Cindy Lott

Cindy Lott is a Clinical Professor at Indiana University's Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a faculty member at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She specializes in nonprofit leadership, governance, ethics, and regulatory policy. Her work bridges legal, policy, and management domains, with a focus on charitable sector compliance.

• Education: J.D., Yale Law School (1993); B.A., Indiana University (1989)

Her research explores charitable regulatory frameworks, state/federal policy impacts, and nonprofit management strategies. She leads national initiatives on charitable sector regulation and advises on legal compliance. Lott is also an attorney with experience in law firms and public service, including roles at the U.S. Court of Appeals and Democratic National Conventions.

• Awards: Stead Policy Fellow, Urban Institute Fellow, Independent Sector Policy Fellow

She co-founded the Global Philanthropy Environmental Index Advisory Council and chairs the American Bar Association’s subcommittee on state exempt organization issues. Her professional networks include roles at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies and the IRS Advisory Committee on Tax-Exempt Entities.