Indy Nonprofit Names CEO

Indianapolis-based Indiana Connected By 25 has named Brent Kent chief executive officer. Kent previously served as state director for StudentsFirst Indiana, advocating for stronger charter school accountability and teacher preparation program reforms.

The nonprofit works to provide financial, educational and social support to foster children as they make the transition into adulthood. Kent says giving foster children the fundamental skills they need to succeed saves tax dollars and improves local economies.

"Foster children enter the system by no fault of their own, and the odds are stacked against them the rest of their lives," said Kent. "Every year in Indiana, about 500 young people transition out of the system without permanent families and must make it on their own. We are dedicated to advocating for this invisible population and providing the educational, financial, and social support they need to become thriving, independent adults."

In addition to his new role, Kent also serves as public policy chair for the United Way of Central Indiana’s Emerging Leaders Steering Committee.