GIPC to Recognize J. Albert “Al” Smith Jr. with the 2023 Charles L. Whistler Award

The Whistler Award is the Mayor’s highest honor for civic leadership recognizing those dedicated to progress in Indianapolis through public-private partnerships and beyond

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) and Mayor Joe Hogsett are pleased to announce that J. Albert Smith Jr., community leader, volunteer, and former Indiana Chairman for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, will receive the 2023 Charles L. Whistler Award. The annual award, given by the Mayor of Indianapolis since 1983, recognizes individuals who, outside the regular duties of their chosen professions, have brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.

Albert Smith Jr., better known as “Al,” is a unique figure in the Indianapolis corporate and civic landscape. His family has a multi-generational legacy in banking and community service, with Smith himself spending nearly 60 years as a banking leader in Indianapolis and just recently retiring from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Under his leadership, the bank significantly expanded its initiatives around diversity and inclusion, and also created new initiatives to support military veteran and reserve duty employees and employees with disabilities.

“Al Smith is passionate about our City and the people who call it home. He’s tireless in his commitment to collaborations and has been intentional for the better part of six decades to pursue partnerships that advance the progress of Indianapolis,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Whether it has been through his banking relationships or through the impressive list of civic and community organizations that he has led or been involved with, Al has left a lasting mark on Central Indiana.”

In addition to his important work as a corporate and banking leader, Smith also embodies the role of civic leader. He has played a key part, both out in front and behind the scenes, in countless community initiatives in the past several decades. In recent years, he has been an important advocate for regional growth, economic development, equality and inclusion, equitable access to transit, affordable housing, and the role of music, arts, and culture to make Indianapolis a welcoming community for all.

Al has enjoyed a great marriage and partnership with his wife of 59 years, Maribeth Smith, who is a distinguished civic leader in her own right. Together they have three children and 11 grandchildren. He served on the board of INHP 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 (and was a founding member). Smith has also served on numerous boards past and present, including the Indianapolis Symphony, the Indianapolis Zoo, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Junior Achievement, and GIPC.

“Al Smith has been described by those who know him best as a connector, a historian, and a sage, and he is keenly aware that our city needs new leaders who will continue to write our future. It’s in this spirit that he has served as a bridge between past and present, mentoring up-and-coming leaders, always with an eye on progress and the betterment of our Indianapolis community,” said GIPC Board Chairperson Heather Wilson.

Mayor Hogsett will present the 2023 Charles L. Whistler Award at a breakfast ceremony on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary & Conference Center. This year’s Title Sponsor is Faegre Drinker. For information on tickets, tables, and sponsorships, visit https://gipc.memberclicks.net/whistleraward.

Last December, Mayor Hogsett presented the 2022 award to David L. Johnson, former CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).