Emily Hemersbach, Marketing and Communications Director at the Community Foundation serving Howard, Clinton and Carroll Counties, has graduated from the 2026 John M. Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute.
Hemersbach was one of 21 graduates recognized during the Philanthropy Leads Dinner on Sept. 2 in Indianapolis.
The Mutz Institute is a statewide leadership program of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance that prepares rising professionals for board and executive leadership in philanthropy and their communities. Throughout the year, participants learn from leaders in philanthropy, business, government, higher education and the nonprofit sector, while exploring issues affecting Indiana and building relationships with peers from across the state.
Hemersbach has served as the Foundation’s Marketing and Communications Director for more than four years. Across the Foundation’s three-county service area, she leads brand and communications strategy while sharing stories of donor generosity and nonprofit success.
She previously worked in healthcare management and is active in volunteer and advocacy work with the Immune Deficiency Foundation.
“The Mutz Institute affirmed in me that we need each other, and that real progress happens when we have the humility to let our ideas be challenged and shaped by people whose experiences differ from our own,” Hemersbach said. “The relationships I built with this cohort are proof that we can’t do this work apart. I’m leaving with a network of leaders across the state to keep building with, and I’m bringing that same spirit of collaboration back to my work at the Foundation.”
Maddison Miller, IPA vice president and director of the Mutz Institute, said the 2026 class brought energy and thoughtful questions to the program.
“This class brought an incredible energy to the Mutz Institute,” Miller said. “They came ready to ask thoughtful questions, learn from different perspectives and build meaningful relationships with one another. I’m proud of how they have grown as leaders, and I know the connections they formed through this experience will continue to strengthen philanthropy and communities across Indiana.”
Nearly 500 philanthropic, nonprofit, civic and local news leaders attended the Philanthropy Leads Dinner. The event also marked the launch of Press Forward Indiana, a statewide initiative hosted by IPA focused on strengthening local news and information.
The evening featured national philanthropic leaders Dale Anglin of Press Forward, Jamie Merisotis of Lumina Foundation and John Palfrey of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The focus on local news was significant for a leadership program named in honor of John M. Mutz, an IPA founder and former Indiana lieutenant governor whose career has included government, business and philanthropy. Mutz has also been an advocate for civic engagement and trusted information.
Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute combines leadership development, philanthropic education and exposure to issues affecting Indiana. More than 120 professionals have participated in the program, creating a statewide network of leaders working in philanthropy and community development.
Applications for the 2027 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute are open through Oct. 2, 2026. More information is available at inphilanthropy.org/mutz.
About the Clinton County Community Foundation
The Clinton County Community Foundation was established in 1996 as a not-for-profit charitable organization with a mission to improve the quality of life in the community through the accumulation and stewardship of enduring charitable gifts.
Through vision, effective organization and good stewardship, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for stimulating and funding initiatives that benefit the citizens of Clinton County.
About Indiana Philanthropy Alliance
Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is a nonprofit membership organization that champions, supports and connects members to transform Indiana through effective philanthropy.
IPA provides professional development, networking, advocacy, research and resources to foundations, corporate giving programs and other organizations working to strengthen communities across the state.