Christina Hale will return to Kiwanis International in February as executive director of Kiwanis Youth Programs—the organization that oversees Key Club International and other youth development programs.

“We are thrilled that Christina will rejoin our staff,” said Stan Soderstrom, executive director, Kiwanis International. “Christina's leadership skills are the right fit to elevate our 501(c)3 Kiwanis Youth Programs and, ultimately, catalyze more opportunities for the youth we develop into servant leaders. This is one of Kiwanis’ most important entities as it creates the leaders in today's youth who will serve their communities and find solutions to make our world better.”

Kiwanis Youth Programs, Inc., is a separate 501(c)3 that governs Key Club International for high school students, Builders Club for middle school students, K-Kids for elementary school students, and the Kiwanis Key Leader, Bring Up Grades and Terrific Kids programs.

While heading Kiwanis Youth Programs, Hale will also oversee Kiwanis' Service Leadership Programs, which include the organizations and programs within Kiwanis Youth Programs, and Circle K International for university students and Aktion Club for adults with disabilities.  

In addition, Hale will oversee programs that stress the importance of training and awareness for all adults working with youth involved in the organization's programs.

Most recently, Hale was president and chief executive officer of Leadership Indianapolis. She formerly served as Indiana State Representative for House District 87 of the Indiana General Assembly and was nominated as a lieutenant governor candidate in 2016. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis, and previously was Chief Communications Officer for Kiwanis International.

“I’m eager to return to Kiwanis where I can employ my policy skills to expand Kiwanis' youth leadership programs,” Hale said. “These are among the most important programs offered by any organization and have provided valuable leadership skills to youth while instilling the importance of community service. Our children face unprecedented challenges—and opportunities—brought by advances in technology, transportation and the arts. Kiwanis is ready to respond by supporting youth and adult leaders around the world, and giving children the resources they need to stay safe and succeed at this critical point in time."  

Hale is a regular contributor to Indiana Business Journal and frequently appears on Inside Indiana Business and IN Focus. Among her previous positions are roles as special assistant to former Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon, executive assistant for legislation and communications for the Standards Board and legislative liaison and marketing and media relations manager for the Indiana Department of Commerce. She also worked as a news correspondent for the LaPorte Herald Argus. She is a graduate of Purdue University and was the 2017 Junior League of Indianapolis’ Woman of the Year.