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The Indianapolis Foundation on Thursday announced the appointment of attorney Ahmed Young as president and CEO starting Sept. 1.
Young has been director of public and government affairs in Walmart’s Corporate Affairs division since January 2022. He previously held several leadership positions in education, government and law in Indianapolis.
Young will take over for Michael R. Twyman, who has served as acting president since February. Twyman filled in after the departure of Lorenzo Esters, who led the 108-year-old foundation for less than two years.
Before joining Walmart, Young served as chief of staff and general counsel for Indianapolis Public Schools (2017-2022) and director of the Office of Education Innovation and Charter Schools for the city of Indianapolis (2016-2017). His prior positions included an associate attorney at Bose McKinney & Evans LP and deputy prosecuting attorney in Marion County.
He began his career as a social studies teacher in Indianapolis, at Broad Ripple High School and Craig Middle School in Lawrence Township, then taught at the School for Inquiry and Social Justice in New York.
“Ahmed Young brings a dynamic blend of legal acumen, education expertise, and public policy experience,” Kathy Davis, chair of the Indianapolis Foundation board of directors, said in written remarks. “His commitment to equity and systemic change aligns powerfully with our Equity Imperative 2030 strategic plan. We are confident in his ability to build on the Foundation’s legacy and help shape a more inclusive Indianapolis.”
The Indianapolis Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Marion County. At the end of 2022, it managed $379 million in assets. It awards approximately $9 million in grants annually.
The Indianapolis Foundation is part of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Both foundations shared the same leader for nearly 30 years—Brian Payne. Esters’ selection to lead the Indianapolis Foundation in May 2023 followed Payne’s retirement and the decision to separate the CICF and Indianapolis Foundation leadership posts.
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