Lauren (Petersen) James, a 2007 Bluffton High School graduate, has been selected as the next executive director of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation.
The non-profit organization is focused on leadership development, “working to make Indiana the best place to build a future,” according to a news release. She will begin her duties June 1.
The Bluffton native graduated summa cum laude with a degree in urban planning and development from Ball State University in 2011. Upon graduation, she received a Fulbright Scholarship to Poland as a cultural and educational ambassador.
She spent her early career at the Indianapolis Colts, ExactTarget/Salesforce and for the last six and a half years at TechPoint, Indiana’s technology ecosystem growth initiative, most recently as vice-president, stakeholder engagement.
James, 33, was chosen as an inaugural Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Fellow in 2017 and has remained active as an alumna of the fellowship. As executive director, James will be responsible for “implementing the foundation’s mission to enable leaders and drive change,” according to the release.
In the role, James will “engage with community stakeholders to advance MDLF’s strategic priorities while representing the organization throughout the state of Indiana.”
“Lauren has the perfect blend of skills and experiences to grow the MDLF organization and expand its impact statewide,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and MDLF Board Chair in the news release. “She is a collaborative and energetic leader, and the Board is excited to see how she will work over the coming years to enhance the Fellowship experience and strengthen the organization overall.”
James has been active in a variety of efforts while at Ball State and since her graduation, including board and committee positions with United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Ball State University Women’s Discovery Fund and IU Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Rev.
“I’m a product of the MDLF organization and wholeheartedly believe in its purpose and potential,” James was quote in the release. “I’m excited to build upon the strong foundation established by Mike, while expanding our statewide network of innovators and leaders.”
