The SKL Series began in 1976 to honor Stanley K. Lacy, who had established himself as a recognized leader in Indianapolis while he was in his mid-twenties before he was killed in an automobile accident in 1973. Three years later, Edna Balz Lacy established The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series to honor his memory by encouraging and supporting other young professionals in their community work. Since its inception, more than eleven hundred people have gone through the ten-month program and many of the significant leaders in Indianapolis are graduates of the program or have served as moderators, such as Sam Odle, Judge Sarah Evans Barker, Mark Miles, Brian Payne, Carolene Mays-Medley, John Lechleiter, Steve Walker, Myra Selby, Rick Fuson and Juan Gonzales.
10-month leadership series for emerging leaders
Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series®
Announcing SKL Class L, the 50th class
The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (SKL®), the flagship program of Leadership Indianapolis, is thrilled to announce its 50th class. Each class year, 25 individuals are selected to participate in this highly competitive program, which seeks to expand the ranks of community leaders by teaching and motivating members to address the needs of Central Indiana.
Class members are chosen because of their significant community involvement and professional achievement, their demonstrated interest in community issues, a record of participation and achievement in voluntary community activities, and their willingness to expand their leadership role in the community.
Allison Melangton has been named Moderator of SKL Class L. Melangton currently serves as Senior Vice President at Penske Entertainment and is a widely respected community leader, having led the planning and execution of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016 and served as CEO and president of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee from 2008 to 2012. As Moderator she will lead the class in exploring a range of issues facing Central Indiana and the role leaders can play in strengthening the community.
“The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series has served our community in an important way for 50 years, by bringing together civic minded emerging leaders that will help shape the future of our city. It is an honor and special privilege to be asked to serve as moderator of SKL Class L, the 50th class. I am looking forward to fostering impactful dialogues that will contribute to class members understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in our community and the exciting work ahead for all of us who call this community our home,” said Melangton.
SKL was created by the Lacy family in 1976. The Lacys continue to be involved and provide funding for the program. Jill Lacy shared, “I am thrilled Allison will be joining the SKL family as our 50th moderator. Allison’s leadership, perspective, and deep commitment to civic engagement make her an outstanding moderator for SKL Class L. Her experience bringing people together, bringing a city together, and inspiring community impact will help make this class experience especially valuable and memorable.”
This year’s class marks the 50th anniversary of the SKL program, which has graduated over 1200 community leaders since 1976. Over the years, many class members have gone on to make significant and lasting impact on Indianapolis.
SKL Class L will meet monthly from September 2026 through June 2027.
SKL Class L
Moderator:
Allison Melangton
Senior Vice President
Penske Entertainment
- Adam A. AshouriExecutive Vice PresidentMeyer Najem Construction
- Neelay BhattFounder & CEONext Practice Partners
- Brent BridwellDirector of Donor EngagementGleaners Food Bank
- Natalie ClaytonCo-Founder and Broker/OwnerMaywright Property Co.
- Colin ConnorPartnerPlews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP
- Devon L. DavisVice PresidentBose Public Affairs Group
- Kelly DoucetSenior Community Leadership OfficerWomen's Foundation of Indiana
- Joshua DriverFounder & CEOSelflessly
- Adriana FigueroaAssistant United States AttorneyUnited States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Indiana
- Abby HansonControllerCity of Indianapolis
- Mariah IveyDirector of Programs and Artistic DevelopmentMadam Walker Legacy Center
- Erin LucasDevelopment DirectorMitch Daniels Leadership Foundation
- Monika MalaChief Strategy and Operations OfficerFoster Success Inc.
- Danicia Monét Malone, Ph.D.Primary Researcher & DirectorRokh Research & Design Studio
- Stacia Murphy, Ph.D.Co-Founder and Vice President of Growth and PartnershipsIron Ranch Equipment LLC
- Alina PizarroDirector of Strategy & InnovationAscentra Strategies
- Daniel PulliamPartnerFaegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
- Lindsay ScottPresident and CEOKids Voice of Indiana
- Jack SheplerCEOAyokay
- Flor Ramos SkidmoreEnterprise Market ManagerOne America Financial
- Kevin SweetlandAssociate, Urban DesignerRundell Ernstberger Associates (REA)
- Meghan ToomanPrincipal/OwnerDORIS Research
- Vincent Viveros CFP®, NACD.DC®Vice President, BankerJ.P. Morgan Private Bank
- Olga VoinarevichPartnerIce Miller LLP
- Sharvonne A. WalkerResident Success ManagerGene B. Glick Company
What you should know
Click on the box below for a list of past SKL classes.
The application period for SKL Class L has closed.
The application for SKL Class LI will be available in the spring of 2027.
Click on the box below for information about SKL Class L including key dates.
Please direct all questions about the SKL Series, application, and selection process to Rebecca Hutton, President & CEO and SKL Program Director at Leadership Indianapolis, at rhutton@leadershipindianapolis.com.
SKL gave me the confidence to pursue my unique purpose as a leader. Through my SKL journey, I was given an intellectually challenging and robust understanding of what authentic community leadership looks like across Central Indiana. I participated in conversations and activities that helped shape how I think about leading and empowering change.
Being part of SKL was transformational to more fully understand the interconnectedness of central Indiana and how to better achieve impactful change through the opportunities and relationships I cultivated alongside an incredible group of classmates.
The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series allowed me to connect and learn from an array of areas/industries to break down silos for the betterment of our neighborhoods.
