Board of Directors

Pearl Carter
Pearl has been a resident of Martindale-Brightwood all her life. She is actively involved with the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church and has been an usher there since she was a child. She loves to read and volunteers as an IndyRead Tutor on a weekly basis. She also volunteers at the Indiana State Museum and Prevent Blindness Indiana (PBI).

Rosemary Dorsa
Since joining the Foundation in 1993, Rosemary led efforts to secure grants from national foundations, worked with funding partners to initiate the Summer Youth Program Fund, and developed the Women’s Fund. Rosemary previously worked for Community Centers of Indianapolis (CCI) and also for the United Way of Central Indiana. Rosemary currently serves on the boards of the Indiana Humanities Council, TechPoint Foundation, Lacy Leadership Association and Indianapolis Parks Foundation. She earned her Master’s degree in social work from Indiana University.

Jay H. Geshay
Prior to his current United Way position, Jay was interim president for Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People. While he served as President/COO of the company, SaveItNow/Dodson Group created the Sycamore Foundation which recognizes and assists outstanding nonprofits through such activities as the Indiana Achievement Awards. Jay began his career at IBM and earned a degree in engineering from Purdue, then a Master in Business Administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary.

Mike Halstead
Mike located his business in Fountain Square nine years ago. Though he doesn’t live in the neighborhood, he spends most of his waking hours there. His architecture firm has designed several community centers, including Southeast Community Services, the John H. Boner Center and Community Alliance of the Far Eastside. He has served and led the SUMO and SEND boards, the Fountain Square Merchants Association, and the Southside Democrat Club. He has been part of the Family Strengthening Coalition and was instrumental in establishing the Summer Film Festival in Southeast.

Melina Maniatis Kennedy
Prior to her affiliation with the law firm of Baker & Daniels, Melina served as Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson where she supervised the Departments of Public Works and Metropolitan Development and helped launch various economic, workforce, and neighborhood development initiatives. In 2006, Melina was the Democratic candidate for Marion County prosecutor. Melina and her husband, former Olympic runner Bob Kennedy, co-own the Running Company LLC. She also serves on the Boards of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Legacy House, and the Butler Business Accelerator. Melina is a Co-Chair of the Great Indianapolis Neighborhoods Initiative (GINI).

Angela Carr Klitzsch
Angela is originally from Dayton, Ohio. She is an alumna of The University of Notre Dame, and also holds masters degrees in public affairs and philanthropic studies from Indiana University. Angela studied in Egypt and served in the Peace Corps in Moldova. She was hired as The Clowes Fund’s first Program Associate in May 2006 and assists with grantmaking responsibilities in Indianapolis and Boston, Massachusetts. Klitzsch volunteers at Wheeler Mission, Horizon House and Habitat for Humanity and serves as the Communications Director for Indiana’s affiliate of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy.

Linda Minter
Linda has lived in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood for more than 20 years. She is an Outreach Coordinator for the Greater Citizens Coalition of Martindale-Brightwood (GCCMB) and Marion County Community Corrections. Linda also works at the recently opened Duvall Residential Center (DRC), the only publicly-owned work release center in Indiana. When not fulfilling her duties as a member of Martindale-Brightwood’s Local Learning Partnership, Linda volunteers at the Black Expo Health Fair and works closely with the local NAACP youth group coordinator.

Jim Mulholland
Jim is a twenty year Southeast resident, having lived in the SECO and Bates Hendricks neighborhoods. He is a Quaker pastor and a writer. He is presently the President of the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association and a member of the Wright Street Block Club. He has served and led the SEND Board, directed the Fountain Square Youth Corps, and led the Workforce Development Steering Committee. Jim is a member of the Making Connections Design Team and a Resident Leadership facilitator.

Elizabeth Odle
Liz is principal of School #14, a community school which is nationally recognized for its many community partnerships providing services and supports to students. Although 92% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch and School #14 has more homeless students than any other school in Indiana, the average percent passing ISTEP is equal (and at times passes) the state rate. Principal Odle graduated from Indiana Central University and earned a Masters in Education from IUPUI, and brings experience as a social worker and an educator to her current educational leadership.

Jennifer Rice
Jennifer has lived in the Fletcher Place neighborhood for two years and is already a fully engaged neighborhood leader. She is employed as the GINI coordinator and the SEND Volunteer Coordinator. She is a board member of the Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association, editor of the Fletcher Place Parchment, and a Making Connections Study Circle facilitator.

Michael Twyman
Michael’s past work experience includes the Flanner House and Community Action of Greater Indianapolis. He also served as special assistant to the Mayor of Indianapolis as an independent consultant in housing and community development. Dr. Twyman graduated with honors from Fisk University and studied international politics at the London School of Economics on a scholarship from Vanderbilt University and earned his doctorate degree from Indiana University. He presently serves on the board of the Association of Black Foundation Executives, the Indiana Grantmakers Alliance, and received an Outstanding Board Service award in 2000 given by the United Way of Central Indiana.

