Deana (Baker) Haworth ’99

Two alumni on the Franklin College Board of Trustees made media headlines around Indiana recently in recognition of their career success and leadership, Deana (Baker) Haworth ’99 and Devin Anderson ’86.

First from the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ), on July 16, came the news of Haworth’s promotion to CEO at Hirons, where she is the first woman to hold the role. From leading successful client campaigns to overseeing business development and strategic planning, Haworth has assumed an upward trajectory throughout her 23-year career at Hirons. With a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Franklin College, she also is an Accre­dited Public Relations professional. She is a recognized business and community leader and has received several awards for her contributions, among them was the Women of Influence, class of 2018, by the IBJ. She actively serves on multiple boards and is dedicated to advancing communications and public relations practices.

“My greatest accomplishment throughout all my roles and responsibilities at Hirons has been establishing deep connections with fellow employee-owners and our clients. As CEO, I’m eager to spark new growth for our clients’ brands and our agency business, while also empowering the next generation of agency leaders,” Haworth said in a press release from Hirons. Her promotion was announced following Hiron’s celebration of 45 years in business. The advertising, public relations and digital agency has offices in Indianapolis and Chicago.

Haworth is a former adjunct instructor of journalism and returned to Franklin College on Nov. 1, 2023, to share her inspiring career journey with guests during the Indy Chamber Women in Business Breakfast series, hosted at the Napolitan Student Center. She also was a panelist at the College’s second Trust for Trauma Journalism Symposium in September.

Devin Anderson ’86

After Haworth’s news, the IBJ announced on July 20 its second annual “Indiana 250,” a list of the most influential and impactful leaders across the state. The honorees included Anderson, president and CEO of E&A Cos.

A press release from the IBJ indicated the “Indiana 250” list is made up of “business leaders, including executives who are guiding our state’s largest and most important public and private companies, as well as leaders of companies that might not employ tens of thousands but are making huge impacts, nonetheless.” The list was packed with individuals working in industries that make up Indiana’s economy—manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture, technology and law as well as leaders contributing in government, education, the not-for-profit sector, the arts and philanthropy.

Anderson made the Financial and Business Services category. He has been with E&A Cos. since 1997 and has been CEO and partner since 2003. Alongside business partner Al Hubbard, he buys small but successful companies and helps accelerate their growth. E&A currently has three different operating companies with operations in nine states. Before joining E&A, Anderson served in a number of political and governmental leadership positions in the Republican Party, including chief of staff to former Indiana congressman David McIntosh and to former U.S. Sen. Dan Coats. Anderson’s volunteerism includes serving as the immediate past board chair of the Indianapolis Zoo and current board chair of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as well as the secretary/treasurer of Hoosiers for Affordable Healthcare and the finance chair for EdChoice.

The IBJ asked “Indiana 250” list members to suggest hypothetical jobs they might consider swapping for their own. “The best thing about what I do is the constant variety. Therefore, I don’t think I have another job I would choose,” Anderson said. The publication also asked members to share a surprising fact about themselves. Anderson said, “I’m an outdoorsman who enjoys shooting sports, and I play three different instruments.”

Republished from the Franklin College Magazine

Winter 2024

POSTED Feb 20, 2024