Brenda Freije, PhD, JD, MDiv

In 2005, Dr. Freije turned her attention to nonprofit, faith, and community-development work after practicing law for eleven years with Baker & Daniels (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath). She has now served for nearly 20 years in leadership roles as a nonprofit executive, educator, pastor, and community builder. In the summer of 2020, Freije began consulting with the Rethink Coalition to envision its future and form as a nonprofit organization. In December 2020, Freije accepted the President and CEO role. Rethink Coalition's mission is to work with decision-makers and stakeholders to rebuild the I-65/I-70 Inner Loop in downtown Indianapolis to achieve economic, environmental, equitable, and health benefits not possible if we reconstruct the highway system “as is” now that it is nearing the end of its lifespan. This is a perfect position for Freije, combining her research interests, leadership and legal experience, and commitment to helping cities and communities thrive.

Dr. Freije focuses her research and writings on sustainable development and collaborative leadership in social innovation. She is particularly interested in people-centered design, social enterprise solutions, and how norms and values intersect with economics in shaping decision-making and public policy. She has developed a leadership framework for changemakers to tackle complex or wicked public challenges based on 37 interviews with leaders who've facilitated transformational change, her research and reflections on the work of Rethink Coalition, and her experiences in leading strategic planning and innovation efforts through public-private-philanthropic efforts.

Dr. Freije is ordained in the United Methodist Church and teaches graduate-level courses on social innovation, public problem-solving, and nonprofit management. She holds a PhD in American Studies from Indiana University, Indianapolis, a Juris Doctorate from IU Maurer School of Law, a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Public Policy from IU’s Kelley School of Business.