Shirley Webster
Shirley was born and raised in Martindale-Brightwood. She is the president of the Greater Citizens Coalition of Martindale-Brightwood (GCCMB), an umbrella agency for the neighborhood’s numerous organizations. In this professional role, Shirley meets monthly with organizations such as the Local Learning Partnership, the Family Investment Collaborative and the neighborhood’s four associations. Shirley also works to coordinate the neighborhood’s calendar of events including Weed and Seed activities. She was instrumental in the establishment of an environmental congress for the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood and is a member of the Martindale Church of Christ.

Ex Officio
Donna Stark
In addition to her leadership development portfolio, Donna co-directs the effort to embed a results and accountability culture at the Foundation and with its partners. She is the Site Team Leader for Making Connections. in Indianapolis Donna’s previous Foundation work focused on planning including development of the Making Connections initiative. Donna served as Maryland’s first Director of the Children and Family Systems Reform Initiative and directed several non-profits serving children and adults. Donna Stark taught at the University of Maryland and at the Ohio State University, receiving her Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development from Ohio State.


Board of Directors Fact Sheet

Purpose
Making Connections Indianapolis partners with neighborhood residents to improve outcomes for vulnerable children living in tough neighborhoods by strengthening their families’ connections to economic opportunity, positive social networks, and effective services and supports.

In the fall of 2007, the responsibility for sustaining Making Connections Indianapolis will transfer to a local organization, led by a Board of Directors. Planning for the local governance of Making Connections Indianapolis began in September 2006, led by residents from the neighborhoods of Martindale Brightwood and Southeast, as well as Indianapolis civic and philanthropic leaders.

The Board of Directors governs Making Connections Indianapolis investments and results in the two neighborhoods and city-wide as appropriate. The Board also serves as:

  • Steward and Community Champion of the Making Connections Vision and Core Values
  • Investment Manager and Broker of Making Connections Investments
  • Knowledge Broker

Corporate Structure
Making Connections Indianapolis will be incorporated as a partnership with the Central Indiana Community Foundation. The Annie E. Casey Foundation which introduced its national Making Connections initiative to this community in 2000 will continue to be an engaged investor in the Indianapolis work.

Organization of the Board of Directors
Initially, the Board will include a total of sixteen directors:

  • Four Directors from Martindale-Brightwood
  • Four Directors from Southeast
  • Four Investors
  • Four Interested Community Leaders: Defined as leaders of major non-profits, corporate executives, or elected officials from the greater Indianapolis community.
  • A majority of the representatives from each neighborhood must be residents. Residents may designate a fourth director to include partners who work or serve in the neighborhood.

In compliance with guidelines from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Central Indiana Community Foundation will appoint the members of the Board of Directors. At least half of the membership of the Board (or eight directors) must include representatives of the neighborhoods served by Making Connections Indianapolis. Each director’s term of office is three (3) years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms (6 years). Initial appointments will allow for staggered terms.

Officers, including Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, will serve on an Executive Committee. Other committees will also be formed, which may include members who are not directors. The Board will employ an Executive Director who will be responsible for the day to day administration of Making Connections Indianapolis

Responsibilities and Expectations of the Board
All members of the Board of Directors should:

  • Exercise Duties of Obedience, Care, and Loyalty to Making Connections Indianapolis.
  • Leverage relationships to grow the Making Connections work.
  • Intentionally invite others into Making Connections and to the Board of Directors.
  • Be actively involved with Making Connections and remain active with the Board of Directors through attendance at meetings and events, including training.
  • Report on and advocate for Making Connections to neighborhood groups and residents.
  • Communicate concerns and issues of neighborhood residents and organizations to the Board of Directors.
  • Directors may be reimbursed for expenses to facilitate their service on the board, but will volunteer their services.

Qualifications for Board Members

  • Knowledge and experience with Making Connections work in Indianapolis.
  • Demonstrate passion for resident-led change and commitment to the core results of Making Connections: Resident Leadership & Engagement, Family Economic Success, and Early Childhood Development & Education.
  • Communication skills, relationships, and knowledge of what’s going on in neighborhoods.
  • Schedule flexibility to attend meetings and events.

Conflict of Interest
Making Connections Indianapolis considers deep involvement in the neighborhood as an essential qualification for board membership. It is also essential to clearly ensure that all Board decisions are made in the best interest of Making Connections Indianapolis and the communities served.

A Conflict of Interest policy provides that assurance. The policy requires that any board member abstain from decisions that might be perceived as providing personal benefits to that board member or an immediate family member. In certain cases, a substantial conflict of interest may preclude a person from serving as a board member. These conflicts include any person receiving stipends or payment from Making Connections that totals more than $5,000 annually. Also precluded from board membership is any employee of an organization when more than 50% of the total compensation for that position is provided through Making Connections resources.
Training

High expectations for board members will be supported by extensive training. Participation in formal training will be expected. Other information will be delivered in mentoring relationships. Training will address the following topics.

  • All directors should participate in Resident Leadership Facilitation 101.
  • The values and history of Making Connections, both the big picture and details about the work.
  • Results Based Accountability.
  • Background history, demographics, and assets of Martindale-Brightwood and Southeast neighborhoods.
  • Structure and Priorities of both Central Indiana Community Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation.
  • Background about philanthropy in Indianapolis, including current priorities, decision-making, leadership.
  • Roles and Responsibilities of nonprofit boards, including financial oversight.