Two Prominent Business Leaders Named to 16 Tech Community Corporation Board of Directors

Indy Chamber News Archives

Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 30, 2015 – 16 Tech Community Corporation has elected Jeffrey A. Harrison, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, and David C. Lewis, Sr., director of external and corporate affairs for AT&T Indiana, to its board of directors to guide the development of the innovation community that serves as one of Indianapolis’s most significant projects to develop, retain and attract talent to Indianapolis.

The 16 Tech innovation community is located on Indianapolis’s near west side and is purpose-built to attract the best talent to collaborate, innovate and commercialize new ideas across a spectrum of advanced industries, including life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing, as well as the creative industries. Its board of directors will oversee 16 Tech’s mission to build a community representing a diverse population of talent and companies.

“We are fortunate to have two of the city’s most respected business and community leaders join the 16 Tech board of directors,” said Betsy McCaw, president and CEO of 16 Tech Community Corporation. “16 Tech will succeed with leadership who have a passion and strong capability to create and be ambassadors for an urban, dense environment inviting to talent and companies desiring a live, work, play and learn hub of regional innovation and collaboration. Long-time Hoosier residents, Jeff and David are highly regarded business leaders who have served our city in many capacities. They also bring global recognition and expertise in the very high-tech industry sectors that will drive the success of 16 Tech.”

Harrison was appointed president and CEO of Citizens in July 2015. He joined Citizens in 2003 as director of Market Development, and has progressed through positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president, Manufacturing in 2006 and senior vice president Capital Program & Engineering in 2011. Prior to joining Citizens, Harrison served in positions of increasing responsibility during 13 years at Indianapolis Power & Light, including corporate strategist.

Harrison’s volunteer endeavors include board memberships for the Center for Leadership Development, the Indianapolis Zoo, Goodwill Education Initiatives Inc., Marian University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, The Nature Conservancy, Indy Chamber of Commerce, Indy Public Safety Foundation, FBI Citizens Academy, United Way of Central Indiana and the YMCA. Harrison is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, the Hoosier Fellows Program and the Diversity Leadership Academy of Greater Indianapolis.

“16 Tech offers our city a great opportunity to take Indianapolis to the next level in terms of industry growth and talent development,” Harrison said. “As a committed community partner and industry leader, Citizens takes great pride in being a part of this transformational project and looks forward to working with industry, civic and community leaders to ensure 16 Tech exceeds its mission.”

“Innovation is at the heart of AT&T’s evolution into one of the nation’s leading technology companies,” said Lewis. “16 Tech shares our mission of bringing diverse people and industries together to fuel next-generation technologies. It has the makings of a tremendous development project that will positively enhance the city’s landscape.”

Lewis joined AT&T Indiana in 2009 as director for External and Corporate Affairs. He had a significant career in public service beginning as a Governor’s Fellow for then Governor Evan Bayh and the late Governor Frank O’Bannon. Following his fellowship, Lewis worked for the Indiana Department of Commerce in the Community Development Division before joining then Lieutenant Governor Joe Kernan’s administration as his special assistant for legislative affairs. In 2001, Lewis joined U.S. Senator Evan Bayh’s office as his regional director for Central Indiana where he served as the Senator’s liaison in 26 counties. Lewis was appointed by then Governor Joe Kernan in 2003 to serve as Indiana’s clerk of theSupreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Tax Court – making him just the 4^th African-American in the history of Indiana to serve as a statewide elected official.  In 2006, he joined the private sector and served as vice president of the Government, Non-profit and Health Care Division for JPMorgan Chase Bank.

Lewis is a member of the Board of Directors for the Indy Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Association of United Ways, Indy’s Youth Impact and the Hispanic Business Council. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Lewis has been honored with a Sagamore of the Wabash and through Who’s Who of Black Indianapolis. He is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series.

About 16 Tech

16 Tech is an innovation community and one of the largest talent attraction, retention and development opportunities in Indianapolis’s history. Located on the near west side of Indianapolis, 16 Tech will be a dense, open community that brings talent together to collaborate, share resources and knowledge toward innovation. It will include flexible research space for advanced industries, ample public space, a mix of housing opportunities and retail and office space for entrepreneurs and established companies as well as opportunities for the surrounding neighborhoods through ongoing programming and partnerships and job training and career opportunities. More information about 16 Tech can be found at www.16techindy.com.

Media Contact

Laura Miller

Laura Miller Communications on behalf of 16 Tech

317-332-3306

[email protected]