Nominations are closed.
Who is eligible?
Executives at public and private companies as well as nonprofit hospital systems and utilities. Executives in government and other nonprofits are not permitted. Nominees should be on the company’s executive team or in an otherwise high-level executive position.
What is the judging based on?
For CEOs, we are looking for leaders who are making a significant impact within their organizations and whose companies are making a significant impact in central Indiana and beyond. Judges will consider all aspects of a CEO and company’s performance, including metrics or data related to finances, innovation, employee engagement, reputation and market position could be considered.
For other C-suite executives, IBJ is looking for executives who are making a significant impact within their organizations, who are respected among their peers and who are innovators and changemakers. We will consider anyone in a C-suite position, including but not limited to, presidents, CSOs, CIOs, COOs, CTOs, CFOs and CMOs.
What makes a good nomination?
For both awards, a good nomination will offer specific examples of impact through anecdotes and data. Keep in mind that we expect more than 100 people—and maybe many more—to be nominated for these awards. Nominations that stand out will be those that make a succinct but detailed case for the nominee and explains why this particular executive stands out among others.
For CEO nominations, we encourage recommendation letters from another executive at the company or a board chair and someone from outside the company who can explain the CEO’s impact.
For other C-suite nominations, we highly encourage a letter of recommendation from the company’s CEO, owner or board chair in addition to other relevant letters.
Letters are not required but they are recommended.
Are there any pitfalls to avoid?
We discourage many nominations from one company. Of course, we welcome a CEO nomination and maybe one or at most two other C-suite nominations. When we receive more than that, the judges can be concerned that if a company can’t choose its most deserving nominee, how can they choose the right person?
Our experience is that in the judging room, companies that submit four, five or more nominees often end up without an honoree.
Also, nominees should be available for interviews and photos if they are chosen. IBJ reserves the right to rescind an award before the event if the honoree is not available for interviews and photos before the deadline for the print publication.
When does the section publish?
A special section with profiles of the honorees will be published in print on Dec. 5. The profiles will also be published at IBJ.com.
Is there an event for winners?
The CEO of the Year and C-Suite Awards event is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The program is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour following at 7 p.m.
How do I nominate someone?
Nominations are closed.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is Sept. 12, 2025.
Can I contact you to make sure my nomination was received?
Once you submit a nomination, you should receive a copy of it. That verifies we’ve received it. If you do not receive a copy (and you’ve checked your junk folder), email Managing Editor Samm Quinn at [email protected].
Will you notify me if my nominee is selected?
IBJ will notify nominees and their nominators if they are selected. IBJ will notify only nominators if their nominee was not selected.