We are proud to share that Brittni Johnson, IAN’s Senior Director of In-School and Out-of-School Partnerships, has been appointed by Governor Mike Braun to serve on Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee.

Brittni will fill one of two newly created seats representing Indiana’s out-of-school time field. The seats were established through legislation IAN helped champion during the 2025 legislative session. Her appointment recognizes the leadership she has shown throughout her career and marks an important step forward in ensuring OST has a voice in statewide policy conversations.

“I am honored to be appointed to Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee,” Brittni said. “I look forward to representing the out-of-school time field, ensuring the experiences and needs of providers, communities, and families are part of the conversation, and helping advance proactive solutions that support high-quality learning opportunities for every child.”

A Career Dedicated to Supporting Kids & Families

Brittni brings more than 19 years of leadership experience across early childhood, K–12 education, and out-of-school time. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating stronger learning experiences for kids, while building partnerships that help communities thrive. Her experience across education, youth development, and community partnerships positions her well to represent Indiana’s out-of-school time field.

At IAN, Brittni leads statewide efforts that connect schools and OST programs, supports the statewide Literacy Playbook initiative, and helps develop sustainable strategies that strengthen school, family, and community.

Before joining IAN, she served as Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County, where she supported program quality, staff development, grant management, organizational growth, and community engagement. Earlier in her career, she served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Brittni’s commitment to children and families also extends beyond her professional role. She currently serves as Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County Board of Directors and President of the Prevent Child Abuse Tipton County Council.

Bringing the OST Perspective to the Table

The Early Learning Advisory Committee, commonly known as ELAC, brings together leaders from across Indiana to develop recommendations that help shape the state’s early learning and childcare systems.

Brittni will serve in the seat created for a statewide organization like IAN that supports OST professionals and helps strengthen the field across Indiana. Her appointment gives Indiana’s afterschool and summer programs, and the people who lead them, a formal voice in conversations that can directly affect their work.

OST programs are an important part of Indiana’s care and learning system. They support young people, families, schools, and communities every day, while also facing needs and challenges that are distinct from those of programs serving younger children.

Having someone at the table who understands those realities will help bring a fuller picture of Indiana’s learning and care system into the conversation.

An Advocacy Effort Years in the Making

Brittni’s appointment is also the result of a multi-year effort by IAN and its partners to strengthen the voice of the OST field within the Indiana government. The effort took shape through IAN’s 2025 Public Policy Priorities, developed in 2024 with guidance from the organization’s Public Policy Committee.

During the 2025 legislative session, IAN helped advocate for the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 463, also known as “Child Care Matters,” authored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau.

The legislation expanded ELAC by creating two seats specifically connected to out-of-school time:

• A representative of an out-of-school-time program
• A representative of an organization focused on training the OST workforce and strengthening the OST field statewide

These are the first formal seats on ELAC specifically designated for OST representation. Brittni’s appointment helps ensure that the perspectives of OST providers and professionals are included in the committee’s ongoing work and recommendations.

“Brittni brings deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine commitment to the people and programs she serves,” said Lakshmi Hasanadka, CEO of the Indiana Afterschool Network. “She understands the opportunities and challenges facing the OST field and will be a strong voice on ELAC. We’re proud of Brittni, grateful to see years of advocacy lead to meaningful representation, and we look forward to contributing to the committee’s important work.”

An Opportunity for Another OST Leader

The second newly created seat, designated for a representative of an out-of-school-time program, currently remains vacant. Qualified and interested OST program leaders are encouraged to contact the Office of Governor Mike Braun to express their interest in serving in the remaining statutory OST seat and to learn more about the appointment process.

This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Indiana’s out-of-school time field, ensuring its voice is represented as recommendations are developed that affect children, families, and providers across the state. Please join us in congratulating Brittni on this well-deserved appointment.