New Leadership Named for Indianapolis Prize

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two local leaders with a rich history in philanthropy and conservation have been named co-chairs of the prestigious Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation. Now entering its third decade of impact, the Prize was established by the Indianapolis Zoo to support global leaders in animal conservation and provide a springboard for the next generation of advocates through the Emerging Conservationist Award. Jeffrey A. Harrison, president & CEO of Citizens Energy Group, and Suzanne (Suzie) Fehsenfeld, founding member of the Indianapolis Zoo and former board member of the Nature Conservancy, will lead the Prize at an exciting time. They will expand the horizon of the Prize to reach an even wider audience and share with the world the importance of conservation.

The roster of previous Winners and DeHaan Finalists from the past 20 years represent the very best of animal conservation and serve as strong ambassadors for species protection from all parts of the globe. Future Prize Winners and DeHaan Finalists will become part of a growing roster of worldwide advocates for conservation.

“The Indianapolis Prize and the Indianapolis Zoo are honored to have Jeffrey Harrison and Suzie Fehsenfeld lead us in this significant role. Both are wonderful stewards for the city of Indianapolis, the Zoo and its core mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world,” said Jake Oakman, senior vice president for Zoo External Relations. As president & CEO for Citizens, Harrison leads the strategic direction of the organization. He has spent more than 30 years in the utility industry. Harrison also serves on several local boards and committees, including the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation, the United Way of Central Indiana and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.

Fehsenfeld is an educator, philanthropist and conservationist with a long history of supporting the Indianapolis Zoo. In addition to being a founding member of the Zoo, she serves on the executive committee for the Orchard School Board of Directors and its Endowment. She is a distinguished advisor for the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and currently co-chairs the museum’s capital campaign. Both begin their terms immediately as they prepare for the next Winner of the Indianapolis
Prize, to be announced in 2027. They take the helm of the Prize after 20 years of leadership
and support from Myrta Pulliam. Anne Nobles also served as co-chair for the past four years
alongside Harrison, providing continuity as the Prize builds toward the future of animal
conservation advocacy.

In 2025, the Indianapolis Prize honored Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, renowned scientist and biodiversity conservationist from Madagascar who discovered several new species and established five national protected areas in his homeland. Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa was named the 2025 Emerging Conservationist for his innovative work to protect the African golden cat in his homeland of Uganda and beyond. Mugerwa is the founder and director of Embaka, a grassroots, community-based conservation organization dedicated to protecting this elusive cat.

The Indianapolis Zoo awards the Indianapolis Prize every other year and celebrates the honorees at a signature event in Indianapolis. The Prize Winner receives a $300,000 award, and the DeHaan Finalists and Emerging Conservationist each receive $50,000. To date, the Prize program has awarded more than $8 million to conservationists, helping advance their work through both financial support and global public awareness.

The Prize builds on the belief that zoos hold a unique responsibility to help people connect to nature and understand what is at stake for wildlife.