Hamilton County Community Foundation names Danielle Stiles-Polk as new president

Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF) has announced the appointment of Danielle Stiles-Polk as its new president.

Stiles-Polk

Stiles-Polk, who previously served as HCCF’s Vice President of External Strategy & Development, has been serving as Interim President and played a critical role in guiding the foundation through its new strategic plan and rebrand launch in January.

Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s next chapter, ensuring HCCF is positioned to address Hamilton County’s most pressing challenges and drive transformative community impact.

“I am honored to step into this role and lead the Hamilton County Community Foundation into its next chapter of growth and impact,” Stiles-Polk said. “Hamilton County is evolving, and we have an incredible opportunity to shape a future where every resident can thrive. I look forward to working alongside our board, donors, fundholders, nonprofit partners, and residents to foster innovation, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful change in our community.”

HCCF’s Board of Directors led the search for a new president after former president Tom Kilian transitioned to a new organization. The process attracted a highly qualified pool of candidates, reflecting the depth of leadership and talent within Hamilton County.

Rivers

“Danielle has already demonstrated remarkable leadership through the development and launch of HCCF’s strategic plan,” HCCF Board Chair Eddie Rivers said. “Her deep understanding of the community, her commitment to collaboration, and her strategic vision make her the ideal leader for HCCF’s next chapter. We are thrilled to have her at the helm as we work toward a more inclusive and thriving Hamilton County.”

Under Stiles-Polk’s leadership, HCCF launched its new strategic plan, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Rooted in insights from a county-wide needs assessment, the plan outlines a bold roadmap for addressing Hamilton County’s most critical challenges.

The assessment, which analyzed over 2,000 data points and included community conversations, revealed a contrast in access to essential resources. While many residents are thriving, others face barriers to affordable housing, education, transportation, social services, and childcare.

The strategic plan focuses on four core priorities:

• Leading & Convening: Bringing together diverse voices to foster collaboration and drive systemic solutions.
• Grantmaking: Aligning funding to create meaningful and lasting community impact.
• Nonprofit Ecosystem Development: Strengthening local nonprofits through capacity-building and data-driven decision-making.
• Donor Relationships: Enhancing donor engagement and investment opportunities to maximize philanthropic impact.

As part of this new direction, HCCF also unveiled a refreshed brand identity in January, symbolizing its commitment to collaboration, generosity, and lasting change.

With 16 years of experience in philanthropy, Stiles-Polk has built a career dedicated to nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community development. Before joining HCCF, she served as Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations at Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, where she played a critical role in a statewide $285 million campaign, leading the Indianapolis campus to exceed its $37 million goal by securing over $42 million in funding. Her expertise spans annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, and social service philanthropy, with a particular focus on workforce development, student success initiatives, and fundraising. She also serves as president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter.

When she’s not in the office, Stiles-Polk volunteers for several local non-profits, spends time with her dog, Murphy, and enjoys traveling with her husband, Shannon.

About Hamilton County Community Foundation
Hamilton County Community Foundation is dedicated to mobilizing people, ideas, and investment to make Hamilton County a community where every individual has equitable opportunity to reach their full potential – no matter their place, race, or identity. HCCF believes in building a community where opportunity meets growth for everyone, and philanthropic efforts support not-for-profit organizations doing vital work. Learn more at HamiltonCountyCommunityFoundation.org.