MKNA Welcomes Chelsea Marburger as New Executive Director
Chelsea Marburger, former Director of First Impressions for HI-FI, MOKB Presents and Do317 Media, has been named the next executive director of the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association. Marburger officially assumed the role at the beginning of the year following the 30-year tenure of Caroline Farrar.
“The MKNA Board is excited to welcome Chelsea to the organization with great anticipation for using her nonprofit leadership to take us to the next level,” said MKNA Board President Nick Colby. “At the same time, the Board acknowledges and honors Caroline Farrar who has led the organization with steadfast devotion and determination for more than 30 years.”
Farrar joined MKNA in 1984 and has been integral in the growth and success of the neighborhood from engaging local civic organizations, corporate sponsors and the residents alike.
“My involvement with MKNA has been rich with rewards,” said Farrar. “The diversity, demands, challenges and repeated heartwarming moments have been memorable. The opportunity to reach the roots and core of this community, which I have grown to love, are irreplaceable,” continued Farrar. “To meet and work with so many stellar, energetic and thoughtfully prioritized individuals during my years with the Association has been an honor.
“Standing in review at this moment, I see the community as strong and handsome, with areas whose streetscapes have evolved dramatically. Our schools have demonstrated an increase in excellence, with the added advantage of expanded curriculum. Area investment is up. Our commercial nodes are more sparkling with variety of interest, drawing a larger number of people, both those who already know us and those investigating our compelling corner of the world. Our faith-based institutions are committed and involved. Our lead in drawing IMPD back into the neighborhood has fostered the partnering of neighbors’ needs with the actions and initiatives of the police department. This has proven most beneficial. Area energy is up. We have cooperative cohesion within our community with those surrounding us and with the City of Indianapolis. We are in a good place. It’s a perfect time to pass the torch and let Chelsea work alongside the Board and the dynamic MKNA community to make this special neighborhood even better.”
Marburger’s tenure in the music, hospitality and events industry was in tandem with her founding of Project Purse Indianapolis, a 501(c)3 dedicated to the empowerment of women through the “power of the purse.” The organization provides purses packed with toiletries, feminine hygiene, first aid and more, to vulnerable women throughout Central Indiana. In addition, Marburger serves on the Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana Young Leaders Board as well as the CHIP (Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention) Young Professionals Board.
“Filling the shoes of a powerhouse like Caroline Farrar is going to be a full-time job,” said Marburger. “I’m looking forward to learning from her during the transition and bringing my passion of all things Indianapolis to the table.”
In addition to Marburger’s community service, she also served as the Director of Civic Engagement for the Indianapolis City Market for a number of years under Executive Director Stevi Stoesz. Through thoughtful programming, successful grant procurement and event production, the mighty, three-person staff ushered in a new era at the Indianapolis City Market that continues to grow and cater to the ever-changing needs of the community.
“Working with and for a community like Meridian-Kessler is an absolute honor,” said Marburger. “In this role, I have the opportunity to partner my expertise and creative vision with that of a powerful, focused board to meet the needs of one of our city’s longest-standing neighborhoods. I look forward to what we will accomplish in the coming years!”
