Indiana Youth Institute Welcomes Three New Statewide Board Members 

New members bring private sector, education, and marketing experience  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 16, 2024) – Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) announces the addition of three Hoosier professionals to its Board of Directors. As a statewide organization, Indiana Youth Institute recruits board members from across the state with both public and private sector experience. These leaders bring expertise and a passion for the youth-services sector, strengthening IYI’s mission to improve the lives of all Indiana children. 

Dan Asleson brings experience in industry, youth services leadership, and volunteerism. Asleson is the small business owner of Peacock and Company, a team of craftsman and remodeling professionals in the Michiana area. Holding leadership positions at the YMCA of Michiana, the Bettendorf Family YMCA, and Boy Scouts of America, Asleson previously spent his career in the youth and community sector. His volunteer efforts with Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement, combined with his certification as an innovation mentor, highlight his commitment to guiding and fostering growth in young people.    

Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski joins the board with a background in education and public service. Kwiatkowski is currently the Vice President of Klipsch Educators College and Innovation in K-12 Education at Marian University. Her career includes roles as the director of public education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools, Chief of Staff at the Indiana Department of Education, and Senior Education Advisor to Governor Eric Holcomb. She has also served as Executive Director of the State Board of Education. With experience as a classroom teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, Kwiatkowski is a well-known figure in Indiana’s education sector. 

Jennifer Proud Mearns brings over two decades of executive recruiting experience and 15 years in the sports marketing industry. Mearns began her career as a Public Relations Assistant at Madison Square Garden and later served as a Media Liaison with the Men’s International Professional Tennis Council. She is an active board member of Indiana Humanities and has served on various not-for-profit boards focusing on education and children and families in need. Mearns also serves as First Lady of Ball State University. 

“We are pleased to welcome Dan Asleson, Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, and Jennifer Proud Mearns to our Board of Directors,” said Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute. “Their combined expertise and commitment to youth development will enhance our efforts in creating positive change for Indiana’s children.” 

Indiana Youth Institute looks forward to the statewide perspectives and strategic insights that these new board members will bring to the organization to support the well-being and success of all Indiana youth. Asleson, Kwiatkowski, and Mearns will each serve a three-year term beginning September 2024. For a complete list of board members, visit iyi.org/who-we-are. 

IYI would like to thank the following retiring board members Marquisha Bridgeman and David Gard for their service to further the mission of improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. 

For more information about Indiana Youth Institute, please visit iyi.org or contact Margaret Curtland, Senior Communications Manager, at mcurtland@iyi.org. 

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About Indiana Youth Institute (IYI)
For over three decades, Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) has supported the youth services field through innovative trainings’, critical data, and capacity-building resources, aiming every effort at increasing the well-being of all children. To learn more about IYI, visit www.iyi.org, follow us on social media.