International Center Vice President Named to Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 February 2025
Kristie S. Johnson, Ph.D., CFRE, of The International Center has been selected as a member of the 2025 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.
Dr. Johnson, a resident of Indianapolis, completed a competitive application process to gain one of 24 spots in this year’s class.
Dr. Johnson earned a place in this year’s class through a competitive application process, joining 23 other leaders dedicated to advancing philanthropy in the state. With extensive experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and higher education, Dr. Johnson has held key roles at institutions such as Martin University and Marian University Indianapolis. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Bellarmine University. Through her work at The International Center, she continues to foster global engagement and community development across Indiana.
“It is imperative that Indiana cultivates a generation of sharp leaders ready to forge significant advancements in critical sectors such as education and economic development,” said IPA President and CEO Claudia Cummings. “Through this program, we celebrate the visionary legacy of John Mutz and his foundational role in establishing IPA, all while fostering a dynamic and diverse cohort of philanthropic pioneers for the future.”
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.
“We want to imbue the individuals who graduate from our program with a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” shared John Mutz. “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.”
Go here for a full listing of those accepted into the class of 2025 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 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 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.
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.
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Contacts available for questions:
Grace Bland | The International Center | gcbland@internationalcenter.org
Maddison Miller
Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute
mmiller@inphilanthropy.org, 765-430-5570