Recognition honors Indiana’s most influential and impactful leaders
INDIANAPOLIS — Visit Indy President and CEO Leonard Hoops and Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Chris Gahl have been named to IBJ Media’s fifth annual Indiana 250 list, recognizing the state’s 250 most influential and impactful business and community leaders. Hoops is among 84 leaders who have appeared on the list every year since its launch in 2022, while Gahl earned his fourth consecutive recognition. The 2026 list also includes 11 Visit Indy board members.
“It’s an honor to be recognized among the Indiana 250 along with my colleague Chris and many of our board members,” said Hoops. “And it’s particularly humbling to have been included every year since the program’s inception. Our team at Visit Indy and our civic leadership work relentlessly to enhance the quality of life in Indy through visitor-driven economic development. We appreciate the IBJ’s recognition of so many involved in our efforts.”
Developed and published by IBJ Media, the annual Indiana 250 recognizes leaders across business, philanthropy, the arts, government and nonprofit organizations. Hoops and Gahl were noted in the Hospitality, Arts & Entertainment category.
Visit Indy board members recognized include:
- Mali Bacon, co-founder and executive director, GANGGANG
- Juan Gonzalez, president, Central Indiana, KeyBank
- Tom McGowan, president and chief operating officer, Kite Realty
- Matt Mindrum, president and CEO, Indy Chamber
- Mel Raines, president and CEO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
- Mario Rodriguez, executive director, Indianapolis Airport Authority
- Max Siegel, president and CEO, USA Track & Field
- Patrick Talty, president, Indiana Sports Corp
- Judith Thomas, president and CEO, Indy Arts Council
- Pete Ward, chief operating officer, Indianapolis Colts
- Alice Watson, president and CEO, Indiana Black Expo
For more information, please visit Indiana250.com/.
About Visit Indy
Visit Indy’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis by optimizing visitor-related economic impact. For more information, visit VisitIndy.com.
