Former violence reduction director to head Martindale-Brightwood not-for-profit

Shonna Majors, Indianapolis’ former community violence reduction director, will lead Brightwood Community Center, the Martindale-Brightwood not-for-profit announced Wednesday.

“Shonna’s robust advocacy for our city and grassroots organizations made her the ideal fit for our organization,” said the board’s chair, Roger Outcalt, in a news release. “Her experience and expertise to leverage partners and funding will guide us to new heights in serving our neighbors at a more effective level. Our board is proud to work with Shonna and confident that we will be well-positioned under her guidance to thrive for years to come.”

Majors resigned from her role in the Office of Public Health and Safety in November, three years after Mayor Joe Hogsett appointed her to the position he created in June 2018.

At Brightwood Community Center, Majors will lead expansion and development of new programs, creation of new partnerships,  and fundraising, according to the organization. The social service agency offers summer and after-school programming, “parent empowerment” training and a food pantry.

“Being in the trenches is where real change happens, and the Brightwood Community Center’s mission aligns with my desire to serve at the grassroots level,” Majors said in the news release. “I look forward to working with the board and staff to deepen the organization’s impact as it enters this next chapter.”