When I first stepped into the role of President & CEO of IndyHub, I didn’t take for granted the weight of the responsibility, or the privilege, of helping shape the city I call home. Every day since then, I’ve been driven by one question: What kind of Indianapolis are we building, and who are we building it for?
This work of connecting, elevating, and empowering the next generation of leaders has never been just a job for me. It is a personal mission. I’ve seen in real time how much possibility lives in our people. I’ve watched neighbors become collaborators, newcomers become advocates, and ideas once scribbled in notebooks become movements that shift the culture of our city.
Today, I’m sharing that I’ve informed our board of directors of my intent to transition from my role as President & CEO earlier this year, and today is my last day. This decision comes with immense gratitude, a full heart, and a deep sense of purpose for what comes next not just for me, but for IndyHub and for Indianapolis.
As I reflect on the past few years, what stands out most isn’t a single event or milestone. It’s the collective dream we’ve all been working toward: an Indianapolis where young people actually want to live. A city they will want to build their lives in, not out of obligation but because it feels like home. Because it reflects their values, offers real opportunity, and invites them to lead. That dream for my children is what motivated me to take this job.
It’s why we’ve worked so hard to expand our reach to meet more people, in more places, through more channels. It’s why we’ve prioritized representation and diversity. Not for optics, but because a city that only listens to some of its voices will never realize its full potential.
But none of this works without trust. Trust in one another. Trust in the process. Trust that even when it’s hard or imperfect we’re still moving in the direction of progress. I want to thank every partner, colleague, board member, staff member, and young leader who has trusted me with this moment in our city’s story.
During this transition, members of the IndyHub Board are stepping in to provide interim leadership and operational support. The organization’s Governance Committee has launched a process to evaluate the best long-term pathway for executive leadership, with recommendations to be considered by the full Board of Directors.
This role has been a dream for a kid from small town Florida who took a chance on a small school in a “big city” and never left. Far away from sunshine and beaches, but in the heart of opportunity, I’ve never once regretted my decision. I’ll be grateful forever to the City of Indianapolis and the people who make the city such a special place. Thank you for the front row seat!
With love and gratitude,
Al Carroll
