Irish Citizen of the Year 2025

Every year since 1978, The Athletic Club and now the Athletic Club Foundation has selected an Irish Citizen of the Year. This honor goes to a man or woman who exemplifies the spirit of their Irish heritage through their continued service to the Indianapolis community, to their family and other selfless acts that personify being Irish.

2025 IRISH CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – KERRY FORESTAL

Marion County Sheriff, Kerry Forestal, named 2025 Irish Citizen of the Year 

The Athletic Club Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit organization that supports youth by investing in amateur athletic programs in central Indiana, is pleased to announce that Kerry Forestal has been named the 2025 Irish Citizen of the Year. Each year since 1978, the Athletic Club Foundation has awarded this honor to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of their Irish heritage through their continued service to the Indianapolis community, to their family and other selfless acts that personify being Irish. As part of this recognition, Sheriff Forestal will be recognized at the Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canal on March 13 and participate in the Foundation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade presented by Hoosier Lottery on Friday, March 14. 

Sheriff Kerry Forestal has proudly embraced his Irish roots his entire life. He is 100% Irish and entitled to Irish Citizenship through his grandparents who emigrated to the United States from County Kerry and County Gallway. After settling in Indiana, Kerry’s maternal grandfather, Patrick White, served as an Indianapolis Police Officer, while his paternal grandmother, Anna Sullivan Forestal, held the office of Center Township Trustee. Their dedication to public service deeply inspired Kerry and laid the foundation for his own lifelong commitment to serving the community. 

Growing up on Indianapolis’ East Side, Kerry graduated from Scecina Memorial High School and pursued Criminal Justice studies at Ball State University and IU Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI). He joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in 1977, where he dedicated more than four decades to public service. His career includes roles as Detective in Undercover Narcotics, Sergeant in White Collar Crime, and Captain overseeing county-wide Property Crimes Investigations. In 2003, he was appointed Colonel and Chief Deputy by Sheriff Frank Anderson. 

In 2010, Sheriff Forestal was appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, where he was responsible for security at four federal courthouses and the protection of federal judges. He also represented the United States Marshal Service on several high-profile committees, including the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force. 

Returning to the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 2015, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Executive Officer, overseeing the Criminal Division until November 2022 when he was elected as Marion County Sheriff. He currently leads an office of over 800 employees including 428 deputies, 277 detention deputies, and 327 civilians. Additionally, he oversees the Marion County Adult Detention Center, which houses an average daily population of 2,400 inmates and manages an annual budget exceeding $120 million.   

"I am humbled to be recognized as the 2025 Irish Citizen of the Year," said Forestal. "The values of family, community, and service, instilled in me by my Irish grandparents, have shaped my life and career. It’s a privilege to serve the people of Indianapolis, and I’m honored to be part of this long-standing tradition celebrating our Irish roots." 

Kerry has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, since 1978. Together, they have three children—Adam, Erik, and Brittany—and are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren. Sheriff Forestal is an active member of several local organizations, including St. Simon the Apostle Parish and the Kevin Barry Division #3 Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a longtime supporter of the Indianapolis Athletic Club Foundation.