INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 4, 2024) – Today, Conexus Indiana, an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), announced that Fred Cartwright, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana, will retire at the end of 2024 after more than three years of service with the organization.

“Fred’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing Indiana’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics,” said Scott Brand, president and chief operating officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive and chair of the Conexus Indiana Board of Directors. “His vision, dedication and strategic insight have positioned the organization to thrive. On behalf of the Board, I thank Fred for his leadership and his enduring impact on Conexus and Indiana’s advanced industries.”

Cartwright was responsible for Conexus Indiana’s sharpened focus on workforce development and industry productivity, setting a course that has driven technology adoption and workforce readiness. Under his leadership, Conexus expanded its partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to administer the Manufacturing Readiness Grants program (MRG), which has resulted in $57 million in matching grants to companies in 79 Indiana counties.

The MRG companion program, Education Readiness Grants, was also launched in partnership with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education during Cartwright’s tenure with Conexus. Through this program, $1.2 million in grants were awarded to 11 schools preparing students for careers in the increasingly high-tech advanced manufacturing industry.

To support this work and beyond, Cartwright led a strategic expansion of the organization’s Board roster to reflect the diversity of the industry—emphasizing geographic location, sub-sector, company size and tech presence. Additionally, under his leadership, Conexus grew its Advanced Industries Council—a broad network of industry, academic, and public-sector partners—to more than 135 organizations. Together, these initiatives fostered a powerful coalition of stakeholders committed to advancing Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors.

“Serving as President and CEO of Conexus Indiana has truly been an honor and a privilege,” Cartwright said. “The opportunity to work alongside such capable and committed colleagues, partners and industry leaders has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing Conexus continue to drive Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics future.”

An Indiana native, Cartwright’s 45-year career in the manufacturing industry includes time with global automotive companies, automotive research institutes and start-up companies including Allison Transmission, General Motors and Clemson University’s CU-ICAR. Cartwright holds a mechanical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a master’s in business administration from Butler University. Recognized for his contributions to Indiana’s economic growth, he was named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250, a prestigious list of the state’s most influential public and private sector leaders.

“Under Fred’s direction, Conexus has flourished into a highly impactful organization with a unique ability to drive collaboration across the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of CICP. “Fred’s focus has energized our stakeholders and strengthened Indiana’s position as a national industry leader.”

Cartwright and his wife Beth are relocating to North Carolina to spend time with their family.

CICP will immediately launch a search in collaboration with Medallion Partners to fill the Conexus Indiana President and CEO position. Confidential inquiries or interested individuals should contact Medallion at confidential@medallionpartnersinc.com.

Cartwright will remain with the organization through December to support the search and transition of his role.

About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.

About Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.

About Medallion Partners
Medallion Partners is here to serve people in achieving their goals, in business and in career.  Medallion’s premier talent delivery services include organization and market analysis to establish business requirements, full market access to the best talent globally, exceptional interview through offer experience, and one-year plan for guaranteed successful leadership transition. The Medallion Partners team leverages broad industry experience, strong leadership, and an extensive network to improve our clients’ business results by delivering the ideas and people for bottom-line growth.  Learn more at medallionpartnersinc.com and follow along on LinkedIn.