Karen Bush
Community Coalition Manager (Northern Region)

Karen Bush is the Community Coalition Manager (Northern Region) for Learn More Indiana.  She develops “on the ground” alliances with organizations in local communities across Indiana to reach parents and students.  Karen travels the state of Indiana developing partnerships to raise the educational attainment of Hoosiers through localized Learn More campaigns like KnowHow2GoIndiana.   Other responsibilities include bringing together state and local organizations and individuals through the Indiana College Success Coalition to help Indiana students get the education they need to succeed in life. Karen has her bachelor’s degree in Business Communications, a Masters Degree in Human Resources and a Masters in Business Administration.  Karen and her husband Gerald live in Noblesville, Indiana and are the parents of two young boys ages 3 & 5.

Contact Karen:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 39

karenb@learnmore dot org

Elizabeth Crouch
Public Relations & Marketing Manager

Elizabeth Crouch joined Learn More Indiana in August 2007 as the Public Relations & Marketing Manager. She is responsible for all statewide media outreach and manages grassroots PR efforts for local college success coalitions.  Elizabeth’s main objective is to promote Learn More Indiana, including important education topics through broadcast, print and online media. Elizabeth has written and placed several columns and news stories in major Indiana markets, including Fort Wayne, Evansville, Terre Haute, Bloomington and Indianapolis. Most recently, she handled the media relations effort for the KnowHow2GOIndiana campaign and secured over $3 million of earned media. Elizabeth has a degree in Marketing from the University of Dayton.  

Contact Elizabeth:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 40

elizabethc@leanrmore dot org

Doug Lintner
Design & Digital Media Manager

Doug Lintner has been on the Learn More Indiana team since 2009. As a Design & Digital Media Manager he is actively involved in developing and maintaining design standards for Learn More Indiana. He supports the development and distribution of marketing materials, print publications, promotional displays, presentations and multimedia content along with the production of video and other multimedia products. He manages, and maintains the Learn More Indiana website to enhance Learn More Indiana’s online presence and usage. He also collaborates with the Public Relation and Marketing Manager for all creative material related to statewide public relations and marketing campaigns led by Learn More Indiana. He holds a BS degree from Purdue University's College of Technology.

Contact Doug:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 37

dougl@learnmore dot org

Michelle Mitchell
Community Outreach Director (Statewide/Central Indiana)

Michelle Mitchell is the Community Outreach Director (Statewide/Central Indiana)for Learn More Indiana.As Community Outreach Director (Statewide/Central Indiana) of the strategic communications team, Michelle's focus is on improving college access and success for students; supporting student learning P-16; and realizing the state’s goal of raising the educational attainment of Hoosiers. She maintains partner relationships with policymakers and stakeholder organizations, which include: early learning agencies, K-12 schools, public and private colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, workforce development systems, school counseling associations, college admissions associations, youth serving organizations, etc.  Her areas of expertise are strategic planning, program development, management and training, and building community partnerships.  She presents at workshops, retreats and conferences state wide.  She also serves on several educational planning boards and committees.  Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. 

Contact Michelle:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 41

michellem@learnmore dot org

Mike Runestad oversees a variety of communication projects for Learn More Indiana. He manages the creation, printing and distribution of OnTrack, a series of student success mini-magazines that are distributed to K-12 students and their families, and the state of Indiana’s role in the public-private partnership responsible for NEXT Indiana: A Guide to Life After High School and GRAD Magazine. He also created Indiana’s Guide to Paying for College and the Graduation Plan. In addition, Mike writes and edits copy, designs print materials, produces direct mail pieces, and delivers presentations on college preparation and career exploration. Before joining Learn More Indiana in October 2006, he oversaw public relations and managed the volunteer program for an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization. Originally from Illinois, Mike has an Associate in Arts from Rock Valley College and a Bachelor of Science in journalism and political science from Northern Illinois University. He has also served on advisory committees for the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Contact Mike:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 38

miker@learnmore dot org

Susan Tharp
Community Coalition Manager (Southern Region)

Susan Tharp began working for Learn More Indiana in December of 2008, as the College Success Coordinator working in the southern region of the state.  Susan’s responsibilities include partnership development, networking with community and faith based organizations, managing volunteers and  supporting college access programs.  Her background includes sales and marketing and over 15 years of experience in the student loan industry.  She has experience working with guidance counselors, families and students to assist them with the college planning process.  She has a passion for helping students get to college and enjoys sharing resources and information that assist them in that process.  Susan graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in English and a minor in Counseling Psychology. 

Contact Susan:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 42

susant@learnmore dot org