The Arthur Dean Family Foundation (ADFF), an Indianapolis-based philanthropic organization serving Hamilton, Marion and Whitley counties, appointed River Sturdivant as Chief Executive Officer.
The move, announced on Feb. 10, formalizes the leadership role Sturdivant has held since joining the foundation in 2022.
Since its founding in 2016, ADFF has focused on supporting organizations and leaders who expand opportunities for young people and families across Central Indiana. Sturdivant has been instrumental in stewarding that strategy, strengthening community partnerships and guiding the foundation’s long-term sustainability.
“Dr. Sturdivant has been leading the foundation at a CEO level, and the board believes this designation more accurately reflects the leadership necessary for ADFF to meet community expectations today and into the future,” the foundation said in a statement.
Sturdivant brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across philanthropy, nonprofit management, education and strategic consulting in the United States and internationally. Before joining ADFF as director of Learning and Impact, she held senior leadership roles at Central Indiana Community Foundation and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. She has also provided strategic consulting and leadership development support to local and national organizations.
Her academic appointments include associate faculty at Indiana University, Indianapolis, and leadership of global education initiatives at Butler University and The George Washington University. She holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Development from Lesley University.
Sturdivant’s philanthropic approach is grounded in emotional intelligence, emergent learning and values-based practice — principles that align with ADFF’s mission to ensure all young people have access to experiences, relationships and resources that allow them to discover who they are, develop their strengths and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Contact Multi-Media Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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