Ashley Parker of Buckingham Companies has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals serving in board and executive roles at foundations, corporations and social impact organizations across Indiana.
Parker successfully completed a competitive application process to gain one of 24 spots in this year’s class.
Ashley Parker is an experienced Senior Property Manager for Buckingham Companies. Graduating from Ball State University in 2005, she has spent the last 15 years in Residential Property Management serving as a leader and mentor to colleagues and fellow team members. As a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, she is passionate and committed to making the community she lives and works in a positive place. In addition to the countless volunteer hours spent with various organizations, Ashley holds leadership positions with The Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity and Buckingham Foundation. She and her husband, Ben, live on the Northside of Indianapolis with their two dogs.
“We are living through one of the most taxing times in our history, and Indiana must have a new wave of sharp minds across the entire philanthropic sector who are prepared to make substantial impact—ranging from education to economic development,” said Claudia Cummings, IPA president and CEO. “Those selected for the Mutz Institute demonstrate strong character, are dedicated to service in their community, and will ensure future excellence in our field.”
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 supporters.
Go here for a full listing of those accepted into the class of 2021 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute.
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 Governor 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 a powerful network of foundations, corporations and other social investors working together to lead change, improve lives and lift communities through effective philanthropy. Members hold $21 billion in assets, make over $850 million per year in grants and are located in all 92 Indiana counties. In 2020, IPA celebrated thirty years as a nonprofit membership association.
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/Mutz.
