About Us
SAVI helps people and organizations make data-informed decisions.
It’s our vision that all organizations will have access to and use data to improve planning and decision-making and ultimately improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. SAVI is a program of The Polis Center, a research unit in the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indianapolis.
Learn more about our work and our team below.
OUR SERVICES
We provide reliable data about communities.
We empower organizations and people with the information they need to affect change. Explore the data.
We create actionable information.
We analyze data to develop knowledge that can make an impact. Discover our findings.
We develop tools for data analysis.
Our tools enable you to easily explore information about your community, whether you are a data novice or a data analyst. Explore the data.
We support and train organizations to use data.
Our education program equips organizations and citizens with the skills needed to use data effectively. Sign up now.
OUR STORY
SAVI began in 1994 as a program of The Polis Center at IU Indianapolis in a partnership with United Way of Central Indiana. Since then SAVI has become one of the country’s first and largest online community information systems. Each year we serve hundreds of organizations, train hundreds of people, and offer free data to thousands of users.
OUR TEAM
Sharon Kandris
SAVI Director and Polis Center Executive Director
Sharon joined Polis in 1999 and directs the center’s community informatics strategy. She served on the executive committee of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, a 29-city collaboration lead by the Urban Institute. She earned a master’s degree in geography from University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Asger Ali
GIS Analyst
Asger is a GIS Analyst focusing on developing and transforming spatial data using software tools and other data to support projects. Asger earned a PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Mississippi State University.
Jay Colbert
Data Manager
Jay Colbert has been with The Polis Center for 14 years. He specializes in data analysis, geographic information systems, and SAVI, including SAVI data development and training. His interest lies in staring into a pile of numbers or geographic data, making sense of it, and then turning it into a real decision-making asset.
Neil Devadasan
Director, Information Systems
Neil joined Polis in 1996 and leads the center’s technology team, including developers and database administrators. He was one of fifteen international fellows in the 2005-2006 Reuters Digital Vision Fellowship Program at Stanford University. He is an engineering graduate of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Matthew Dietrich
Senior Research Data Analyst
Dr. Matthew Dietrich is a Senior Research Data Analyst, focusing on comprehensive data analyses for projects within SAVI and Polis. Matthew has a PhD in earth and environmental science from Vanderbilt University.
Jim Dowling
Manager, Information Systems and Database Administrator
James Dowling is director of information systems. He oversees staff responsible for corporate network, database, and application support. His duties include developing network and database policies, specifying and allocating equipment, planning disaster recovery, and developing custom applications for GIS and database applications.
Allegra East
Communications Manager
Allegra works to increase the visibility and convey the value of the diverse research projects at The Polis Center. In addition, she directs media relations and fulfills graphic design activities. She has more than 20 years of experience, including work with The Dallas Mavericks, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Purdue University, Clarian North Medical Center, and AUL.
Melissa Gona
Business Manager
As the business manager for The Polis Center, Melissa is responsible for overseeing all financial transactions for the center. This includes budgeting, forecasting, and human resources. Melissa has over twenty years in the GIS industry with both administrative and production experience.
Marc McAleavey
Community Analysis Program Manager
Marc is The Polis Center’s Community Analysis Program Manager where he leads the development and implementation of community analysis projects of the center and operational management of assigned community analysis staff.
Kim Sarver
Senior Research Project Manager
Kim is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. Sarver holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee State University in Nashville. She has served on the Volunteer Committee for Women & Hi-Tech and initiated the pilot program for STEM Scouts.
Ally Scott
Research Data Analyst
Allyson Scott (Ally) is a research data analyst. In this role, she will gather and analyze data from various sources, develop reports and visualizations, and perform appropriate statistical methodology.
Ally works on the How is Indianapolis Doing? project and assists with chapter updates for the State of Aging in Central Indiana Report, a project Polis is working on in collaboration with the Central Indiana Senior Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. In addition, she helps in the development of a New America dashboard, supports the Polis Center with social media content, and provides analysis for a diverse portfolio of community analysis projects.
OUR PARTNERS
SAVI relies on the outstanding support of foundations and community organizations to keep our data, tools, and training accessible at no charge.
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Inc.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
United Way of Central Indiana
Marion County Public Health Department
IUPUI Center for Service & Learning (Community Engagement Associates Scholarship Program)
Glick Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation
Building capacity to understand and address poverty
Thanks to a grant from the Glick Fund, we were able to raise awareness about poverty, inform community conversations, and inspire actions toward positive change. We provided actionable data and research about the changing landscape of poverty in Indianapolis, disparities, access to resources, risks and impacts of COVID-19, and other related factors. We worked with stakeholders in two communities most impacted by poverty and COVID-19 to translate that information into action through community conversations and hands-on capacity building workshops. Through this grant, we supported their efforts to inform localized action and broader policy decisions.
