Maggi Spartz (left), president of Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and board chair of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance with Leeann Wright.

Launched by IPA in 2021, the Mutz Institute identifies and develops transformational philanthropic leaders in Indiana. Wright was one of 23 members of this year’s class, after being selected through a competitive application process last year.

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. She is active within her community and has worked within the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. 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 completed her MBA from Valparaiso University in May 2023. She lives in Winamac.

Wright shared, “The Mutz Institute has been a phenomenal experience. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and the space to dive deeply into thought-provoking and timely topics in the philanthropic sector. Most importantly, the connections and friendships I have made through the Mutz Institute will continue. I look to my cohort as my thought partner, as I continue to serve Pulaski County.”

The Mutz Institute is a cohort-based program that provides a continuing education experience that prepares leaders for board and executive roles at foundations and corporations serving communities across Indiana by showcasing a full range of philanthropic approaches, trends and practical ideas. It is named for John M. Mutz, former Indiana lieutenant governor, past president of Lilly Endowment Inc., IPA founder, corporate CEO and Indiana visionary.

“Over the past 10 months, our class of 23 philanthropic leaders from across the state came together to explore topics presented by over 75 philanthropic experts at innovative organizations throughout Indiana and from coast to coast,” said IPA president and CEO Claudia Cummings. “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.”

“We want to imbue the individuals who graduate from our program with a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” shared program namesake John Mutz during the graduation ceremony. “But more importantly, what we want to do is build a fire under philanthropy, and under government, and under business in this state so we can be better than we are.”

Mutz Institute classes begin annually in January and meet once a month until October. Applications for the Class of 2024 are now open. For more information and a full listing of the 2023 class, visit www.inphilanthropy.org/mutz.

Added note: Winamac native Emerald Blankenship, who is vice president of programs for the Community Foundation of Howard County, was also a member of the 2023 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute.

 

Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute Class of 2023

The third cohort of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute includes 23 individuals from seven Indiana counties. They represent a mix of foundations, corporations, and social impact organizations.

Those selected for the 2023 Mutz Institute class include:

  1. Emerald Blankenship, VP of Programs, Community Foundation of Howard County
  2. Falicia Brewer, President & Philanthropic Advisor, Brewer & Associates
  3. Crista Carlino, Director of Development & Communications, RecycleForce
  4. Mandy Drakeford, Program Officer, AWS Foundation
  5. Elise Erikson Barrett, Student of Philanthropy
  6. Kara Fulmer, Director of Planning Giving & Grants, The Honeywell Foundation
  7. Crystal Gunther, VP of Community Philanthropy, Community Foundation of Southern Indiana
  8. Allissa Impink, Director of Family Philanthropy, Central Indiana Community Foundation
  9. Brian Johnson, Director of Development, Fulton County Community Foundation
  10. Julia Kaercher, Executive Director, Merchants Foundation
  11. Allen McClendon, Community Affairs Director, OneAmerica Foundation
  12. Tina Patton, VP/Director of Non-Profit & Foundation Engagement, Indiana Trust Wealth Management
  13. Alexandra Pflug, Executive Director, Fayette County Community Foundation
  14. Sarah Stone, Communications Director, The Putnam County Community Foundation
  15. Bridget Sutton, Director of Development, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
  16. Travis Tester, Chief Development & Communications Officer, Foster Success
  17. Mary Tyndall, Communications & Food Programs Director, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
  18. Faith Van Gilder, Chief Development Officer, Girls Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
  19. Stephanie Wagner, Community Development Liaison, Johnson County Community Foundation
  20. Shannon Walker, VP of Marketing & Operations, Unity Foundation of La Porte County
  21. Bethany Watson, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, Gleaners Food Bank
  22. Keylee Wright, Executive Director, Kendrick Foundation
  23. Leeann Wright, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Pulaski County

 

About John M. Mutz

Born in Indianapolis, Mutz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in advertising and business management. His long business career included 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 the State Senate in 1970, he was instrumental in introducing the set of legislative reforms that came to be known as Unigov and in the creation of IUPUI and the White River Park Commission. From 1980-1988, he served as the 45th Indiana Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Gov. Robert D. 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 and includes foundations, corporations and other social investors. Philanthropy in Indiana invests over $2 billion each year in support of causes that fuel success, like education, health, human services, arts and culture. Learn more at www.inphilanthropy.org.

About the Community Foundation of Pulaski County

CFPC is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.

  
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Local News Briefs

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

Pulaski County America 250 committee to meet April 28

The Pulaski County America 250 Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Monday (April 28) at the new Pulaski County Historical Society Museum, 110 N. Monticello St., Winamac.

All who are interested in helping to develop county plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary beginning this summer through 2026 is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.

Pulaski County Economic Development Summit April 29

The annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall, Winamac. The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. The program will also feature the annual “State of the County Economy” address by CDC executive director Nathan Origer.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

  

Indiana News

Southbound I-65 reopens in Jasper County following hazmat fire

ROSELAWN (April 22) - I-65 southbound reopened near mile marker 230 at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, almost 17 hours following a spectacular semi-truck fire and hazmat cleanup which included an overnight repaving of a section of the interstate. No injuries were reported.

After assessing the damage to the roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation determined that the accident scene needed to be resurfaced. INDOT already has a contract in place for this area for pavement patching with Rieth-Riley Construction, and they were able to mobilize to take over the scene once cleanup was complete. A total of 7,700 square feet of asphalt to a depth of four inches (and six inches on the outside shoulder) had to be replaced overnight.

Braun signs package of executive orders to ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15) – Gov. Mike Braun Tuesday signed a landmark package of executive orders with initiatives to improve Indiana’s health and well-being.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were in attendance to support Indiana’s initiative. Indiana now joins a number of states that have embraced, through legislation or executive orders, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session.  

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

Pulaski Superior Court appears saved

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24) – Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made to HB1144 approved by both the state house and senate Thursday evening in the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislation is now pending the approval of Gov. Mike Braun.

Chamber presents Don, Lynn Darda with 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award to Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac at its annual award banquet Thursday evening (April 24), at the Winamac VFW.

The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been enthusiastic volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. 

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker

Alliance Junior Board visits BraunAbility

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors had the opportunity to visit BraunAbility in Winamac in April.

During their visit, the student directors were given a presentation about the company and had the chance to ask questions. They also had a tour of the facility, which allowed them to see the manufacturing process of vehicles equipped to assist individuals with disabilities.

Jury finds Monterey man guilty of attempted murder 

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Circuit Court jury has found a Monterey man guilty of attempted murder in connection with a July 3, 2023 shooting in downtown Monterey.

Kenneth D. Ketcahm, 41, was also convicted on additional charges of criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. The verdict was returned Monday (April 14).

Fatal crash on U.S. 421 under Investigation

MEDARYVILLE (April 15) – The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash which claimed the life of a Porter County man Tuesday on U.S 421 near the intersection of CR 800N in Cass Township.

The crash involved a dump truck and minivan. Release of the identity of the deceased minivan driver is pending the notification of family.