For the fourth year in a row, Butler University President James Danko has been named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Indiana 250 list—an annual recognition of the most influential leaders shaping Indiana’s future.
Each year, the Indiana 250 spotlights trailblazers from across the state who are leading with vision, driving progress, and making meaningful contributions to their communities. President Danko’s continued inclusion on the list reflects his bold and collaborative leadership and the transformational momentum underway at Butler.
Since becoming Butler’s 21st president in 2011, Danko has led the University through a period of profound growth. His focus on innovation and access has led to significant campus enhancements, expanded academic offerings, and nationally recognized student outcomes. This fall, Butler will welcome the inaugural class of Founder’s College—a two-year college providing high-ability students from low-wealth backgrounds a pathway to earn their associate’s degree with no debt or out-of-pocket expenses. Qualifying graduates may also continue to earn a four-year Butler degree at a fraction of the cost.
“At Butler, we operate under the presumption of yes,” Danko shared in his Indiana 250 profile. “It means approaching new ideas not with skepticism or bureaucracy, but with curiosity and openness. It doesn’t guarantee that every idea will move forward, but it ensures that creative thinking is encouraged, not shut down at the outset.”
That mindset has helped shape a culture of strategic agility and student-centered decision-making, one where collaboration, transparency, and long-term impact guide every step forward.
President Danko is one of several Butler-connected leaders honored in this year’s Indiana 250, including:
- Michael Ash MBA ’99: Regional President, Fifth Third Bank
- Brian Bauer ’03: President, Indiana University Health Fort Wayne
- Keith Bice ’95: Managing Partner, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum
- Jeff Blade ’83: Executive Director, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Chair, Butler University Board of Trustees
- Doug Boles ’88: President, IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Jason Eckerle MBA ’99: Regional President for Central and Southern Indiana, PNC Bank
- Juan Gonzalez MBA ’00: President for Central Indiana Market, KeyBank
- Chris Gahl ’00: Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Indy, and Trustee, Butler University Board of Trustees
- JoAn Scott MBA ’05: Vice President of Men’s Basketball, NCAA
- Bob Hicks ’84: Chair and Managing Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
- T. Scott Law ’85: Founder and CEO, Zotec Partners
- Bill Soards ’96: President, AT&T Indiana
The Indiana 250 list, curated by IBJ Media, celebrates leaders across business, education, healthcare, sports, and nonprofit sectors. To view the full list of honorees, visit Indiana250.com.