Sally Bindley is stepping into a new role with Brightlane Learning, the Indianapolis nonprofit she founded in 2001, originally named School on Wheels. As CEO for the past 24 years, Bindley has leveraged her own experiences as a school social worker to grow and evolve the organization into what it is today – one that provides personalized academic support to unhoused students and critical guidance to their families and caregivers across more than 30 Indianapolis schools and shelters.
As Bindley transitions into the role of Founder and Executive Advisor, a position focused on the long-term sustainability of the organization, Kelly Coker has been appointed as the new CEO to build upon Bindley’s legacy.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Kelly Coker will lead Brightlane Learning’s next chapter as CEO,” shares Bindley. “Kelly has been a driving force behind our mission for over a decade. Her deep commitment, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to our community make her not just the right choice—but an extraordinary one. Brightlane couldn’t be in better hands.”
With over two decades of nonprofit leadership spanning fundraising to programming to operations, Coker has deep experience with Brightlane Learning, having joined the nonprofit’s leadership team in 2016. She has been serving as Acting CEO since October 2024, stepping in while Bindley was on medical leave. Coker has been instrumental in Brightlane’s recent growth, guiding its expansion into middle and high schools across four Indianapolis school districts and doubling the number of students supported in the past six years.
“I’m truly honored to step into this role and help lead Brightlane Learning into its next chapter,” shares Coker. “Our exceptional team is deeply committed to transforming lives through the power of education. The opportunity to work alongside such passionate individuals—and in partnership with the families we serve—to break down barriers to educational success fuels my passion every single day.
I’m incredibly grateful for Sally’s visionary leadership and the dedication she poured into building this remarkable organization. It’s a privilege to carry that vision forward and help shape a future where all students have the opportunity to thrive.”
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