Indiana READI

About Indiana READI

Indiana is committed to investing in the growth and prosperity of the individuals and families that call the Hoosier state home. READI builds on the framework and successes of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the 21st Century Talent Initiative, encouraging neighboring communities across the state to work collaboratively to develop a bold vision for their future that, when implemented, will attract, develop and retain talent in Indiana.

To achieve this vision, regions will develop data-driven, actionable and sustainable development plans that outline strategies focused on improving the quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity within their communities. To help regions achieve their goals, the IEDC will award up to $50 million per region to accelerate the implementation of regional development plans and the programs and projects identified that will catalyze economic and population growth. 

The READI Review Committee will hold several meetings over the coming months to evaluate regional development plans before making formal recommendations for funding to the IEDC board of directors in December. Once approved, the IEDC will award READI funding to selected regions to advance implementation of the projects and programs designed to catalyze economic growth and talent development in Indiana.



READI Review Committee Members:


Bill Hanna, Executive Director, Dean and Barbra White Family Foundation

Hanna previously served the president and chief executive officer of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority for 10 years before joining the foundation.

Isaac Bamgbose, President and CEO of New City Development

Bamgbose leads the organization, which currently has over $150 million of planned development throughout central Indiana. Previously, he served as the vice president of development for Hendricks Commercial Properties where he led the Bottleworks District and Ironworks Campus projects.

Jason Dudich, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Treasurer, University of Indianapolis

Dudich, who previously served as the budget director for the state of Indiana for more than two years, joined the University in 2019.

Jason Blume, Executive Director, Innovation One

Blume has led Innovation One for more than seven years, working to connect business, industry and the community with the students, expertise and resources of Trine University.

Kelli Jones, Co-Founder and General Partner, Sixty8 Capital

Sixty8 Capital is the first Indiana-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in black, brown, women, LGBTQ+ and disabled founders. Jones also serves as the founder and CEO of the Be Nimble Foundation, a social enterprise working to advance diversity initiatives to create fully inclusive tech ecosystems.

Leah Curry, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana

Curry is responsible for all production and administrative functions at the Princeton manufacturing facility. Previously, Curry served as president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in West Virginia.

Lori Luther, Chief Operating Officer, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Luther has held several leadership positions within IU Health Arnett, IU Health Physicians and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining IU Health, she spent more than 20 years in various consulting firms in the U.S. and around the world.