Taft attorneys John R. Hammond III, Bob Hicks, Kyle Hupfer, and Lacy Johnson have been named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250 list of honorees for 2026. The annual list recognizes the most influential and impactful business and community leaders across Indiana.

Hammond III is a partner in Taft’s Public Affairs Strategies Group and provides public affairs services for clients on the local, state, and federal levels. As a veteran of Indiana state government, he has helped shape a wide variety of public policies, including state and local tax policy, environmental regulatory affairs, K-12 and higher education policy, tort reform, transportation, insurance, and economic development issues.

Hicks serves as Firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner of Taft. He focuses his practice on complex business and commercial transactions, private equity and venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, structured financings, business advisory services, and structural tax matters.

Hupfer is co-chair of Taft’s Public Affairs Strategies Group. He focuses his practice on business law and provides counsel on various business and legal issues, public policy matters, municipal finance, P3 projects, and strategic development.

Johnson has more than 40 years of experience focusing on public affairs and government. He serves and has served on numerous professional and civic boards. Johnson is co-chair of Taft’s Government Resource and Response Group and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.