AMY CHANDLER, MSW, MPA
Indianapolis,,IN
Summary
Analytical policy professional familiar with reviewing regulations, legislation, and policies. Excellent writing, presentation, and public speaking skills. Demonstrated effective communication and problem-solving abilities in fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Public Policy and Communications
Covering Kids and Families of Indiana (CKF-IN)
Indianapolis, IN
04.2023 - Current
- Lead the agency's public policy priorities in the community and with the Indiana General Assembly
- Fostered relationships with lawmakers, advocates, lobbyists, grassroots organizers, and media to effectively advance policy priorities
- Planned and implemented annual State of Coverage Policy Summit for 100+ attendees, shaping discussions on Medicaid and healthcare coverage
- Coordinate the release of a biweekly email communicating agency news
- Communicate with coalitions on legislative and administrative changes needed to advance policy goals
Farmers Market Sales
Pots and Pans Pie Company
Indianapolis, IN
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Assisted marketing efforts by creating eye-catching signage and visually appealing product displays that generated customer interest and increased overall sales performance
- Provided exceptional customer service during sales interactions at farmers markets and other retail events, resulting in positive feedback and repeat purchases from satisfied clients
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute
Indianapolis, IN
07.2020 - 03.2023
- Implemented Statehouse Days, leading students and community members through the legislative process and the logistics of testifying and observing daily action
- Coordinated Advisory Board activities to involve people with lived experience of poverty in the policymaking process
- Managed social media channels to foster relationships, inform the public, and drive legislative engagement on policy priorities
- Presented data and policy work at community forums, conferences, and agency meetings
- Networked with other advocates to create a comprehensive strategy on shared issues
- Testified on behalf of the Institute at 2 legislative committee hearings on veteran issues and workforce development
- Authored weekly "Inside the Statehouse" blog posts to inform followers on legislative bill statuses in Indiana
- Developed a policy report on increasing Indiana's minimum wage, featured in the Indianapolis Business Journal online
Network Training Manager
Indiana Community Action Association (INCAA)
Indianapolis, IN
06.2017 - 03.2023
- Coordinated logistics for 25+ trainings per year, ensuring effective scheduling, marketing, registration, implementation, and evaluation
- Managed logistics for 25+ trainings per year, including scheduling, marketing, registration, implementation, and evaluation
- Continually sought feedback on relevant training topics to meet the needs of the Community Action Network
- Engaged with Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to assess and address education needs of directors and staff
- Contracted an evaluation firm to advance the Family Development program toward evidence-based recognition
- Collaborated with CAA staff and Family Development Specialists to enhance certifications and continuing education opportunities
- (formerly Indiana Training Institute)
Communications Associate
SNAP Works for Hoosiers
Indianapolis, IN
05.2017 - 12.2017
- Advocated Congressional offices for legislation supporting food-insecure individuals in America
- Conducted research on SNAP to inform and enhance daily media communications
- Oversaw Facebook, Twitter, and website communications, increasing visibility and engagement of SNAP messaging
- Communicated with national partners to coordinate press releases, letters to the editor, and blog posts
KIDS COUNT Intern
Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA)
Oklahoma City, OK
10.2016 - 12.2016
- Orchestrated logistics with staff to implement the 2016 Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Conference for 150+ participants
- Secured Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for conference attendees across three disciplines, enhancing professional development for participants
- Researched potential partners to expand OICA's outreach and collaboration opportunities
Front of House Server
Pie Junkie
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2015 - 12.2016
- Increased bakery sales by providing exceptional customer service and product knowledge.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously during busy periods while still delivering exceptional customer service experience.
- Monitored inventory levels, restocked supplies, and reduced shortages through proactive planning.
Media Center Assistant
Putnam City Schools
Warr Acres, OK
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Maintained the library database to improve circulation and reduce lost materials, saving the school hundreds of dollars
- Supported donor recruitment, securing contributions of tickets, funds, and food items for the library
- Drafted acknowledgments for community partners to strengthen long-term relationships with school
Media Center Assistant
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Oklahoma City, OK
10.2013 - 06.2014
- Coordinated logistics for 2 reading events, connecting 200+ inner-city students with community professionals
- Engaged 20+ prominent community members in reading events, introducing potential partners and donors to the school
- Managed circulation, shelving, and return workflows to keep media center materials organized and accessible.
- Assisted students and staff with locating books, databases, and reference resources.
- Cataloged new materials and updated library records for accurate collection tracking.
