Andrea L. Neely is the new president and CEO of Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).
Neely has been with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) for the last nearly 16 years.
A native of Indianapolis, Neely first joined UNCF as area development director for her hometown. She was then was promoted to regional development director, managing operations in Indiana and Ohio.
Neely holds a bachelor of science degree in public affairs with a focus on public finance from Indiana University. She first started her career in the finance sector as a market research analyst and loan servicer for Merchants National Bank/National City Bank of Indianapolis.
Aligning her career-path with a more community-focused mission, she moved jobs to work as a program administrator for the Near North Community Development Corporation and then as director of housing and economic development for Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.
Neely then decided to strike off on her own, founding and leading her own community development consultant firm in 1996. Paiges, Inc focused on proposal and program development as well as management for local community nonprofits. She ultimately led the firm as president for 11 years.
Neely now arrives at SYF with a wealth of knowledge about the needs and challenges facing today’s diverse and connected youth.
“The legacy of Simon Youth Foundation, to transform the lives of youth, is directly aligned with my professional experience and personal journey,” Neely said for a blog post about her appointment. “My journey has been to lead organizational change, focus on key indicators and build teams. I advocate for those often ignored, disconnected, or unable to showcase their full talents, skills, and abilities. Through innovation, design thinking, and strategic leadership, I enthusiastically look forward to building on SYF’s success and deepening its impact on the communities and youth it serves.”
Andrea L. Neely begins work leading Simon Youth Foundation on Nov. 8, 2021.
