The Indianapolis Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh Riley Evans as Vice President of Equity and Policy, effective September 3, 2024.
As Vice President of Equity and Policy, Ms. Evans will serve on the leadership team for the Foundation’s recently announced Center for Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity (CREEO), an initiative that will amplify the Foundation’s historic commitment to address racial and economic disparities in Indianapolis and Marion County—particularly for individuals and families in historically underserved and disinvested communities.
Working in close collaboration with Chief Equity and Innovation Officer Michael Twyman, Ms. Evans will help lead the creation of the strategic vision for CREEO and direct the implementation of its innovative research-based strategies and community collaborations.
“Leigh has a proven track record of developing and leveraging strategic partnerships to build community and produce tangible, sustainable policy solutions to local issues, including affordable housing, environmental justice, and public health outcomes to support both families and youth,” said Dr. Twyman. “This work will support and enhance our ability to advance the Foundation’s goal to make Indianapolis and Marion County a place where all individuals have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential—no matter their place, race or identity.”
Most recently, Ms. Evans was the interim executive director and chief development officer of Faith in Indiana/Act Indiana, leading those organizations’ work to catalyze marginalized people and people of faith to act collectively for racial and economic justice. Previously, she was the director of community development for the Eastern Star Church’s JEWEL Human Services Corporation and also served as chief executive officer of the Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, where she attracted more than $200M in investments to support the implementation of a community-led quality of life plan to improve public health outcomes and reduce poverty in six Mid-North neighborhoods. Earlier in her career, Ms. Evans served as the interim chief executive officer and vice president & chief advancement officer at the Indiana Youth Services Association and as chief administrative officer (among other roles) at Lutheran Child & Family Services.
“I am excited to join the Indianapolis Foundation and look forward to leveraging my holistic background and community partnerships to drive CREEO’s policy advocacy and influence to increase equity, expand opportunity for BIPOC residents, lead change through community, and build partnerships that influence better policy,” said Ms. Evans.
An Indianapolis resident, Ms. Evans earned her bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and her master of business administration degree from University of Phoenix.
Ms. Evans currently serves as a Commissioner for the Indiana State Fairgrounds and a board member/distinguished trustee of Housing & Economic Concepts, the Rooted School of Indianapolis, Public Arts for Neighborhood Fund, and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Evans to the Indianapolis Foundation. You can reach her at 317-634-2423.
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