Indiana Black Expo is pleased to announce that Mr. Bryan Kelley has joined its leadership team in the role of Vice President, Community Initiatives and Marketing.
In service to Indiana Black Expo’s 50 years of proud service to Indiana’s African American community and aligned with its mission to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans, the Vice President, Community Initiatives and Marketing will work in close partnership with IBE leadership (board and executive team), ecosystem partners, community leaders, staff, and volunteers to advance IBE’s goals and strategies outlined below:
- Economic Equity: Increasing the number, strength, and impact of black businesses in Indiana;
- Education: Expanding options and choices for Black youth and young adults to pursue their career and educational goals;
- Community Empowerment: Facilitating a Sense of Belonging – Elevating Our African-American Voice and Promoting the cultural identity and voice of Indiana’s Black community; and
- Health Equity and Justice: Promoting access to and awareness of community health resources to inspire healthy behaviors.
In this regard, Bryan’s strategic and operational focus will include, but not be limited to:
- Developing plans to accomplish broader, ongoing collective-impact economic and health equity strategies and partnerships;
- Evolving IBE’s education and performing arts youth development programming;
- Facilitation and coordination of IBE’s community convening initiatives and events that promote a sense of belonging and African-American cultural identity;
- Increasing the number of active participants, partners, and supporters with whom IBE actively collaborates and engages; and
- Positively broadening the visibility of IBE’s brand.
Bryan received a Bachelor of Arts, General Studies degree from IUPUI and comes to IBE with over twenty years of seasoned, professional experience in relationship and business development, event management, marketing, nonprofit operations, partnership development, sales, and nonprofit fund development.
Bryan’s prior professional experiences and expertise has been shaped by organizations that include United Negro College Fund – Indiana, the Indy Chamber, National FFA, and the Indiana Convention Center. Bryan’s professional associations, memberships, and volunteer work include:
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
- Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association (LIMA)
- National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) – Membership Chair for Mid-America Chapter
- International Association Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
- International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)
- Public Assembly Facility Management School
- Youth Coach – Carmel Dad’s Club
I want to thank Tanya McKinzie and the Indiana Black Expo Board of Directors for the opportunity to join the Indiana Black Expo leadership team. It is an honor, and a privilege, to utilize my experiences from my career as the newest leader in the organization as we align our work to the needs of the black community. Tanya’s vision, along with the direction and support of the Board of Directors, is refreshing for a 50-year-old organization. The renewed energy, engagement, and expectations, when presented to me, solidified my decision that IBE is the organization I want to serve and lead.
We all know IBE for its high-profile annual events, such as Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. It will be my pleasure to elevate the lesser-known programs, initiatives, and efforts that move the needle for African American youth, families, and black-owned businesses across the state of Indiana.
I am driven by my faith and my family. My belief in the power of prayer, and God’s will over mine, ensures I do not get in the way of where God wants me. My wife Stacy of 19 years has served as motivation to continually improve, always move forward, and never settle. My daughter Courtney (17) and my son Cameron (13) inspire me with the possibilities of what the future holds for our youth. Their positive spirits keep me in the right frame of mind.
I am excited to get started and to join the IBE staff, board, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders in what I believe will be great prosperity for the organization.
