Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington has taken a major step toward deepening civic participation by naming Nikeshia Fomby, MBA, as its new Public Engagement Director. The appointment, effective immediately, places an experienced leader at the center of the city’s efforts to foster more inclusive, accessible, and transparent communication between government and residents.
Fomby brings over 20 years of experience in public service, workforce development, and community strategy. Her professional background shows a consistent commitment to connecting people to resources, building partnerships, and empowering voices that are often left out of government processes.
In her new role, Fomby will lead citywide initiatives designed to ensure that every resident—not just those with the loudest platforms—has a way to participate in shaping local policy and priorities. From public meetings to neighborhood events, she will be working to make engagement more inviting, meaningful, and reflective of Bloomington’s diverse population.
“Co-creating with the community means recognizing that every voice matters—not just during moments of celebration or crisis, but in the everyday work of building a city that reflects the people who call it home,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson. “Nikeshia’s leadership will ensure that residents are not just heard, but meaningfully involved in shaping what comes next. Her extensive background in community-building, advocacy, and workforce development makes her the ideal person to deepen the City’s commitment to collaboration, equity, and meaningful public participation. I’m confident she will help us create stronger, more inclusive pathways for engagement that empower residents to co-author Bloomington’s future.”
Before joining Bloomington’s leadership team, Fomby served as Associate Director for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana Area Health Education Center (MICI-AHEC) at the University of Indianapolis. There, she oversaw programs aimed at building healthcare career pathways across eight counties in the Indianapolis area. Her earlier roles include Community Development Manager for the Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) in Fort Wayne, where she worked closely with local businesses, promoted job growth, and helped shape investment initiatives.
Fomby also has experience with several public agencies and healthcare institutions, including the Indiana Family Social Services Administration, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, and Parkview Regional Medical Center. She is the founder of Blue Rose Agency LLC, a consulting business focused on supporting small business growth and helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges.
Academically, Fomby holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. In addition, she is an alumna of Ball State University’s Indiana Economic and Community Development training and has completed executive fellowships with organizations focused on entrepreneurship and civic leadership.
Her public service extends far beyond her resume. Fomby has served on multiple nonprofit boards and professional committees, including the Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce, Amani Family Services, the National Black MBA Association, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where she currently serves as a board member. She was a member of the 2024 class of Greater Fort Wayne’s Leadership Fort Wayne program and participated in the inaugural Executive Fellowship for MakeStartups in 2023.
Community members will soon have the chance to meet Fomby through upcoming forums, roundtables, and other outreach events that the city plans to announce in the coming weeks. Her early efforts will focus on listening—learning from residents, understanding their priorities, and identifying new ways the city can engage with its diverse neighborhoods.
With Fomby now at the helm of public engagement, Bloomington aims to build a more inclusive and collaborative future—one where residents are not just consulted, but actively involved in shaping the policies and services that affect their daily lives.
