EVANSTON, IL — The SAE Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Thomas J. Kilian Jr. as the new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Tom brings a successful 18-year history of philanthropy and fundraising experience to the SAE Foundation. As an experienced executive, Tom has expertise in strategic planning, major and planned gift acquisition, community development, foundation infrastructure and policies, board management, and innovative revenue generation. In his role at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, Tom oversaw the creation and implementation of two strategic plans, launched a non-profit collaboration Hub in Hamilton County, and increased assets from $53 million to $133 million.
In addition to his role as the President of the Foundation, Tom is also the co-creator and President of IMPACT Central Indiana, an organization dedicated to deploying capital to underrepresented communities to address economic development throughout Central Indiana.
When asked about starting this new journey, Tom responded, “While serving Hamilton County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, I’m excited to begin a new journey, serving an organization that has given so much to me.”
Tom is a member from the Indiana Sigma chapter at Indiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management. Tom also has a Master of Science degree in higher education administration from Indiana University and an executive certificate from the University of Notre Dame.
As an undergraduate member of SAE, Tom held various leadership positions in the Indiana Sigma chapter. As an alumnus, Tom volunteered as an Indiana Sigma Alumni Advisory Board member from 2010-2014.
Tom and his wife, Jennifer, live in Noblesville, Indiana, and have two daughters. Tom enjoys being with his family, volunteering, and spending time outdoors in his free time.
The SAE Foundation is excited to welcome Tom, who will officially begin his new role on October 15.
Speaking on behalf of the SAE Foundation Board of Trustees, Chairman Les Ireland said, “We look forward to Tom’s impact in driving our core strategies, including scholarship, education, and preservation of the Levere Memorial Temple. Over his career, Tom has shown a passion and commitment to philanthropy. We are confident he will assist with our mission, and the Foundation looks forward to sharing more information about Tom and his background in the fall issue of The Record.”
Tom replaces former President & CEO Steve Mitchell (Indiana ‘83), who was recently appointed as the Fraternity’s 16th Eminent Supreme Recorder. Les, along with the other Foundation Trustees, would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Steve Mitchell, who led the SAE Foundation to record levels of success. They look forward to continuing their partnership and support of him as the new ESR.
About the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity was founded on March 9, 1856, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Today, the organization is among the largest of its kind, with more than 220 chapters and 220,000 living alumni. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises and manages funds to support the educational initiatives of the Fraternity as well as the upkeep and operation of the Levere Memorial Temple. We depend on the generosity of donors to provide educational programs, scholarships, and professional development opportunities to our members.
