INDIANAPOLIS – As Prosperity Indiana celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization will recognize premier community development leaders and programs across the state. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Prosperity Indiana Summit on May 14, 2026.
This year’s summit theme, Building the Communities of Indiana’s Future, honors four decades of advancing equitable community economic development while spotlighting the individuals and organizations shaping Indiana’s next chapter
The Michael Carroll Community Economic Development Leadership Award, presented by First Financial Bank and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, distinguishes an individual who has exhibited exceptional advocacy to further support the community economic development sector.
The John Niederman Rural Development Leadership Award, presented by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, is designed to celebrate outstanding leaders in the field of rural community economic development.
The Robert O. Zdenek Staff Member of the Year Award, presented by First Merchants Bank, recognizes the outstanding professional leadership and commitment of a staff person working for a community economic development organization.
The Key Award for Supportive Services Program of the Year, presented by Intend Indiana, honors excellence and innovation in a service-oriented (non-construction) community development initiative.
2026 Nominees:
- Dr. Danielle Brown, Indiana University Health Cardiology
- Lorri Cox, Affordable Housing Corporation of Grant County
- Steve Hoffman, Brightpoint
- Jennifer Million, United Way of Greater Lafayette
- Eric Ogle, Brightpoint
- David Terrel, D Terrell Associates
- Cecelia Whitfield, Use What You’ve Got Ministry Keeping Families Connected
- CAPE’s Owner-Occupied Rehab Program, Community Action Program of Evansville
- Justice Impacted Women, Televerde Foundation
- PATH’s Program, Televerde Foundation
- Pathways System, Dream Center Indy
- Supportive Housing Pilot Program, Sanctuary Indy
- Transportation Program, Use What You’ve Got Ministry Keeping Families Connected
The 2026 Prosperity Indiana Summit is open to the public and will focus on economic opportunity, housing, and nonprofit organizational sustainability, equipping attendees with practical strategies, tools, and insights they can utilize in their work and communities. Join Prosperity, Indiana, in celebrating 40 years of impact and shaping the next 40 years of community economic development in Indiana. Tickets to the Summit and Awards Luncheon on May 14, 2026, are available at https://prosperityindiana.org/Summit26.
