INDIANA — Junior Achievement of Central Indiana has unveiled its 2026 class of Laureates for the prestigious Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame. Four prominent executives will be formally inducted during a gala ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Lucas Estate in Carmel.
The annual event, established in 1989, honors trailblazing regional leaders who have demonstrated outstanding business success, visionary leadership, and a long-standing commitment to community mentorship.
“We are thrilled to announce the upcoming induction of these four exceptional individuals,” said Alesha Johnson, Director of Special Events for Junior Achievement of Central Indiana. “Together, we can continue to empower young people to achieve their fullest potential and become future leaders.”
The 2026 Laureates
The incoming class represents a diverse cross-section of the region’s real estate, legal, sports entertainment, and transportation sectors:
- David Barrett: Chairman, President & CEO of the Gene B. Glick Company, one of the largest private multi-family housing developers and property management firms in the country.
- Lacy M. Johnson: High-profile Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, widely recognized for his extensive work in public affairs, corporate governance, and civic leadership.
- Mel Raines: President & CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, who oversees operations for Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indiana Fever.
- Mario Rodriguez: Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, who manages the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport and its regional aviation facilities.
With the inclusion of the 2026 class, the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame has recognized 153 accomplished individuals over its 37-year history who epitomize professional success and civic contribution.
Supporting Future Entrepreneurs
The Hall of Fame gala serves as a primary fundraiser for Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, which provides hands-on, experiential learning programs to local K-12 students. The organization’s curriculum focuses on three core pillars: financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
Proceeds generated from the induction ceremony directly fund mobile programs and simulated learning experiences—such as JA BizTown and JA Finance Park—ensuring that thousands of Hoosier students receive critical life-skills training at no cost to their schools.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities, individual ticket sales, and table registration information for the October gala are now available. Interested parties can explore these options or reach out to event organizers directly by visiting the official Junior Achievement of Central Indiana headquarters at 7435 N. Keystone Avenue, or by emailing alesha.johnson@jaindy.org.