In-kind contributions are provided by the Indianapolis Public Library.
Library staff offer trainings on SAVI data and tools. These are free and open to the public. Visit www.indypl.org/events to learn more.
We are a proud affiliate of The National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership.
The National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) is a learning network, coordinated by the Urban Institute, of independent organizations in 30 cities that share a mission to ensure all communities have access to data and the skills to use information to advance equity and well-being across neighborhoods.
We are an Indiana State Library Data Center Affiliate.
The Indiana State Data Center makes the Census as well as other federal and state statistics on such topics as demographics and economics available through a statewide network of affiliates located in state agencies, universities, libraries, local planning agencies, small business development centers, and non-profit organizations.
BOARDS & COMMITTEES
2023 SAVI Equity Advisory Committee
Imhotep Adisa
Executive Director, Kheprw Institute
Gurinder Hohl
CEO, Immigrant Welcome Center
Alison Luthe
Executive Director, MLK Center Indy
Rachel Santos
Director of Education Policy, Indiana Latino Institute
Robin Turner
Associate Professor of Political Science, Butler University
Carly Weidman
Manager of Community Engagement, WFYI
2022 SAVI Technology Advisory Board
Mathew Palakal
Senior Executive Associate Dean and Professor, IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, IUPUI
Matt Selm
VP of Programs, SIM Indy and Program Director of Data Science, Anthem
Sequeira Leslie
Chief Information Officer, Patrick Industries, Inc.
Louise Hughes
Vice President of Service Delivery, OneBridge
Bryan Zaczek
Principal Data Scientist, Indiana Management Performance Hub
Aaron Neal
Associate Vice President, Enterprise Systems, IU University Information Technology Services
SAVI Poverty Research Advisory Committee (2020-2021)
Ryan Brady
Director of Stewardship & Philanthropic Advisory, Glick Philanthropies
Cheryl Crane
Assistant Professor, Franklin College
Sheila Dennis
Senior Lecturer, IUPUI
Emily Hardwick
Operations Director, Indiana CTSI Monon Collaborative
Jeff Hasser
Administrator of Real Estate and Economic Development, Department of Metropolitan Development, City of Indianapolis
Michael Howe
Chief Executive Officer, CAFE’
Breanca Merrit
Founding Director, Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy, IU Public Policy Institute
Ian Nicolini
Vice President of Indianapolis Economic Development, Indy Chamber
Joe Paulus
Director of Programs and Evaluation, Fathers and Families Center
Maury Plambeck
Neighborhood Development Director, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center
Lindsey Rabinowitch
Program Director, Faith & Action, Christian Theological Seminary
Jordan Rodriguez
Director of International and Latino Affairs, City of Indianapolis
Robin Turner
Associate Professor of Political Science, Butler University
SAVI Education Program Advisory Committee (2017-2018)
Maury Plambeck
Training & Curriculum Development Specialist, INRC
Mike Simmons
Director, Advocacy and Professional Relations, Eli Lilly
Marsha Williams
Quality Assurance Analyst, Employ Indy
Tiffany Hattfield
Director of Foundation and Corporate Giving, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
Khaula Murtahda
Associate Vice Chancellor, IUPUI Office of Community Engagement
Breanca Merritt
Senior Research Analyst, IU Public Policy Institute
Denise Luster
Strategic Information, United Way of Central Indiana
Sarah Zike
Manager, Capacity Building, United Way of Central Indiana
SAVI Education Program Advisory Committee (2017-2018)
Maury Plambeck
Training & Curriculum Development Specialist, INRC
Mike Simmons
Director, Advocacy and Professional Relations, Eli Lilly
Marsha Williams
Quality Assurance Analyst, Employ Indy
Tiffany Hattfield
Director of Foundation and Corporate Giving, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
Khaula Murtahda
Associate Vice Chancellor, IUPUI Office of Community Engagement
Breanca Merritt
Senior Research Analyst, IU Public Policy Institute
Denise Luster
Strategic Information, United Way of Central Indiana
Sarah Zike
Manager, Capacity Building, United Way of Central Indiana
SAVI Community Profile Advisory Committee (2017-2018)
Eden Bezy
Director, Office of Public Health Performance Management, Indiana State Department of Health
Karen Comer
Director of Collaborative Research, The Polis Center
Tricia Frye
Planning Supervisor, Indianapolis Public Schools
Joe Hanson
CFO and EVP of Strategic Initiatives, INHP
Chris Hartley
Data Manager, Renew Indianapolis
Jeff Hasser
CDBG Manager, Department of Metropolitan Development
Tawnya McCrary
Operations Director, Edna Martin (Center for Working Families)
Kelli Mirgeaux
Consultant, Polyphonic
SAVI Community Assessment Tool Advisory Committee (2015-2016)
Bob Cross
Consultant
Karen Gentleman
Owner and Consultant, Gentleman McCarty
Demetrius Glover, Ph.D.
