Eric Hessel, Vice President of Programs at the Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF), was recognized October 22 at the 2025 Philanthropy Leads Dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis after completing the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, a statewide leadership program of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance.
The event featured remarks from Dr. Allison Barber, former president of the Indiana Fever and chair of the Marvella Foundation; Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun; Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment; and Indiana visionary John M. Mutz, for whom the institute is named.
Dr. Barber encouraged graduates to lead with purpose and perseverance. “Do your part and do your best,” she said. “When that’s your approach to life and your work, it becomes easy to bring people together because you’re doing it together.”
Launched in 2021, the Mutz Institute develops transformational leaders across Indiana. Hessel was among 24 professionals representing 16 counties selected through a competitive application process for the 2025 cohort.
Eric Hessel began his journey with the Hendricks County Community Foundation in 2003 as a youth grantmaker, and his career has since spanned both the direct service and funding sides of the nonprofit sector. Before he joined HCCF full-time, Eric gained valuable experience in youth programming and with the US Census Bureau, which allowed him to build important relationships in the local community that now inform his strategic and effective grantmaking decisions. A Pittsboro native, he currently resides in Carmel, Indiana.
“It was such an honor to participate in the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute,”
said Hessel. “I look forward to bringing this expanded network and knowledge base to better serve Hendricks County.”
The Mutz Institute builds on Indiana’s long tradition of civic leadership by connecting philanthropy, business, and community leaders statewide. The 10-month, cohort-based program prepares emerging leaders for board and executive roles at foundations, corporations, and community organizations. Participants engage monthly with state and national experts to explore trends, best practices, and strategies that strengthen Indiana’s philanthropic sector.
“Over the past year, this class of 24 leaders came together to learn, share, and grow,” said IPA Board Chair Jeff Small. “Their insight and energy reflect the future of philanthropy in Indiana, which proves to be collaborative and bold.”
“These 24 young people are outstanding examples of the philanthropy work of tomorrow,” said program namesake John M. Mutz, former Indiana Lieutenant Governor. “They are individuals who will make a great contribution to our state.”
Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment, reminded graduates: “You have the chance to shape the future of your communities with the same kind of creativity and collaboration that transformed Indiana before you.”
Applications for the 2026 Mutz Institute class are open through Oct. 31, 2025. For details visit www.inphilanthropy.org/mutz.
