July 9, 2026
CONTACT:
Brenna Lechner
Brenna.Lechner@indygipc.org
(463) 201-7469
Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Seeks Nominations for 2026 Charles L. Whistler Award
Mayor’s highest honor for civic leadership recognizes those dedicated to progress in Indianapolis through public-private partnerships and beyond
INDIANAPOLIS – The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) is seeking nominations for the 41st annual Charles L. Whistler Award. The award recognizes an individual who has brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett will personally present the award during a breakfast ceremony later this year. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. EST on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Since 1983, the Whistler Award has recognized individuals for their service within the community. The mayor’s highest honor for civic leadership, the award is named after Charles L. Whistler, whose contributions to Indianapolis included his support for and involvement in the creation of UniGov and the modernization of White River State Park.
“For over forty years, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee has partnered with every Indianapolis mayor to present the Whistler Award, honoring individuals who unite the public and private sectors to strengthen our city. Chuck Whistler exemplified this commitment, and we are proud to continue recognizing servant leaders who carry his legacy forward,” said Murray Clark, former Whistler Award honoree and Chair of the 2026 selection committee.
Members of the community are welcome to nominate individuals who reflect the leadership of Charles L. Whistler. Anyone except currently appointed government employees and elected officials may be nominated. Candidates should exemplify the passion and skill that Whistler displayed, going above and beyond the day-to-day duties of their careers to foster public-private partnerships that work for the overall improvement of the community. Last year, Mayor Hogsett presented the Whistler Award to esteemed recipient Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment, Inc. To learn more about Charles L. Whistler’s impact and review past recipients of the award, visit GIPC’s website at indygipc.org.
To submit a nomination, complete the electronic form available at https://indygipc.org/initiatives/whistler/nominations/ https://indygipc.org/initiatives/whistler/nominations/by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026. Additional letters of support are optional but encouraged. Up to five letters of support can be emailed to info@indygipc.org or mailed to 200 E. Washington Street, Ste. 1721, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
About GIPC
The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee is a non-partisan organization that partners with leaders of the public and private sectors of Indianapolis to study, discuss, and address issues of concern and areas of opportunity to advance the progress of the City.