Mayor Bob Courtney Honored with Indiana City Leadership Executive Award

Madison, Indiana (October 24, 2025) – The City of Madison is proud to announce that Mayor Bob Courtney has been awarded the Indiana City Leadership Executive designation, the highest honor presented through the Mayors Institute, a partnership between Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM) and the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University.

Mayor Courtney received the award during the 2025 AIM Ideas Summit, which took place this week. The recognition celebrates Indiana mayors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing leadership, innovation, and community development through continued participation in the Mayors Institute program.

To achieve the Executive designation, Mayor Courtney completed six additional Mayors Institute programs beyond his Gold-level certification and delivered multiple substantive presentations on key municipal leadership topics, both at the state and local levels. This honor follows his prior achievement as an Indiana City Leadership Ambassador, which recognized his attendance at ten Mayors Institute sessions and contributions to statewide collaboration among city leaders.

“Leadership is about learning, listening, and finding new ways to make a positive impact in our communities,” said Mayor Courtney. “It is a privilege to represent Madison among Indiana’s most dedicated and innovative cities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow mayors who share that commitment.”

“Mayor Courtney’s commitment to Madison has impressed me from his early days in office.  Not only due to his willingness to make tough decisions in the best interest of the community, but also his drive to learn new skills and best practices and connect with mayors around the state through diverse learning opportunities.  Mayor Courtney’s Mayors Institute participation has expanded over the course of his term to a presenter role on occasion, demonstrating a willingness to share his experience with his peers,” said Aim CEO Matt Greller.

The Mayors Institute provides ongoing education, policy insight, and networking opportunities for mayors across Indiana, strengthening municipal leadership and fostering collaboration on issues that shape local communities.

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