Dear Friends of MDLF,

2024 was a year of growth and meaningful transformation for MDLF, rooted in the same values that define us: leadership, collaboration and impact. This year, we took bold strides in building a community of changemakers across Indiana, inspiring others to step into their fullest potential as responsible citizens.

Personally, I continue to find immense purpose in being deeply connected to the fabric of our Hoosier state—coaching, championing and celebrating others who share a vision of making Indiana the best place to live, work and lead. 

I'm incredibly proud of our team’s work, including Kelsey Cook and Erin Lucas, and their dedication to shaping our Fellows and Members into advocates and agents of the change on which bold and pragmatic progress depends, and for which our great state is known.

Here are the key highlights:

Organizational Impact

• Team Growth: Welcomed our first ever Development Director, Erin Lucas.

• Revenue Growth: Achieved a 58% year-over-year revenue growth, generating over $550,000.

• Investor Expansion: Increased the number of investors to 113, representing an 8% growth.

• Grants Secured: Secured 3 grants totaling nearly $66,000, reflecting a 62% increase.

• Corporate Sponsorships: Expanded corporate sponsors to 7, achieving a 17% growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Conducted 265 stakeholder meetings across all three MDLF team members.

• Board Development: Welcomed Lawren Mills and Chris Ruhl to the MDLF Board.

• Financial Accountability: Conducted the first organizational financial review and achieved a clean report.

Fellowship Growth

• Fellowship Reach: Recruited 118 Applications from 31 counties.

• Class VII: Welcomed 25 new Fellows representing 10 counties, 12 industries and bringing the total number of participants to 141 Fellows from 27 Hoosier counties.

• Case Study: Delivered a new case study, "Major Moves," in collaboration with Neil Pickett.

• Capstone Successes: 10 Fellows' Capstones activated with the Smart Network, successfully launched.

• Leadership Advancements: Logged and promoted 98 Fellowship leadership advancements, a 17% growth.

• Fellowship Advocacy: 100% of Fellows reporting they are likely or highly likely to recommend the MDLF Fellowship.

Membership Engagement

• Aiming Higher Series: Elevated this flagship program with more robust topics and engaging speakers, drawing 50 attendees per event.

• Annual Event: Nearly 400 Annual Event Registrants with 37 sponsors. 

• Smart Network Expansion: Facilitated 73 Smart Network introductions to Fellows (40% increase) and added 169 new members (276% growth).

• Audience Growth: Monthly newsletter subscribers increased to nearly 3,500 (12% growth) and LinkedIn followers surged to over 4,500, marking a 129% increase.

These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of our Fellows, staff, board and, YOU, our supporters. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.

As we look ahead, our mission remains steadfast, but the opportunities to make an even greater difference continue to grow. With your support and partnership, MDLF will remain a catalyst for transformational leadership in Indiana and beyond. Together, we will continue to elevate extraordinary Hoosiers and expand their capacity to make a profound impact on their communities.

Thank you for your unwavering belief in our vision and for joining us on this journey to create a brighter, stronger future for our state. The successes of 2024 are a shared achievement—and we are grateful to have you as part of the MDLF family.

Here’s to the continued pursuit of leadership,

Lauren James

Executive Director