2023 Indy’s Best and Brightest Winners Announced

Author: Renea Gates
Community Involvement
Published: Friday, 24 Mar 2023

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INDIANAPOLIS (March 24th, 2023)— On Thursday, March 23rd Junior Achievement of central Indiana recognized 100 of the city’s most outstanding young professionals, at an awards event hosted at Hilbert Circle Theatre. All 100 individuals were recognized for their professional success and philanthropic impact on our community. Of the 100 honorees, 10 received additional recognition and walked away as an Indy’s Best and Brightest winner from their respective category.

Junior Achievement was honored to have Rafael Sanchez, Morning News Anchor/Investigative Reporter, WRTV and JA Student Ambassador, Aarnav, serve as the event emcees. Alan Bacon, Co-Founder of GANGGANG and Jennifer Burk, Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement, also shared remarks at the event.

2023 Indy’s Best and Brightest Winners:

Accounting

David Rabb, FORVIS, LLP

Banking and Finance

Nicole Woodson, First Internet Bank

Education & Nonprofit

Daniel Poynter, Carbon Neutral Indiana

Government, Tourism + Arts

Karrah Herring, J.D., Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb, State of Indiana

Health & Life Sciences

Russell J. Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA, Indiana University School of Medicine

Law

Amber Finley, Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County

Manufacturing, Retail & Services

Katie Lucas, Lucas Oil Products

Media, Entertainment & Sports

Paul Swartz, Hoosier Shooting Academy

Real Estate & Construction

Shannon McDonald, Taylor Bros. Construction Co., Inc.

Technology

Kate Gundach, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team

About Indy’s Best and Brightest

The Best and Brightest initiative was created by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana to recognize rising talent and the next generation of leaders in our community. Honorees in each category were evaluated on professional accomplishments, civic involvement, and leadership qualities. Please visit www.indysbestandbrightest.org to view the complete list of finalists.

About Junior Achievement of Central Indiana

Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc. (JACI), in partnership with the business and education communities, empowers young people to own their future success. JA educates and inspires young people in the areas of career exploration, employability/life skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for children in kindergarten through high school. www.jaindy.org

Image caption: 2023 Winners

2023 Indy’s Best & Brightest Winners

From left to right:

Representing the event’s Presenting Sponsor, KPMG - Eric Sutphin, KPMG Indianapolis Managing Partner; David Rabb, FORVIS, LLP, Nicole Woodson, First Internet Bank, Daniel Poynter, Carbon Neutral Indiana, Karrah Herring, J.D., Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb, State of Indiana, Russell J. Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA, Indiana University School of Medicine, Amber Finley, Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Katie Lucas, Lucas Oil Products, Paul Swartz, Hoosier Shooting Academy, Shannon McDonald, Taylor Bros. Construction Co., Inc., Kate Gundach, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, Representing Junior Achievement - Jennifer Burk, Chief Executive Officer, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana