Inside:

Crossroads of America Leadership Summit 2024

Led by notable industry professionals and colleagues, the leadership summit is back for another year. Join us in-person for a full day of educational sessions and conversations on a variety of topics impacting Indiana communities including trends in economic development, case studies, community strategic and financial planning and more.

Who should attend

This summit is intended for thought leaders from cities, towns, counties, economic development organizations, schools and utilities interested in or responsible for financial management and/or public finance across the state of Indiana.

2024 Agenda

To explore further details about the day’s schedule, download a copy of the comprehensive agenda.

7:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Registration and breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Pre-event session

Empowering Indiana communities: Economic development 101

Heidi Amspaugh, principal, Baker Tilly
Henry Mestetsky, executive director, Carmel Redevelopment Commission

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome and intro comments

Jessica Lynch, director, Baker Tilly
Mayor Sue Finkam, City of Carmel

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Navigating economic development trends: Strategies for resilient communities

Moderated by Emma Adlam, director, Baker Tilly
Linda Walczak, vice president of expansions and retention, Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Steve Roelle, executive director, Warrick County Economic Development, Success Warrick County

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Concurrent sessions

Impactful planning: Achieve sustainability and secure IRA funding

Doug Baldessari, partner, Baker Tilly
Susan Reed, managing director, Baker Tilly
Jason Tanselle, director, Baker Tilly

Municipal debt 101: What every elected official should know

Sean McGill, senior manager, Baker Tilly
Greg Balsano, manager, Baker Tilly

11:30 – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch and learn: The journey of Carmel

Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., but the "The journey of Carmel presentation" will be from Noon – 1 p.m.

Mayor Sue Finkam, City of Carmel
Kara Kollros, director of finance, Carmel Clay School District
Heidi Amspaugh, principal, Baker Tilly
Lindsay Simonetto, director, Baker Tilly

1:00 – 1:15 p.m. | Break

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Concurrent sessions

How to use TIF to boost your local economic development and community growth

Moderated by Andy Mouser, director, Baker Tilly
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, City of Michigan City
Kevin McGuire, director of technology, Michigan City Area Schools

Plan for your community’s future: A guide to strategic and financial planning

Jay Staley, director, Baker Tilly
Ross Hagen, senior manager, Baker Tilly

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Break

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Exploring the credit landscape: Insights from top rating agencies

Moreen Skyers-Gibbs, S&P Global Ratings
Ryan Patton, assistant vice president – analyst, Moody’s Investors Service

3:00 – 4:10 p.m. | Forging connections: Working together for their communities

Moderated by Matt Eckerle, principal, Baker Tilly
Matt Greller, CEO, Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim)
Bob Taylor, executive director, Indiana Association of Public Schools Superintendents (IAPSS)
David Bottorff, executive director, Association of Indiana Counties (AIC)