After a twenty-three year career in the Marine Corps, including service in the Persian Gulf War
and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Greg Ballard returned home to Indianapolis in 2001. He
was elected mayor in 2007, serving two terms as a Republican mayor in a Democratic city. A
Trustee for the US Conference of Mayors, he was known for his boldness and innovation by his
fellow mayors. Asked to the White House by both Presidents Bush and Obama, he has testified
before Congress multiple times, and appeared on national TV and radio broadcasts.
 

An economics graduate of Indiana University, he holds a Masters in Military Science, and has
been awarded Honorary Doctorates from both Butler University and Marian University. While
mayor, his numerous recognitions included vision awards locally, nationally, and internationally.
His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold
Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, and the
Saudi and Kuwaiti Liberation of Kuwait Medals. He has published two books and is working on
his third detailing his time in office. He and his wife, Winnie, have been married for 40 years and
have two children, Erica and Greg Jr.