Brad Ward

About Brad Ward

My motto for life is simple: Create meaning and hold empathy in your heart and mind. At heart, I look for connection with and between people. For causes that matter to them and to our communities. I’m a connector of people and ideas and place. My energy comes from those around me. I’m motivated to build community and social capital. I look to connect people and deepen relationships, and foster consensus on how we make a difference together. As an ecosystem builder and connector, I firmly stand for creating a shared sense of community that is inclusive of everyone who desires to share their voice, use their talents, and give of their time for a better future. In the span of ten years, I contributed over 2,500 volunteer service hours across Europe, United States, and South America. I care deeply about place, the connections and commitment of the people within their communities, and recognize through all my travels and life experiences how much place and belonging matters.In the U.S, I had the privilege to volunteer in the inner cities to rural schools and housing projects that stretched from Philadelphia to the Navajo Nation, gaining perspective and appreciation for community development and pride with people of all walks of life. Across the Americas and Europe, my work and volunteerism allowed me to interact with a multitude of vibrant cultures and heritage, experience sustainable communities, and a preservation of what is uniquely characteristic of many different people and places.As a professional, my executive experience expands a decade of learning from others and collaborating to build movements and create strategies for growth and impact in our communities. My purpose in life is to build consensus and connect people to aspire for more of themselves and others, and to raise my children to be capable and committed individuals for causes that matter to them. As much as I’m focused on community, I adore and cherish my family and getting to see the world through the eyes of our children.

Experience

1. President and Chief Executive Officer

   Indiana Landmarks

   Apr 2025 — Present · Indianapolis, IN, US

Education

• Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

  Certificate in Fund Raising Management, Nonprofit Executive

• University College Cork

  Certificate of Irish Politics, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

  2004 — 2004

• DePauw University

  Bachelors, Sociology, Political Science

  2001 — 2005

Skills

• Event Management
• Teaching
• Non-Profit Administration
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Public Speaking
• Stewardship
• Social Media Marketing
• Change Management
• Leadership Development
• Strategic Planning
• Board Development
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Social Media
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Organizational Development
• Nonprofits
• Fundraising
• Strategy
• Grants
• Leadership
• Annual Giving
• Volunteer Management
• Grassroots Fundraising
• Philanthropy
• Non-Profits