Greg Ballard | |
---|---|
48th Mayor of Indianapolis | |
In office January 1, 2008 – January 1, 2016 |
|
Preceded by | Bart Peterson |
Succeeded by | Joe Hogsett |
Personal details | |
Born |
Gregory Alan Ballard November 20, 1954 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Alma mater | Indiana University, Bloomington |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Awards | Legion of Merit |
Website | Campaign website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1978–2001 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Battles/wars | Gulf War |
Gregory Alan "Greg" Ballard (born 1954) is a former Republican mayor of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Marine Corps.
On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, he defeated two-term incumbent Democratic Mayor Bart Peterson by 51% to 47%. It was described as one of the biggest upsets in the political history of Indiana. He was re-elected to the position in November 2011, by the same margin.
Ballard was born at Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis to Duard and Mary Ballard. He was born and raised in the city. He graduated from Cathedral High School, a Roman Catholic school. Ballard earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Indiana University. Ballard became a member of Delta Tau Delta.
After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He continued his education while serving in the Marines, becoming a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and attained a master's degree in military science from the Marine Corps University, which included operations analysis studies. While stationed in California, he met his future wife Winnie. He later was transferred to Okinawa, Japan.
He served in the first Gulf War. His military career culminated in his service with the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, where he retired in 2001 with 23 years of service. While in the service, he earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.