Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) has announced that Andrew Bradford will serve as Dean for the Class of 2027. Applications for HCLA’s 36th cohort of community leaders will open on Friday, Feb. 27.
“Every role I’ve held with HCLA has deepened my understanding of what makes Hamilton County extraordinary,” Bradford said. “More importantly, each role has shown me how this program builds pathways for others to experience and serve this community in meaningful ways. I’m honored to bring all of that experience into partnership with our panelists, speakers, staff, and board as we guide the Class of 2027 through these 10 months. This organization changed the trajectory of my career and my connection to this place. Helping others discover that same sense of purpose is the privilege of a lifetime.”
HCLA provides participants (those who live and/or work in Hamilton County) an immersive, 10-month experience that takes a deep dive into issues that are critically important to our communities. The dean plays a key role in each HCLA class year, building community among the class, facilitating class sessions, and empowering participants to engage deeply with the topics covered.
“HCLA has a strong legacy of deans who have mentored their classes, modeled leadership, and invested in our community,” HCLA Executive Director Maria Kanger said. “I have no doubt that Andrew will carry on this legacy. He has served HCLA well throughout the years, as a member of the board of directors, chairman, and currently as a member of the Curriculum Committee. We are excited that he is now bringing his passion for Hamilton County and HCLA to the dean role.”
Bradford is the founder and managing partner of Bradford Consulting Group (BCG), a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations achieve transformational growth. In its first year alone, BCG has driven the engagement of over $50 million in private philanthropy and supported the scaling of privately owned businesses.
Before launching BCG, he served as vice president and chief advancement officer at Conner Prairie Museum for eight years, where he raised nearly $100 million to expand capital projects, build endowments, and remove barriers to access through partnerships with organizations like Kids Belong, Youth Assistance Program, and A Kid Again.
Bradford is also deeply engaged in his local community. After graduating with the Hamilton County Leadership Academy Class of 2019, his classmates nominated him to the board of directors, where he rose to board chairman. As co-chair of Hamilton County Community Foundation’s Opportunity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, he gained perspective on community needs that continues to inform his work. His recent nomination to the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation board reflects the community’s continued trust in his leadership.
Applications for the HCLA Class of 2027 will close on April 1, 2026, and the cohort will be announced in June. Throughout the month of March, HCLA will be hosting interest sessions, where prospective applicants can learn more about the program and the application process:
- Thursday, March 5, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bier Brewery, 1618 S. 10th, Noblesville
- Wednesday, March 18, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Fishers Community Center, 11400 Johnson Farm Way
- Monday, March 23, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Westfield Washington Township Office, 17400 Westfield Blvd., Suite B., Westfield
Those who are interested in learning more about HCLA and applying for the class of 2027 are encouraged to complete an interest form, which can be found at hcla.net/programs/application.
