Bloomington, Ind. — Josh Abel will join the Indiana University Foundation (IU Foundation) as the new executive vice president, general counsel and Board secretary, effective June 16, 2025. He will be responsible for leading the IU Foundation on all legal matters including tax law, gifts, contracts, real estate, and compliance.
“Josh’s legal expertise in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector makes him the ideal candidate to lead the IU Foundation’s general counsel department,” said IU Foundation President and CEO J T. Forbes.
“The commitment of the IU Foundation’s staff, Board, and volunteers to support Indiana University is inspiring and I am excited to join this talented team,” Abel said.
Abel previously worked at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, where he spent seven years serving in multiple leadership roles, including General Counsel, Director of Grants Administration, and Secretary to the Board. The Trust supports nonprofits across Indianapolis, including IU-Indianapolis.
An alumnus of the IU Maurer School of Law, Abel began his legal career at a legal aid clinic, where he established what became Indiana’s largest expungement program for ex-offenders, and he eventually led the organization. He later practiced at a major law firm, advising nonprofit organizations, before transitioning into the philanthropic sector. Throughout his career, Abel has been deeply committed to and strengthening mission-driven institutions.