Rebecca Hutton to step down as president and CEO; will continue leading Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series through Class L graduation
Leadership Indianapolis today announced Rebecca Hutton will step down as president and CEO effective October 23, 2026, after nearly nine years leading the organization. Hutton will continue serving as program director for the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series (SKL) through the graduation of Class L in June 2027.
Beth Perdue Outland, current vice president of Leadership Indianapolis, will serve as interim president and CEO. Beth’s deep knowledge of the organization will provide stability and confidence for staff, programs, and partners during this transition.
During her tenure, Hutton strengthened Leadership Indianapolis’ organizational infrastructure, expanded partnerships, and deepened relationships throughout the community. She also built a talented team well positioned to carry the organization’s mission forward.
“Rebecca has led Leadership Indianapolis with an extraordinary commitment to both the organization and the community we serve,” said ZeNai Savage, chair of the Leadership Indianapolis board of directors. “Her leadership has broadened our reach and, most importantly, invested in generations of leaders who are making a difference throughout Indianapolis. We are deeply grateful for her service.”
The board of directors has convened a transition committee to guide the organization through the leadership change and assess its long-term leadership needs. The committee includes members of the board’s executive committee, additional board members, and Jill Lacy.
Lacy’s involvement provides an important connection to the history of Leadership Indianapolis. Her family’s legacy is deeply intertwined with SKL which, for nearly five decades, has identified and developed emerging leaders committed to strengthening Indianapolis.
“Leadership Indianapolis has always been about investing in people who will shape the future of our community, and that commitment will continue to guide the organization as it looks toward its next chapter,” said Lacy. “Rebecca’s leadership fostered meaningful experiences, built lasting relationships, and helped leaders better understand how they can serve our community.”
Leadership Indianapolis will be accepting applications for its next president and CEO. Additional details about the search process will be shared in the coming weeks.
About Leadership Indianapolis
Leadership Indianapolis works to educate, inspire, connect, and mobilize community leaders to serve and strengthen greater Indianapolis. We believe that community leadership is at its best when it is multigenerational, multicultural, and collaborative.
Leadership Indianapolis convenes people with diverse points of view and lived experience in an environment that encourages authentic conversation and builds connections, thus assuring a diverse and robust pipeline of individuals is prepared for increasing levels of civic engagement and transformative influence.
Learn more at LeadershipIndianapolis.com.
