TEAM
Meet the team at the Community-Engaged Alliance. This organization has experience that embodies our collective commitment to creating positive change. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces brimming with passion, our diverse team is united by a shared dedication to community engagement and social impact. As you get to know us, you'll discover a dynamic blend of expertise, creativity, and unwavering enthusiasm for our mission. Whether collaborating on projects, brainstorming innovative ideas, or simply sharing stories over coffee, each interaction with our team leaves a lasting impression of warmth, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we're not just colleagues—we're a community-driven force for meaningful change.
Elijah Howe
Executive Director
Dr. Elijah Howe joined CEA as the executive director in 2022, where he works closely with the Board of Directors to oversee the organization and its success. He has worked at the intersection of philanthropy and higher education as a researcher and fundraiser, and his areas of research include faculty and student civic engagement, student philanthropy, and the history of philanthropy.
Elijah is a proud husband, father, and native Hoosier. He spends his free time with family, watching and playing sports, and reading.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Higher Education, Indiana University
- M.A. in Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University
- B.A. in History, Hanover College
Mark Pike
Director of Programming and Strategic Initiatives
Mark joined CEA in Fall 2023 as the Program Manager where he oversees all of CEA's grant and professional development programs. His Ph.D. Research explored strategies to increase equitable outcomes in higher education and interrogated the role of higher education in a democratic society. In 2026, he was named to the IU Indianapolis Elite 50, which honors 50 graduate and professional students who demonstrate excellence beyond the classroom in areas such as campus leadership, scholarly work, and community engagement.
Education:
- Ph.D. in American Studies, Indiana University
- M.A. in History, Cleveland St. University
- B.S. in Arts Marketing, Indiana University
Stephanie Moran
Director of Indiana Youth Camp Corps and Member Engagement
Dr. Stephanie Moran brings more than 18 years of higher education experience to her role in launching the AmeriCorps–Indiana Youth Corps (IYC) program. She has led initiatives in institutional engagement, service learning, grant writing, and student success, guiding her campus to earn the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Stephanie is deeply committed to community engagement, Stephanie serves on multiple local and state governing boards, including her leadership role as a district governor for Rotary in central Indiana. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys an active life with her family, including three grown children, three grandchildren, two labradoodles, and two cats. She loves running, biking, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and gardening.
Education:
- Ed.D. in Adult, Community, and Higher Education, Ball State University
- M.B.A. with a concentration in Leadership, Anderson University
- M.A. in Adult and Community Education and Executive Development of Public Service, Ball State University
- B.A. in Sociology and Government, Anderson University
Cynthia Tindongan
Communities Thriving AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
Dr. Cynthia Tindongan serves as a VISTA Leader with Community-Engaged Alliance, bringing a lifelong commitment to human rights, social justice, and community-engaged work. Her professional experience spans international service, higher education, and nonprofit leadership.
Cynthia previously served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines and as a United Nations Volunteer with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Hong Kong. In the United States, her work in higher education included coordinating Service-Learning initiatives and serving as Director of Thesis and Dissertation Services in the Graduate College at Ohio University.
Her community development experience includes roles with the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio. Most recently, Cynthia served as Executive Director of the Athens Area Mediation Service, where she advanced conflict resolution and community-based problem solving.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Cultural Studies in Education, Ohio University
- M.S. in Community Development, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Delaware
Holly Smith
Marketing and Communication Specialist
Holly Smith joined the Community-Engaged Alliance as the marketing and communication specialist in 2024, where she provides strategic marketing and communications support for the organization. She has worked in corporate and agency roles for over 25 years in healthcare, banking and higher education with an emphasis in marketing, communications and strategic planning. Holly also is an adjunct instructor in Marketing at the University of Evansville.
Holly serves on the board of directors for the Evansville Police Foundation, A Network of Evansville Women, the Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County and the Advisory Committee at the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center for the Media Communications and Broadcasting (Radio Station WPSR 90.7).
Holly is a proud wife, mother, marketing professional, community volunteer and IU Alum. She spends her free time with family and friends camping and boating.
Education:
- M.B.A., University of Evansville
- B.S. in Marketing, University of Southern Indiana
- B.S. in Kinesiology, Indiana University
Kyndel Craig
Office Manager
Kyndel Craig brings more than 20 years of experience in public service, nonprofit support, financial administration, and community development. She has helped organizations strengthen operations, manage finances, coordinate projects, and build meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
With expertise in bookkeeping, workflow development, strategic planning, communications, and organizational management, Kyndel specializes in managing the details that keep organizations running smoothly so leaders can focus on their mission and goals.
When she’s not helping organizations succeed, Kyndel enjoys spending time with her family, exploring creative projects, and logging magical miles through runDisney events at Walt Disney World.