Proven Leader in Affordable Housing and Community Development to Guide West Side Revitalization Efforts
Indy Gateway Inc., an organization dedicated to the stabilization and rejuvenation of the west side of Indianapolis through community and economic development, today announced the appointment of Mark Young as its next Executive Director, effective Dec. 12, 2025. Young succeeds Lisa Bentley, who is recognized for 10 years of exceptional leadership as the organization’s founding Executive Director. Young brings over three decades of public and private sector leadership experience in real estate development, housing finance, and community planning to the role.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Lisa Bentley for her decade of tireless work and vision in establishing Indy Gateway and laying the foundation for our success,” said Dr. Jeff Butts, Indy Gateway Board President. “As we move into our next phase of expanded community and economic investment, we are thrilled to welcome Mark Young. His unparalleled combination of high-level state agency leadership, deep expertise in low-income housing, and real-world experience as a private developer makes him the ideal person to accelerate our mission focused on affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic growth on the west side.”
Young’s career is marked by a deep commitment to impactful community work, particularly during his tenure at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA, formerly IHFA). From 2007 to 2012, he served as the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Executive Director, where he managed all agency operations and coordinated the administration of over $500 million annually in affordable housing and community development funding. His responsibilities included program oversight for the Multi-Family, Energy, Community Development, and Section 8 Preservation departments.
Before his executive role at IHCDA, Young held various managerial and compliance positions within the agency, dating back to 1998. He also served the City of Indianapolis as a Project Coordinator and Comprehensive Planner within the Department of Metropolitan Development, where he managed programs focused on facade revitalization, Enterprise Community coordination, and Fair Housing compliance.
In the private sector, Young is the owner of Crossroads Development & Consulting Company, specializing in residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, and providing consulting services in financial structuring and strategic planning for community redevelopment. He is also the owner of Urban Property Group, a General Contracting firm specializing in modular home and rehabilitation services, which directly aligns with Indy Gateway’s commitment to transforming blighted properties into affordable homes.
“Indy Gateway has established itself as a true force for positive change on the west side, and I am honored to join this dedicated team,” said Mark Young. “The foundation is strong, with tangible wins in affordable housing, trail development, and infrastructure advocacy. My entire career has prepared me to tackle the complex challenges of urban revitalization, and I look forward to working with residents, businesses, and municipal partners to ensure the west side of Indianapolis is a vibrant place where every family wants to live, work, and play.”
Young holds a B.S. in Biology and pursued Graduate Studies in Urban and Regional Planning, both from Ball State University. He is also a licensed Indiana Real Estate Broker and holds professional certifications in Housing Development Finance and Economic Development Finance from the National Development Council.
About Indy Gateway Inc.
Indy Gateway Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the stabilization and rejuvenation of the west side of Indianapolis through community and economic development. Focused on promoting economic growth, increasing opportunities for neighborhood revitalization, and making the west side a place where families thrive, Indy Gateway’s key initiatives include Affordable Housing, Infrastructure Enhancement, Quality of Life Improvements, and Economic Development.
