CICP chief to receive Indy’s top honor for civic service
A long-time civic leader and current president and chief executive officer of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership has been named the recipient of the 2022 Charles L. Whistler Award. The award recognizes individuals who bring together public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.
The award, which is presented by the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, has been given by the mayor of Indianapolis since 1983.
Johnson has served as CICP CEO for ten years. In June, he announced his retirement and will complete his term in December.
Johnson also previously served as a founder, president and CEO of BioCrossroads, CICP’s life sciences initiative. The GIPC says under Johnson’s leadership at BioCrossroads, the initiative raised nearly $650 million for the state’s life sciences opportunities.
“David’s early focus and volunteer work was invaluable in building the life sciences sector in Indianapolis,” said GIPC Board Chairperson Heather Wilson. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for this incredibly important work. We would not be where we are today without his vision and collaborative efforts.”
Charles Whistler was a Hoosier native who became an attorney and civic leader in Indianapolis. Among his many community-mind efforts, he helped craft the legislation that created the consolidated city–county government model for Indianapolis and Marion County, known as Unigov. He died in 1981.
Mayor Joe Hogsett will present the award, named in Whistler’s honor, to Johnson during a ceremony in December.
“David has been a key leader in putting Indianapolis on the map when it comes to economic development and corporate-civic collaborations,” said Hogsett. “Truly devoted to Indianapolis, David is a determined leader working behind the scenes – and many times off the clock – to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and state.”
In July, Johnson appeared on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to discuss his retirement plans and organizational goals.