There’s something special about stepping into a role that already has heart.

That’s what this moment feels like for me.

I’m Lesley Gordon. Before anything else, I’m a wife, a mother, and a true Indy enthusiast. I’m someone who believes deeply in people, in neighborhoods, in culture, and in the power of storytelling to move communities forward. At my core, I’m a communicator and a community builder. Every role I’ve held has centered around helping people feel connected to the work, to each other, and to the bigger vision of what’s possible.

Now, I get to bring that energy to GANGGANG as its first Executive Director.

And honestly, it feels less like a new beginning and more like a continuation.

Because GANGGANG has already been doing the work.

For years, Mali Bacon, Alan Bacon, and the entire GANGGANG ecosystem have built something incredibly valuable for Indianapolis and beyond. They’ve created space for artists to thrive. They’ve challenged what investment in culture can look like. They’ve helped position creativity not as an “extra,” but as an essential part of community development and economic growth.

You see that through BUTTER.
You see it in the artists.
You see it in the collaborations.
You see it in the way people feel when they enter a GANGGANG space.

That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t remain without intention.

What excites me most about this next chapter is the potential to build on that strong foundation with intention and sustainability. The vision isn’t growth just for the sake of growth. It’s about strengthening the structure around the work so artists, creatives, and the organization itself can continue to flourish long-term.

The cultural economy is finally getting real attention. Cities, organizations, and institutions are recognizing what creatives have always known: culture drives connection, innovation, tourism, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.

But recognition alone isn’t enough.

The goal now is making sure that attention translates into real support. Real investment. Real infrastructure. Real opportunities for creatives to build careers, businesses, and lasting impact right here in Indianapolis.

That’s the work ahead.

My background in communications and community engagement naturally shapes how I approach leadership. I think a lot about connection. About trust. About making sure people understand not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. Community, to me, means accountability. It means doing work with people, not just around them. It means making sure the communities connected to the work actually benefit from it.

That mindset will continue to guide how we move forward at GANGGANG.

My leadership style is thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative. I want people to feel seen. I want our team, artists, partners, supporters, and community to feel clear on where we’re headed and inspired to help shape it alongside us.

Because the best cultural movements are collective.

And this next era for GANGGANG is about building something collectively that lasts.

Something that continues to center creativity.
Something that creates opportunity.
Something that makes Indianapolis even more culturally vibrant and nationally respected.
Something that future generations of creatives can build from.

I’m incredibly honored to step into this role and even more excited about what we’re building together.

The work continues. The vision gets sharper. And we’re just getting started.