Wheeler Mission restructures executive team, highlights strength of leadership
Nonprofit organization welcomes new leadership team member, promotes longtime staff member
May 5, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS– Wheeler Mission, one of Indiana’s longest-standing nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and addiction, have announced changes to their executive team structure. Perry Hines, President & CEO, with the board of directors, have made the decision to split the development team into two departments due to the growth and needs of the organization. This change mirrors the organization’s decision in 2016 to split the Chief Program Officer into two roles to oversee men and women’s programming.
Wheeler is proud to announce the appointment of Arvetta Jideonwo, MHA, CFRE as its new Chief Development Officer. This appointment reflects Wheeler’s continued commitment to leadership excellence, innovation and diversity as it addresses the complex challenges of poverty and homelessness throughout Indiana.
“Arvetta brings a depth of knowledge and strategic expertise that will be instrumental in advancing our mission,” said Perry Hines, President & CEO of Wheeler Mission. “Her passion for equity, her proven track record in fundraising and impact and her dedication to service make her a tremendous asset to Wheeler and to our community.”
As Chief Development Officer, Jideonwo will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of Wheeler’s comprehensive development program, including oversight of the annual fund, major and mid-level donor cultivation and stewardship, foundation and grant strategy and all related fundraising operations. Her role will be pivotal in building and sustaining donor relationships, driving revenue growth and aligning development efforts with organizational priorities to deepen engagement and impact in the community.
With the addition of Jideonwo, Wheeler Mission’s executive leadership team continues to represent a dynamic group of seasoned, compassionate professionals dedicated to innovation and holistic care.
“I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity, and through Wheeler Mission, we are doing this every day by providing sustainable systems of support dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness,” said Jideonwo. “I am honored to contribute to the 131-year history of this renowned Indiana institution providing help, hope and healing to our neighbors who need it the most.”
Brian Crispin, a member of Wheeler Mission’s staff for 17 years, and formerly the Senior Director of Community Relations & Development has been named as the new Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. Crispin will lead the new department comprised of communications, media relations, special events, community development and corporate relations while working closely with Jideonwo and the Development team.
With the restructuring, Wheeler Mission’s executive team is now made up of the following individuals and roles:
- Perry Hines, President & CEO
- Arvetta Jideonwo, Chief Development Officer
- Fritz Breisch, Chief Financial Officer
- Colleen Gore, Chief Program Officer for Women
- Terrence Harper, Chief Program Officer for Men
- Brian Crispin, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
For more information on Wheeler Mission, please visit wheelermission.org.
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About Wheeler Mission
Founded in 1893, Wheeler Mission is one of Indiana’s most respected nonprofit organizations, providing critical services to individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger, and addiction. With multiple campuses in Indianapolis and Bloomington, Wheeler offers emergency shelter, residential addiction recovery, job training, health and wellness programs, and long-term housing solutions. Each year, Wheeler serves thousands of men, women, and children through its Christ-centered programs, empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Wheeler Mission is a 501(c)(3) organization, supported entirely by the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations.
About Arvetta Jideonwo
Arvetta Jideonwo brings more than 20 years of executive-level experience in the philanthropic sector. Her career has spanned leadership roles in affordable housing, healthcare, human services, and education at both the K-12 and higher education levels. Prior to Wheeler, Jideonwo served as Head of Social Impact for CREA, LLC and Executive Director of the CREA Foundation, where she led strategic grantmaking efforts supporting student scholars from affordable housing communities. Other notable roles include Executive Director of Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation, Vice President of Development for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and Director of Grant Development at Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana. Jideonwo is an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and a 2025 Fellow of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. She was also named to the 2024 Executive Women of Color Leadership Program by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and holds a Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate from Harvard University’s Kennedy School, a Master’s in Health Administration from Indiana University, and a Bachelor’s in Community Health from Indiana State University.
Media Contact
Brian Crispin
briancrispin@wheelermission.org
(317) 635-3575
