Working for Society
from the Heartland.
Our Mission
Sagamore builds and implements solutions to society’s biggest problems. Combining research with entrepreneurial innovations, citizen participation, and impact investing, Sagamore advances practical and sustainable solutions to improve communities.
Our Model
Ideas, Innovations and Investments. Ideas expand our possibilities; innovations put those ideas to work; and investments scale both sustainably.
Our Programs
Sagamore’s portfolio of programs and initiatives promotes action-oriented policy innovation, business solutions and citizen engagement.
Our Story
In 2004 Senator Dan Coats and Jay Hein founded Sagamore Institute, an Indiana think tank rooted in heartland values and focused on constructive action.
Our Team
Sagamore operates a network of partners and fellows, an accomplished board of trustees, and a mission-driven headquarters team.
What's New at Sagamore
Sagamore Institute Names Allison Barber as Board Chair
“Allison has always responded to the call to service. From teaching school in northern Indiana or setting up a communications shop on the frontlines in Afghanistan, she brings a can-do attitude, an inspiring love for people and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are so grateful that she’s bringing those gifts to her Sagamore leadership post.”
–Teresa Lubbers, President
Dr. Allison Barber was installed as chair of the Sagamore Institute Board of Trustees in February 2023. She currently serves as president and COO of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. Previously, she was recruited by then-Gov. Mitch Daniels to serve as the founding chancellor of Western Governors University following two decades in Washington D.C. Her jobs in the nation’s capital ranged from serving on Elizabeth Dole’s staff at the American Red Cross to a communications leadership position in the Pentagon.
Teresa Lubbers Joins Sagamore Institute as President
“I am confident Teresa will continue to expand upon Sagamore’s reputation of excellence by working alongside valued partners and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.”
–Dan Coats, Co-Founder
Teresa Lubbers will serve as president, while founding president Jay Hein will become the organization’s first chief executive officer. Lubbers served as Indiana’s commissioner for higher education for 13 years. When she left in April, she was the nation’s longest-serving state higher education executive officer. Before being named commissioner, Lubbers served in the Indiana Senate for 17 years and became one of the nation’s leading education policy experts.