May 2023
INDOT Legislative Director Andrea Zimmerman was recently honored by an Indiana industry group as one of Indiana’s 30 rising stars under age 30.
Zimmerman was honored by Conexus Indiana, a statewide association of industry, education, and public-sector organizations that works to strengthen Indiana’s competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML). Each year, Conexus honors 30 emerging leaders in AML – highlighting young professionals who bring exceptional leadership and innovative thinking to take on the industries’ toughest challenges.
Honorees were recognized at a downtown Indianapolis event in May.
“It’s remarkable and humbling to be included along with such an exciting and talented group of young professionals,” Zimmerman said. “This achievement really reflects upon the talent, teamwork, and support I’ve found at all levels of INDOT.”
“This is a well-deserved recognition for Andrea,” said INDOT Chief of Staff Chris Creighton. “While she has only been with the agency for under two years, she has dedicated herself to her craft and gained extensive knowledge of what the department does. This has helped her to tell our story effectively with important stakeholders.”
Launched in 2021, the Rising 30 program is part of Conexus Indiana’s mission to strengthen Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries. Rising 30 honorees exemplify leadership and innovation in Indiana’s largest industry sector.
Rising 30 honorees are nominated by their employer or an industry representative, and winners are selected based on their early-career accomplishments. Zimmerman was nominated by Deputy Chief of Staff Scott Manning, who said: “Andrea, to me, is a rising star because in a very short time she has become a trusted resource within INDOT and also with our external partners. Her depth of knowledge in the transportation and logistics industry is expansive, and she’s someone who gets things done.”
In recognizing Zimmerman, Conexus cited her role in working with state leaders to build and strengthen Indiana’s statewide transportation network.
In the coming year, the Rising 30 honorees will participate in Conexus Indiana’s work by serving as thought leaders on subjects ranging from emerging technology, smart manufacturing, public policy, and talent development.
