February 24, 2025 –
The Board of Directors of Youth First, Inc. has named Holli Sullivan as the new President & CEO. Following an extensive search process, Sullivan will assume her new role beginning May 12 and succeed Parri Black, who retires from Youth First in May after 21 years of leadership.
Sullivan’s qualifications and skillset, along with her passion for Youth First’s mission, will be an asset to the agency. Sullivan is a dynamic and visionary leader with diverse experience in both the public and private sectors. Sullivan joined the Youth First Board of Directors in 2023 and has been an advocate of Youth First’s work for over a decade, championing for the agency’s student assistance program and mental health services at the state level.
Sullivan joins a thriving organization; Youth First has experienced tremendous growth since 1998. Founder Dr. Bill Wooten’s dream was to strengthen youth and families, and today Youth First has grown into one of Indiana’s largest nonprofits with a mission of promoting mental health, preventing substance misuse, and maximizing school success. The agency has over 130 employees and is dedicated to caring for students, building strong families, and transforming communities. Youth First’s programs and services are available to over 53,000 students in 126 partner schools across 14 Indiana counties.
Sullivan will be charged with leading Youth First in fulfilling its mission, collaborating with its Board of Directors to set strategic direction and ensure effective operations, while building and leading a high-performing, mission-focused team.
With a background in engineering, Sullivan has led manufacturing teams, implemented quality standards, and fostered continuous improvement and operational excellence at General Motors Corporation and Toyota Motor Manufacturing. Sullivan served as Indiana State Representative from 2014-2021 and Indiana Secretary of State from 2021-2022. Additionally, Sullivan is an entrepreneur, consulting in communications and public affairs to lead clients in strategic planning, board collaboration, fundraising, and building sustainable partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Holli as Youth First’s new President & CEO. She is passionate about public service and committed to the care and support Youth First provides to kids and families. She will ensure our employees, donors, and community partners are aligned as we look ahead to the next 25 years,” says Board of Directors Chair Dan Hoefling.