Staff

Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director
misaacs@shaferleadership.com

Mitch Isaacs was named Shafer Leadership Academy’s Executive Director in May 2015. In this role, he works closely with the organization’s board of directors to fulfill the mission of the organization. He is responsible for creating vision, connecting with stakeholders, administering program offerings and leading the organization in meaningful ways.

Mitch has over a decade of college leadership experience spanning multiple campuses. He graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Counseling Psychology. Mitch completed his Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Indiana State University. Mitch returned to Ball State in 2005 and spent the next 10 years as a working professional in Higher Education, including five years as the  Director of the Excellence in Leadership program, and Coordinator of the Leadership Studies Minor.

Mitch is an active member of the Muncie community. He serves as the President of the Country Village / Creekwood Neighborhood Association, Secretary for the Motivate Our Minds Board of Directors, and Secretary for the Indiana Leadership Association Board of Directors. Mitch sits on the board of directors for Muncie Action Plan and Muncie Rotary. Mitch is passionate about youth development, with roles as a Project Leadership Mentor, a Big Brother with Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Delaware County, and a member of the Burris Laboratory School Advisory Council.

He is committed to enhancing the leadership skills of the community and dedicated to Shafer Leadership Academy’s mission to ensure that individuals who have the desire to demonstrate leadership have access to world class leadership training close to home.

Tisha Gierhart, Program Director
tgierhart@shaferleadership.com

Tisha Gierhart was hired as Shafer Leadership Academy’s first Program Director in January 2014. She is primarily responsible for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented by Shafer Leadership Academy. In this role, she focuses on building collaborative relationships with Shafer Leadership Academy’s participants and partners.

Tisha holds a degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has worked in the healthcare field for fourteen years, where she developed her skills in leadership, project management and facilitation. Tisha served as an internal coach for IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, where she worked to enhance the patient experience by cultivating a culture of service.

Tisha is an alumnus of Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence program and has completed Advanced Facilitator Training. Tisha is a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach and Trainer. She is certified in The Leadership Challenge and has over 40 hours of certified coach training. Tisha is an active member in her community where she serves as a board member for the Jay County Cancer Society and is the Co-Chair of the Jay County Cancer Walk. She enjoys volunteering and is a member of the Portland Evening Optimist and Hickory Grove Church of the Brethren. Her work reflects her passion for making a difference, building relationships, and motivating others. She believes in leading by example and developing purposeful connections.

Jeff Robinson, Development Director
jrobinson@shaferleadership.com

Jeff  was hired as Shafer Leadership Academy’s first Development Director in January 2020. Jeff’s primary focus is on finding new Shafer Leadership Academy member organizations, with a secondary focus on cultivating new custom program clients.

Jeff has spent much of his career working in various roles in support of the Muncie Community. A 2006 graduate of Ball State University (with a B.A. in Communications from the College of Communication, Information, and Media), Jeff has worked in various roles; including Project Manager at The Muncie Visitors Bureau, and Associate Executive Director at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

Voted one of Muncie’s Top 20 Under 40 by M Magazine (2016), Jeff currently serves on the Muncie City Council (District 2) and is a member of Muncie’s Bridge Dinner Planning Committee. Jeff also served on The Star Press Editorial Board for nearly 2 years (2014-2016) and was a strong advocate for positive news and using the Editorial Board’s voice to promote positive things happening in Muncie. Additionally, throughout his career, he has volunteered his time and talents to a number of non-profit organizations and other community focused groups and committees.

Throughout his career, Jeff has used his role at each organization to collaborate and partner with countless other non-profit, for-profit businesses, and community advocacy groups to provide opportunities which benefit the entire community.

Team SLA is Ready to Help You Meet Your Full Potential!