Circular Indiana Launches Associate Board

Circular Indiana is proud to announce the installation of four inaugural members of its newly established Associate Board of Directors—a significant milestone in our continued commitment to growing Indiana’s circular economy through leadership development, collaboration, and statewide engagement.

Strengthening the future of circularity across Indiana

The creation of the Associate Board reflects a strategic vision that has been taking shape over the past year: how can Circular Indiana further cultivate emerging leaders while expanding the organization’s ability to advance education, advocacy, and systems-level change across the state? The answer is clear—create a pathway for passionate professionals to contribute meaningfully to Circular Indiana’s mission while gaining hands-on experience in non-profit governance and circular economy leadership.

About the associate board

Designed as a non-voting advisory and volunteer leadership body, the Associate Board will engage advocates, professionals, graduate students, and community leaders who are eager to help shape Indiana’s circular future. While separate from Circular Indiana’s governing Board of Directors, the Associate Board will work closely alongside board leadership to support key initiatives and provide fresh perspectives that strengthen the organization’s work.

Associate Board members will serve one-year renewable terms and contribute across a wide range of organizational priorities, including event planning and execution, volunteer coordination, marketing and outreach, policy support, partnerships, thought leadership, and special projects. Members will participate in quarterly meetings, collaborate with designated board liaisons, and gain mentorship opportunities to deepen their understanding of non-profit leadership and circular systems change.

This foundational class represents a diverse cross-section of industries, professional backgrounds, and geographic perspectives from across Indiana—a reflection of Circular Indiana’s belief that advancing circularity requires broad, interdisciplinary collaboration. These new leaders bring energy, creativity, and practical expertise that will help strengthen programs, expand outreach, and support the organization’s growing impact.

a pipeline of circular leadership

The Associate Board also creates a valuable leadership pipeline for Circular Indiana, offering a clear pathway for future committee leadership and full Board service. By intentionally investing in leadership development today, Circular Indiana is helping ensure the long-term strength and resilience of Indiana’s circular economy movement.

Building a circular economy requires more than ideas—it requires people equipped to lead, advocate, and implement solutions across sectors and communities.

Looking ahead, Circular Indiana sees the Associate Board as one important step in a broader vision for growth. As the organization continues to expand its membership, deepen partnerships, and engage more Hoosiers in circular economy principles, its collective impact will grow as well. By empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders, Circular Indiana is not only building organizational capacity—it is helping build a stronger, more resilient, and more circular Indiana for years to come.