Early Learning Indiana, a nonprofit focused on early childhood education, has promoted executive Erin Kissling to president and CEO, replacing outgoing leader Maureen Weber.
Kissling currently serves as the organization’s chief learning officer, overseeing the group’s statewide education agenda and leading its 11 Day Early Learning schools. She’s expected to assume her new duties on Nov. 11.
In her new role, Kissling will lead about 350 employees, develop and implement the organization’s strategy, design innovative programs and develop relationships with similar groups, business leaders, philanthropic organizations and policy makers.
“Erin is a clear-eyed and visionary leader, well-prepared to guide ELI’s high-performing team as we innovate our way out of the perennial challenges facing the early learning industry,” said Julie Dunlap, who chaired the search committee on behalf of ELI’s board.
“From early learning to the halls of the Statehouse, Erin has been steeped in every aspect of the work and never loses sight of its essential purpose,” Dunlap said.
ELI announced in June that Weber planned to leave the nonprofit as soon as a successor could be found. She became president and CEO in 2018.
The organization said it attracted more than $200 million in private and public investment under Weber’s leadership “to advance its mission of ensuring that all young Hoosiers are prepared with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.”
Weber was named Forty Under 40 alumni of the year earlier this year by IBJ.
Kissling earned her master’s degree in education from Ball State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in philanthropic leadership at Indiana University Indianapolis.
The earliest incarnation of ELI was founded in 1899 as the King’s Daughters Society to provide child care for working mothers.
“It’s an honor to have been selected to lead Early Learning Indiana, an organization with a long history nd a mission as critical today as it was when it started 125 years ago,” Kissling said. “ELI will continue to act with urgency, knowing that we have just a short window of opportunity to build a solid foundation for Indiana’s children to thrive—not only in kindergarten but throughout their lives.”