WILLIS BRIGHT
Willis Bright's work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, his extensive international travel opportunities and work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and his education as a social worker have all given him the ability to change life conditions for many, develop coalitions, sensitively and respectfully listen to others and be trusted as a friend, advocate and mentor.
Since, January 1996, Willis has been the Director of Youth Programs at the Lilly Endowment in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the Endowment's coordinator of grantmaking for youth development, Willis works with local, state and national organizations that are building opportunities for youth, especially those in poor communities.
Before joining the Endowment in 1987, Willis was Manager, Issues and Research, Honeywell, Corporate and Community Responsibility Department. Earlier, Willis was an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and he was a founding member of the Black Family Development Consortium. During his career, Willis directed an urban ministry program, worked as a youth specialist for the Iowa 4-H and Youth Services, and served in the U.S. Army.
Active in philanthropy, Willis is a former board member of American Black Foundation Executives and has served on conference committees for the Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Families and Neighborhood Funders Group. He also serves on the University of Kentucky, College of Social Work Advisory Council. Locally, Willis serves on the Advisory Council for Bridges to Success, the United Way Children and Youth Impact Council and participates on the Coalition for Human Services Planning and the Corporate Affairs Discussion Group. He is a frequent presenter on proposal preparation, youth and philanthropy.
An Elder at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Willis is active in the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and serves as coach and mentor to many young professionals across the country. In 2003 he was inducted into the University of Kentucky, School of Social Work Hall of Fame. Willis and his wife Linda have two sons, Marc and Douglas.