Leeann Wright

“I am deeply grateful to the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute and Indiana Philanthropy Alliance for this opportunity,” says Wright. “I look forward to collaboration and learning with my classmates and applying that knowledge to better serve the residents of my community. I am excited to bring innovative thinking and new resources to cultivate growing communities in Pulaski County, to ensure we continue to thrive today and tomorrow.”

Wright successfully completed a competitive application process to gain one of 23 spots in this year’s class. Wright serves as the executive director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. She previously worked in development at Valparaiso University, Indiana University Northwest, and Culver Academies. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree and Master of Fine Arts from the University of Exeter and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. She became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2020 and will complete her MBA from Valparaiso University in May 2023. She lives in Winamac.

“We are living through one of the most taxing times in our history, and Indiana must have a new wave of sharp minds prepared to make substantial impact—ranging from education to economic development,” said Claudia Cummings, president and CEO of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. “This program allows us to honor John Mutz, who was integral in the founding of IPA, while developing a talent pipeline of diverse philanthropic leaders.”

The Mutz Institute is named for former Indiana Lieutenant Governor, past Lilly Endowment Inc. president, IPA founder, corporate CEO and Indiana visionary John M. Mutz.

“The Mutz Institute will serve as a pipeline for the transformational philanthropic leaders Indiana needs now and in coming times,” said Jamie Merisotis, CEO of Lumina Foundation, one of the program’s early supporters.

Go here for a full listing of those accepted into the class of 2023 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute: https://www.inphilanthropy.org/MutzInstitute

About John M. Mutz

Born in Indianapolis, John M. Mutz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in advertising and business management. He had a long career in business, including managing a chain of restaurants and serving as president of PSI Energy (now Duke Energy). Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1967 and to the state Senate in 1970, he was instrumental in introducing the set of legislative reforms that came to be known as Unigov, the creation of IUPUI and the White River Park Commission, among others. From 1980-1988, he served as the 45th Lieutenant Governor, serving under Gov. Robert Orr. Mutz later served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc. and chairman of the Lumina Foundation board of directors.       

About Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

IPA is the largest association supporting effective philanthropy in Indiana. It represents a powerful network of foundations, corporations and other social investors working together to lead change, improve lives and lift communities. Members hold over $31.5 billion in assets, awarded over $2 billion last year in grants and are active in all 92 Indiana counties.

The Mutz Institute is a program of the IPA. Classes begin in January and meet once a month until October. For more information, visit www.inphilanthropy.org/MutzInstitute.