# Deana Haworth

> Deana R. Haworth, APR, is the Indianapolis-based chief executive officer and board secretary of Hirons. She joined the agency in 2000, became its first woman COO in 2018 and its first woman CEO in 2023. Her work includes developing Rural Reach, advising on crisis communications, supporting employee ownership and mentoring young professionals.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer and Board Secretary at Hirons
- **Organizations:** Hirons, Franklin College, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indy Chamber, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Madam Walker Legacy Center, Indiana Conference for Women, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance, Crossroads of America Council Foundation, National Association of Women Business Owners, Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Franklin College, Master’s degree in public relations, Ball State University
- **Known for:** 2018 Indianapolis Business Journal Woman of Influence, 2022 Ball State Outstanding Journalism Alumna Award, 2024 May Wright Sewall Leadership Award

## Career timeline

- **2000** — Joined Hirons on May 15 as a public relations specialist.
- **2006** — Earned Accreditation in Public Relations from PRSA.
- **2013** — Helped Hirons transition to an employee stock ownership plan.
- **2017** — Presented Rural Reach at the PRSA International Conference.
- **2018** — Became Hirons’ first woman COO; the agency announced Rural Reach in November.
- **2020-2023** — Led Franklin College’s PR program in an adjunct capacity.
- **2023** — Promoted to Hirons CEO; first woman to hold the role.
- **2024-2025** — Served as the first woman board chair of Crossroads of America Council.
- **2025** — Joined OneZone Chamber’s board of directors.

## Achievements

- 2018 Indianapolis Business Journal Woman of Influence
- 2022 Ball State Outstanding Journalism Alumna Award
- 2024 May Wright Sewall Leadership Award
- 2024, 2025 and 2026 Indiana 250 honoree
- 2025 Great Lakes Women’s Business Council Excellence in Engagement Award
- 2026 Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism Elmer Davis Award
- 2026 Friend of the Indiana High School Press Association Award

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Listed as an Indiana 250 honoree on her public LinkedIn profile.
- **2026-05** — Received the Elmer Davis Award and Friend of the Indiana High School Press Association Award.
- **2026-09** — Named an executive leadership team co-chair for Dress for Success Indianapolis’ September 25 Stepping Out in Style event.
- **2025-09** — Received the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council Excellence in Engagement Award.

## Links

- Website: https://hirons.com/employees/deana-haworth-apr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanahaworth

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/deana-haworth
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-06