Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Hires McLain, Ness

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance announced two new hires today: Nick McLain as communications manager and JoAnna Ness as director of community foundation programs.

McLain joins IPA after most recently working as the communications manager at the Indiana Library Federation, a statewide nonprofit association representing more than 2,000 librarians and library staff. He has also worked in government relations and as a reporter and editor at various publications.

"Nick is a thoughtful and compelling storyteller," shared Lissa Silotto, IPA director of marketing and communications. "His experience working with nonprofit and public sectors coupled with a background in journalism will help spotlight philanthropic efforts to improve life in Indiana."

McLain has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management from IUPUI’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He started his position on April 18.

Ness comes to the position after working at the Steuben County Community Foundation as its communication director, where she built capacity among local nonprofit partners and developed strategic grantmaking initiatives. In her new role, Ness will deliver enhanced learning and professional development opportunities specific to Indiana community foundations as part of the IPA Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Technical Assistance program. 

“JoAnna impressed the GIFT team with her passion for philanthropy, and specifically, the community foundation field,” Amy Haacker, IPA vice president of community foundation programs, said. “She brings a keen ability to think strategically, with insight into the needs of rural community foundations.”

Ness has a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and Nonprofit Management from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from IUPUI’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She served as a Community Foundation Intern with Noble County during her college years. Ness will start the new position on May 16.