolis Education Association’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, Sagamore of the Wabash Award for the State of Indiana, Outstanding Past and Future Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Citizen Award presented by NAACP Life Membership Committee to name a few.
He has most recently written a book on the prevention of prostate cancer, a condition from which he currently suffers.