Bakery Clerk
Uptown Grocery
Edmond, OK
04.2013 - 06.2013
- Assisted customers with special orders, product selection, and ingredient questions
- Resolved customer concerns quickly while maintaining courteous, efficient service
- Prepared packaged bakery items for sale while following sanitation and food safety standards
Public Policy Intern
Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY)
Indianapolis, IN
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Tracked and analyzed 25+ pieces of state legislation affecting children and youth, with a focus on gang and anti-bullying policy
- Tracked and analyzed 25+ pieces of state legislation affecting children and youth, influencing gang and anti-bullying policy development
- Wrote a grant proposal that was awarded funds to become a Stewards of Children facilitator, increasing MCCOY's reach in child abuse prevention
- Established social media presence for advocacy branch, enhancing outreach and engagement strategies
- Developed and presented non-profit advocacy and social media strategies at conference and staff meeting, promoting best practices
Social Work Intern
Global Peace Initiatives
Indianapolis, IN
01.2011 - 05.2011
- Presented organizational pitch to potential community partners, fostering collaboration opportunities
- Coordinated 10+ high school and college volunteers in a combined 60+ hours of work
- Generated donations for 200+ person event, ensuring operational viability for the organization
- Coordinated 10+ high school and college volunteers, achieving 60+ hours of service to support community initiatives
Psychology Laboratory Technician
Biobehavioral Alcohol Research Laboratory
Bloomington, IN
06.2007 - 06.2010
- Coordinated staff training, participant recruitment, scheduling, and execution of longitudinal study to ensure comprehensive data collection
- Conducted diagnostic interviews with participants to assess substance abuse history and inform treatment approaches
- Built rapport with diverse participants, facilitating trust and improving quality of substance-abuse data collection
- Effectively and accurately collected data on working memory, IQ, and substance use history
- Handled confidential records and data with integrity
- Attended weekly research symposiums to discuss research techniques and relevant literature
Summer Children's Associate
Hancock County Public Library
Greenfield, IN
05.2006 - 07.2006
- Executed circulation duties and provided assistance to patrons, enhancing their library experience
- Registered patrons for summer reading program and maintained engagement to promote reading completion
- Assisted patrons with circulation, holds, account questions, and general library services.
- Processed incoming materials, updated records, and maintained accurate catalog information.
- Organized shelving areas, corrected misfiles, and preserved collection accessibility.
Education
Master of Public Affairs - Policy Analysis
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN07-2017
Master of Social Work - Leadership
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05-2009
Skills
- Public speaking
- Analytical thinking
- Written communication
- Relationship building
- Legislative monitoring
- Policy evaluation
- Customer satisfaction
- Team motivation
NONPROFIT BOARD EXPERIENCE
- Indiana Coalition for Human Services, Indianapolis, IN — Vice-President, Board of Directors (October 2024 – December 2025)
- Castleton United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, IN — Lay Representative to Annual Conference, Governance Board (January 2020 – December 2023)
- Center for Victim and Human Rights, Indianapolis, IN — Board Chair, Board of Directors (January 2019 – August 2020); Member, Board of Directors (April 2018 – August 2020)
Timeline
Director of Public Policy and Communications
Covering Kids and Families of Indiana (CKF-IN)
04.2023 - Current
Farmers Market Sales
Pots and Pans Pie Company
04.2022 - 04.2023
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute
07.2020 - 03.2023
Network Training Manager
Indiana Community Action Association (INCAA)
06.2017 - 03.2023
Communications Associate
SNAP Works for Hoosiers
05.2017 - 12.2017
KIDS COUNT Intern
Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA)
10.2016 - 12.2016
Front of House Server
Pie Junkie
03.2015 - 12.2016
Media Center Assistant
Putnam City Schools
08.2014 - 05.2016
Media Center Assistant
Oklahoma City Public Schools
10.2013 - 06.2014
Bakery Clerk
Uptown Grocery
04.2013 - 06.2013
Public Policy Intern
Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY)
01.2012 - 05.2012
Social Work Intern
Global Peace Initiatives
01.2011 - 05.2011
Psychology Laboratory Technician
Biobehavioral Alcohol Research Laboratory
06.2007 - 06.2010
Summer Children's Associate
Hancock County Public Library
05.2006 - 07.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Indiana University
Master of Social Work - Leadership
Indiana University
Master of Public Affairs - Policy Analysis
Indiana University