Former Vice President of Strategic Information, United Way of Central Indiana
Carmen Luca Sugawara
Ph.D., Associate Professor, IU School of Social Work at IUPUI
Denise Luster
Director of Research and Evaluation, United Way of Central Indiana
Lexie McGillis
Former Research Analyst, United Way of Central Indiana
Diane Pfeiffer
Consultant
Kayli Schafer Krevda
Former Director of Strategic Research, United Way of Central Indiana
SAVI Advisory Board (2008-2015)
| Frank Alexander Pastor, Oasis of Hope Church |
Todd Sears Executive Vice President, Portfolio and Corporate Finance, Herman & Kittle Properties, Inc. |
| David Bethuram President, Catholic Charities Indianapolis |
Jim Sparks (Vice Chair 2012 – 2015) Geographic Information Officer, Indiana Office of Technology (Board Vice Chair) |
| Dr. Virginia Caine Director, Marion County Health Department |
Andrew Swenson Principal Planner, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization |
| Alan Cloe Executive Vice President of Content Services, WFYI |
Anne-Marie Taylor Executive Director, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center |
| Demetrius Glover Director of Research and Information Resources, United Way of Central Indiana |
Sara VanSlambrook Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation |
| Marya Jones Attorney at Law, Jones & Kennedy, LLC |
Kevin Whiteacre Director, Community Research Center, University of Indianapolis |
| Sara Laycock Economic and Community Development Liaison, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors |
Brad Beaubien Planning Administrator, Department of Metropolitan Development City of Indianapolis |
| Lee Lewellen (Chair 2012 – 2015) CEO, Indiana Economic Development Assoc. (Board Chair) |
David Bodenhamer The Polis Center, ex officio |
| Paula Parker-Sawyers Means Missions Director, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church |
Sharon Kandris The Polis Center, ex officio |
| Mike Dearing Manager, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Association |
Dr. Beverly Pitts President, University of Indianapolis |
| Mary Moore Vice President, Research, Planning, & International Partnerships, University of Indianapolis |
Michelle Goodrich Executive Vice President, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis |
| Dr. Algeania Freeman President, Martin University |
Bill Taft |
|
Ted R. Grossnickle |
Dennis Ryerson
|
|
Roger Schmenner |
Janet Boston |
|
Ron Gifford (Chair 2008 – 2012) |
Rose Fife |
|
Michele Goodrich |
Steve Sullivan |
|
Moira Carlstedt |
Emily Hardwick |
|
Laura Bramble (2008 – 2011) |
John Krauss |
|
Jennifer Hill |
Greg Pastor |
|
Douglas Miller |
Paula Parker-Sawyers |
Technology Advisory Committee
Gail Farnsley (Committee Chair)
Executive Partner, Gartner Executive Programs
Bob Baird
President, Inverse Square
Andrew Bittermann
Business Intelligence and Data Strategy Solution Manager, Fusion Alliance
David Ortiz
BI Solution Manager, Allegient
Jeffrey S. Ton
Executive Vice President of Product and Service Development, Bluelock
Data Security & Privacy Task Force
Julie Aders
Office of Student Data Mgmt. & Access, Manager, University Data Steward
Angela Adams
IU General Counsel, Associate General Counsel
Sara Chambers
University Information Policy Office , Chief Privacy Officer
Kelly Davila
The Polis Center, Sr. Research Analyst
Tom Davis
University Information Security Office, University Chief Security Officer
Neil Devadasan
The Polis Center, Director, System Engineering
Jim Dowling
The Polis Center, Database Administrator
Frank Faults
Rooney Foundation, Director
Demetrius Glover
United Way of Central Indiana, VP Strategic Information
Melissa Gona
The Polis Center, Business Manager
Sharon Kandris
The Polis Center, Director, Community Informatics
Andrew Korty
University Information Security Office, University Info Security Officer
Keith Lehigh
University Information Security Office, University Principal Security Engineer
Andrew Marsh
University Compliance, University HIPPA Security Officer
Leslie Pfeffer
University Compliance, University HIPPA Privacy Officer
Thank you to our
data partners.
211 Connect to Help
Center for Congregations
Family and Social Services Administration
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana State Department of Health
Indianapolis Bureau of Neighborhood Services
Indianapolis Department of Public Works
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Indianapolis Public Library
Indiana State Police
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
Marion County Treasurers Office
United Way of Central Indiana