Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Seeks Nominations for 2024 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 39th 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, September 6, 2024.

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 of and involvement in the creation of UniGov, the City Center on Monument Circle, and the modernization of White River State Park.

“It’s an honor once again to partner with the Mayor Hogsett to present the Whistler Award to someone who has shown exceptional skill at working with both the public and private sectors in Indianapolis. Chuck Whistler spent countless hours outside of his law profession as a volunteer to make Indianapolis a better place for all. This year, we’re looking forward to honoring this next generation of servant leadership,” said Murray Clark, past Whistler Award recipient and current Chair of the 2024 award 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 what is expected to foster public-private partnerships that work for the overall improvement of the community. To learn more about Charles L. Whistler’s impact and review past recipients of the award, visit GIPC’s website at indygipc.org.

Mayor Hogsett presented the 2023 Whistler Award to Mr. J. Albert “Al” Smith Jr., former Indiana Chairman for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its initiatives around diversity and inclusion and workplace support for military veterans and employees with disabilities. Outside of his profession, Smith also served on the board of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership for over 30 years (twice as chair) and has also been chair of the Indy Chamber, St. Vincent Hospital (now Ascension St. Vincent), the 500 Festival, and Downtown Indy, Inc.

To submit a nomination, complete the electronic form available at https://indygipc.org/initiatives/whistler/nominations/ by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. 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.

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