Ivy Tech Evansville Names Leslie Fella Vice Chancellor of Advancement & Community Relations

Ivy Tech Community College Evansville has named Leslie Fella as its new Vice Chancellor of Advancement & Community Relations. Fella will begin her new role on September 24.

Leslie Fella brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience spanning marketing, communications, advancement, community relations and organizational growth across the public, corporate and nonprofit sectors. She joins Ivy Tech Community College Evansville after eleven years with Evansville Regional Airport, where she served as director of marketing and air service development. At EVV, Fella led strategic marketing, communications, business development, public affairs and customer-experience initiatives while cultivating partnerships with airlines, employers, economic development organizations and community stakeholders to advance regional connectivity and growth.

Previously, Fella served in communications at Alcoa, where she supported workforce development, STEM education, employee engagement and community investment initiatives, including partnerships with Ivy Tech and other regional organizations. She also served as executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Evansville district, leading fundraising, donor engagement, operations and community relations across a 25-county region. Throughout her career, Fella has built a record of connecting people and organizations around a shared purpose, strengthening community and corporate partnerships and translating mission into measurable impact.

“Leslie brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, community relationships, creativity and a deep commitment to our region,” said Daniela Vidal, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Evansville. “She understands how meaningful partnerships can create opportunities and strengthen communities, and we are excited to have her bring that experience to Ivy Tech as we continue building support for our students and the communities we serve.”

As Vice Chancellor of Advancement & Community Relations, Fella will lead the Evansville campus’s advancement, fundraising, marketing and community engagement efforts. Her responsibilities will include donor and alumni engagement, major gift fundraising, public and media relations, marketing communications and the development of partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and community leaders throughout Southwest Indiana.

Fella’s appointment comes as Ivy Tech Evansville continues to strengthen its role as an education, workforce and community partner across Southwest Indiana. The Evansville campus serves a 10-county region and contributes more than $244 million in annual economic impact through its students, alumni and operations.