IPS Promotes Kristian Little Stricklen to Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

(March 1, 2019) Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) today announced that Kristian Little Stricklen has been promoted to Chief Communications & Engagement Officer.

Stricklen, formerly the district’s Interim Public Information Officer, leads the Office of Communications and Engagement and will continue to oversee all marketing and communications functions, including creative services, special events, publicity, media relations and corporate communications. She will also oversee the district’s new Family and Community Engagement department that will strategically ensure consistent district level and targeted school/community engagement on IPS priorities and initiatives. She will continue to report directly to Interim Superintendent Aleesia Johnson.

A key member of IPS’ executive leadership team, Stricklen joined the district in 2017 as Public Information Director and was promoted to Interim Public Information Officer in 2018. She has over 20 years of experience providing communications counsel to organizations in a variety of industries.

"In this new role, we are confident that Kristian will continue to expand the opportunities for IPS and further enhance visibility, brand reputation and community engagement," said interim superintendent Aleesia Johnson.

In January 2019, the Board of School Commissioners unanimously voted to create the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department in an effort to cultivate and maintain healthy working relationships with parents, families, community members and stakeholders.

Kristian is the founder of Jacob’s Ladder, an autism initiative in honor of her son. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and is a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class XLII.

Stricklen’s new position is effective immediately.