The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) is inviting nominations for the 2024 Charles L. Whistler Award, the city’s highest honor recognizing outstanding civic leadership.
Established to celebrate individuals who foster collaboration between public and private sectors for the betterment of Indianapolis, the award has been presented each year since 1983. It is named after civic leader Charles L. Whistler, who supported and created UniGov, the City Center on Monument Circle and helped modernize White River State Park.
“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,” Murray Clark, past Whistler Award recipient and current chair of the 2024 award selection committee, said in a press release.
According to GIPC, nominees 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.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett will present the award at a breakfast ceremony later this year. Any member of the public is free to nominate individuals who they feel represent the legacy of Whistler.
In 2023, Hogsett presented the award to J. Albert “Al” Smith Jr., former Indiana chair for J.P Morgan Chase & Co. During his time there, he expanded the bank’s initiatives to support veterans, those with disabilities and diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Smith also served as chair of the Indy Chamber, St. Vincent Hospital, the 500 Festival, Downtown Indy, Inc. and on the board of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership.
“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,” Clark said.
The public can submit nominations by completing the online form at indygipc.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 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, St. 1721, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
