November 10, 2022
Contact: Judith Cebula
317.916.7327 | cebulaj@lei.org

Lilly Endowment Names New Program Director in Community Development

INDIANAPOLIS – Julie Whitman is joining Lilly Endowment’s staff as a program director for community development. She plans to begin work at the Endowment in March 2023.

Since 2017, Whitman has served as the inaugural executive director of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana, a statewide government commission focused on ensuring that children in Indiana have safe and nurturing environments and are afforded opportunities to reach their full potential. Under Whitman’s leadership, the Commission has studied issues affecting vulnerable youth, reviewed and made recommendations concerning legislation, and promoted information sharing and best practices.

Before joining the Commission, Whitman held various positions at organizations committed to supporting vulnerable individuals, youth and families. These organizations include Indiana Youth Institute, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.

“We are fortunate to have Julie join us at Lilly Endowment,” said Ronni Kloth, the Endowment’s vice president for community development. “Her commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in Indiana is exemplary. With her keen intellect and impressive professional experience, she will significantly enhance our efforts to help improve the quality of life for everyone in our city and state.”

Whitman holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. She serves on the board of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville, Ind., and has served as a town council member in the town of Whitestown, Ind.

About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion, and it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.