INDIANAPOLIS – November 11, 2025 – Mark DeFabis, former chief executive officer of IDS Fulfillment, has been named the 2025 Andre B. Lacy Vanguard Award recipient, joining an esteemed group of leaders recognized for their extraordinary impact in Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries.
Conexus Indiana presents the Vanguard Award annually to a Hoosier leader who champions these industries, models civic leadership and challenges the status quo. The award is named in honor of Andre B. Lacy, a philanthropist and business leader with a lasting impact on Indiana as the third-generation leader of Lacy Diversified Industries Ltd. (LDI).
Previous honorees include Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College; Eric Holcomb, the 51st Governor of Indiana; Thomas V. Easterday, retired senior executive vice president of Subaru of Indiana Automotive; F. Joseph Loughrey, former president of Cummins Inc.; Cathy Langham, president and CEO of Langham Logistics Inc.; Robert Koch, chairman of Koch Enterprises Inc. and Albert Chen, founder and executive chairman of Telamon.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Andre B. Lacy Vanguard Award and to join such a distinguished group of past recipients who have made tremendous contributions to Indiana,” said DeFabis. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible people who share a passion for building something meaningful here in Indiana. Whether it was growing IDS, mentoring the next generation of logistics professionals or working with Conexus to strengthen our industry, it’s always been about creating opportunities for others and ensuring Indiana remains a place where businesses and people can thrive.”
As CEO of IDS Fulfillment, DeFabis transformed what began as a small start-up founded in the 1960s into the fourth-largest logistics provider in Indianapolis. Under his leadership, the company scaled significantly, including the opening of facilities in Salt Lake City and Atlanta, to complement the two facilities in Plainfield, IN. Together they processed over 20 million shipments annually. His strategic vision to position IDS as a mid-sized Indiana company that exemplifies growth and innovation in the logistics sector culminated in the sale of IDS to DHL, as part of DHL’s drive to develop a global fulfillment network serving the middle market of the ecommerce industry.
Beyond leading his own company, DeFabis has played a pivotal role in shaping the logistics industry across Indiana and the nation. His leadership was evident during his time as chairman of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), where he led critical legislative fly-ins and advocacy efforts that advanced the interests of the entire logistics sector. His commitment to industry advancement is further demonstrated through his six-year tenure as chair of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council, during which he spearheaded initiatives that strengthened Indiana’s position as a logistics leader.
Recognizing the critical importance of developing the next generation of logistics professionals, DeFabis was instrumental in creating innovative talent development programs, including the first-ever Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition. The competition brought together more than 65 post-secondary students to solve real-world logistics challenges and connected them with executives to illustrate the rewarding career opportunities available in the industry.
DeFabis’s collaborative approach to workforce development extends to his partnerships with Indiana’s colleges and universities. He has personally visited campuses for roundtable discussions with students and faculty, hosted students at IDS facilities to provide behind-the-scenes views of logistics operations and worked directly with educational institutions to create and refine logistics and supply chain management curriculum. These efforts have yielded measurable outcomes, including increased student interest in logistics careers, higher internship participation and stronger academic programs preparing tomorrow’s logistics leaders.
His commitment to Indiana’s infrastructure and economic development is exemplified through his leadership in launching Conexus Indiana’s public-private partnership (p3) project, which resulted in meaningful infrastructure improvements and elevated the organization’s relationship with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
“Mark exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership that the Andre B. Lacy Vanguard Award was created to recognize,” said Jay Wirts, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “His transformational leadership at IDS Fulfillment, combined with his tireless advocacy for Indiana’s logistics industry and his commitment to workforce development, have strengthened our state’s position as the ‘Crossroads of America.’ We are honored to celebrate his many contributions to Indiana’s advanced industries.”
Since joining the Conexus Indiana Board of Directors in 2022, DeFabis has continued to serve as a powerful advocate for the organization with public sector leaders and national organizations. His deep industry knowledge, combined with his track record of successful advocacy and relationship-building, has positioned him as a trusted voice in advancing Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics interests.
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.