MARIO RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCED AS THE INTERNATIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Global Impression Award Recipient Also to Be Named and Honored
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristie Johnson, PhD, CFRE
VP, Development and External Affairs
The International Center
317-955-5151
kjohnson@internationalcenter.org
(INDIANAPOLIS – March 5, 2024) – Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority and business and community leader, will receive the International Citizen of the Year (ICY) award on Thursday, October 24th at a dinner and program at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The award, presented by The International Center since 1985, honors individuals whose work has achieved global impact and elevated Indiana on the world stage. Mario was selected as this year’s recipient in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the globalization of Indiana. He is an active community leader and serves on the boards of the Immigrant Welcome Center, Indy and Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Sports Corp, Economic Club of Indiana, 500 Festival, Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Indiana Destination Development Foundation and Visit Indy. Mario is the former board president of the Indiana Latino Institute (ILI) and a founder of the Latino Leadership Circle. Under his leadership, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has experienced record-breaking growth, an expansion in economic development projects benefitting the local community and has been recognized as the Best Airport in North America by J.D. Power, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor and Airports Council International. Most recently, Mario was named 2023 Dynamic Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber, and in 2021 was bestowed the highest honor given to an active airport executive with the Airports Council International Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award.
The annual Global Impression Award honoring an emerging global leader in Indiana, will also be announced and presented at the event on October 24th.
Martin Baier, president and CEO of The International Center, said, “We are proud to have this opportunity to recognize Mario’s many international accomplishments, his passion for the community, and the way he demonstrates Hoosier Hospitality to the world. We look forward to celebrating him and his accomplishments.”
Individual tickets, group ticket purchases, and sponsorships are available. Inquiries may be directed to Samantha Gutierrez at sgutierrez@internationalcenter.org. Additional information is available at www.internationalcenter.org/icy.
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About The International Center
For more than 50 years, The International Center has served as a guide to the world’s cultural landscape, and a catalyst for the state’s international growth. Working in collaboration with businesses, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and individual citizens, The Center expands Indiana’s global interest through a variety of programs and services and through convening diverse interests who share common international goals. The International Center is a member of Global Ties U.S.
About the International Citizen of the Year Award
Since 1985, The International Center has honored individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indiana and the world in the fields of business, culture, education, government, medicine, media, research, sports, or community service.
About the Global Impression Award
Established in 2018, the Global Impression Award honors “rising stars” who are demonstrating success in their profession, directly impacting the global community within Indiana, and whose work has a considerable impact on a vision for an Indiana that is a vibrant place to live and work, while valuing all cultures.
About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND generates a $7.5 billion total annual economic impact to the state of Indiana – without relying on state or local taxes to fund operations. The IAA has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work in Indiana.”
List of International Citizen of the Year Honorees
2023 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2022 Tamika Catchings
2021 Senator Daniel R. Coats
2019 Michael Crowther
2018 Governor Eric J. Holcomb
2017 Pacers Sports & Entertainment
2016 Dr. Michael A. McRobbie
2015 Dr. John C. Lechleiter
2014 Mayor Greg Ballard and Mrs. Winnie Ballard
2013 Mark Miles
2011 Tim Solso
2010 Gov. Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
2008 IU-Kenya Partnership
2007 Dr. Martin C. Jischke
2006 Ambassador Randall L. Tobias
2005 James T. Morris
2004 Christel DeHaan
2003 30th Anniversary Award: The Honorable Richard G. Lugar
2002 Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin, O.S.B.
2001 Sidney Taurel
2000 Tony George
1999 Jeff Smulyan
1998 Bret Waller
1997 Lawrence H. Einhorn, M.D.
1996 Kai and Tom Binford
1995 KP Singh
1993 Margaret Sheridan
1992 Dr. Geoffrey Bannister
1991 Maestro Raymond Leppard
1990 The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton
1990 Sr. Marie Pierre Buttell
1989 The Honorable William H. Hudnut
1989 George Mikelsons
1987 The Honorable Robert D. Orr
1986 The Honorable Richard G. Lugar
1985 Riad Shaheen
