After a twenty-three year career in the US Marine Corps and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Greg Ballard returned home to Indianapolis in 2001. In 2007, he ran a successful campaign to become the 48th Mayor of Indianapolis, subsequently serving two terms. While Mayor, he became a Trustee for the US Conference of Mayors and was known for his boldness and innovation by his fellow mayors. He is a graduate of Indiana University, holds a Masters in Military Science, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from both Butler University and Marian University. He is currently a Visiting Fellow for Civic Leadership and Mayoral Archives at the University of Indianapolis. A Persian Gulf War veteran, he continues to be active in veteran causes as a member of the State of Indiana's Veterans' Affairs Commission and a board member of the Indiana War Memorials Foundation. Greg and his wife, Winnie, have been married for 35 years and have two children.