RJL Solutions is a team of talented, motivated professionals prepared to create wins for your organization at every level. For us, it's not about just obtaining another client. It's about having the opportunity to help leaders influence and change organizations and communities for the better—in big ways.
We believe that relevance is the key driver of any organization’s success. To be relevant, an organization must have a meaningful story to tell, be present when decisions are made and have something of value to offer its stakeholders. At RJL Solutions, we have the tools necessary for building your organization’s relevance, making you a leader in your industry.
RJL Solutions is a group of empowered leaders who embrace challenges and fight for our clients every day. As change agents, we make the competitive market a winning reality. We strive to be the company most admired for its spirit of collaboration, integrity, and dedication to our clients, our communities and our families.
Chief Executive Officer
Rachel Joann Leslie is the face behind the name at RJL Solutions. With a fierce desire to bring good things to Indiana, Rachel’s journey has been lined in understanding her community and fighting for what it needs.
Rachel founded RJL Solutions in the summer of 2017 where she recognized the importance and value of advocacy and representation. The firm began as an advocacy firm and has since expanded to the marketing, public relations and community development industries.
As an experienced collaborator and registered lobbyist, Rachel advocates on behalf of her clients, strategically bringing them state and federal relationships and unique resources while also working to educate others on specific issues and to promote public/private partnerships. Rachel has over 15 years of experience in government relationships, strategic communications, event management and intentional collaboration.
Rachel holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a B.S. degree in Speech Communication Public Relations and Journalism from Indiana State University. She is a graduate of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association Chamber University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management and the Indiana Leadership Forum. She served the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce in many capacities for seven years, including Executive Vice President, and she was the Vice President for External Relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for five years.
Rachel participates on a number of community and professional boards and committees, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Governor’s Defense Taskforce.
Chief Operating Officer
Betsy's true strength lies in the perfect balance between left and right brain, using her creative and analytical sides equally to provide solutions and solve problems. As COO, Betsy doesn't just manage finances and operations but contributes to the overall strategic growth of RJL Solutions - using data to make decisions.
As COO, Betsy is responsible for maintaining the financial well-being of RJL Solutions and driving sustainable growth of the company. She provides leadership, management and vision in the areas of budgeting, quality control, information technology, project management, business development, and strategic communications to ensure the proper performance and strength of RJL Solutions.
Betsy has a strong background in communications and marketing. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Teaching from Indiana State University. After obtaining her master’s degree in Professional Writing from Eastern Illinois University, she worked at Tribune-Star in advertising and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in communications and marketing. In 2019, she added a second master’s degree to her list of accomplishments, a Master of Leadership Development from SMWC. Betsy currently serves on the Terre Haute Children’s Museum Board of Directors and the Valparaiso University Women in Leadership Certificate Program Advisory Board. Additionally, she is a founding board member and officer for the Goodwill Workforce Enterprises Board of Directors, serving as secretary of the board.
In 2024, Betsy was honored as one of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s 12 Under 40.
Vice President of Government Relations
Ryan brings robust knowledge, understanding and connections in policy and governmental affairs to the RJL team including his previous employment opportunities at the Indiana Senate, the United States Congress and The White House. His extensive understanding of federal initiatives and how they directly impact local and state municipalities and organizations allows our team to ensure our clients are taking advantage of every opportunity.
Ryan works directly with RJL’s clients by providing analyst level support, coordinating legislative efforts by working with state, local and federal government officials and legislators, and implementing strategic high-level initiatives through policy development, relationship-building and intentional partnerships.
Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and his Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from Indiana University. He is a graduate of the Indiana Leadership Forum. In 2024, Ryan was honored as one of Indiana Business Journal’s 20 in their Twenties.
Vice President of Public Affairs and Association Management
Hannah Carlock delivers a wealth of knowledge when it comes to working with elected officials. She has spent nearly a decade working alongside legislators, advising them on media and public policy matters.
Hannah started at RJL Solutions as the Senior Director of Public Affairs where she will utilize her wealth of knowledge in the Medicaid, disability and health care space to advocate for RJL clients to make a positive change for Hoosiers as the state unwinds from the pandemic and starts investing in the health of our state. Hannah will also be leading our efforts in association management and public relations, so that there our clients receive the best strategy and attention to detail for their future success.
Hannah most recently served as the Senior Director of Public Affairs for The Arc of Indiana, where she works at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for Hoosiers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In her role at The Arc of Indiana, she worked alongside advocates and legislators to increase the Direct Support Professional wages to a statewide average of $15/an hour in the 2021 Indiana State Budget. She not only served as the lead lobbyist for The Arc of Indiana, but also served on the board of the Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana; the board of the Disability Legal Services of Indiana; and the public policy committee of CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions. Hannah was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb to serve as the chair on the state’s Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled (CHOICE) Board and on the Covid-19 Vaccination Allocation Task Force.
The Indianapolis Business Journal recently recognized Hannah in their 20 in their Twenties article of up-and-coming leaders and influencers in the state as well as being named Who’s Who in America by the Marquis Publications Board. Just this summer, Hannah received the First Steps Champion Award for her success in advocating for the first increase since 2001 in the state’s budget for the First Steps program.
Before becoming Hannah’s time at The Arc of Indiana, she traveled the state coordinating a 17-town hall roadshow educating Hoosiers and lawmakers on Indiana’s poor health metrics and the need to focus on Hoosier Health.
Hannah began her work in government and politics with the Indiana House of Representatives, working alongside Indiana lawmakers to disseminate the news to local, state and national media networks as a press secretary. Within the role as a press secretary for the Indiana House Republicans, she jumpstarted the caucus podcast, put together video clips, designed mailers and handouts, and wrote press releases, statements, guest columns and e-newsletters on behalf of the legislators.
Hannah continued her role in government relations as the Communications Director for Hathaway Strategies. In this role she worked to communicate the need to revise Indiana’s outdated Blue Laws to pass Sunday Sales. She also helped in a grassroots effort to bring awareness to Indiana’s Congressional delegation about the importance of Indiana’s Medical Device Manufacturers and repeal a burdensome tax imposed on the industry.
Hannah kicked off her career in the media industry as the news director and community events coordinator for WRBI, a radio station in Southeastern Indiana. In this role, she was the main source for news, weather and sports for four counties. Hannah used her resources within this position to also serve as the public information officer for both the Ripley County EMA and EMS.
Hannah graduated from Ball State University with a degree in journalism and telecommunications. In her free time, Hannah enjoys hitting the gym, indulging in Mexican cuisine and improving her golf game.
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and serving the West Central Indiana Community, Danielle’s passion for community success and relationship building makes her an integral part of the RJL team.
As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Danielle will lead business development efforts, drive client retention strategies, and spearhead special projects that align with and advance the company’s long-term goals.
Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and her master’s in leadership development from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. She currently serves as board member for Vigo County Education Foundation.
When not volunteering in the community, Danielle, along with her husband Wes and twin boys Ethan and Owen, can be found traveling the states and exploring National Parks in their fifth-wheel camper.
Director of Marketing
Ashley brings robust knowledge and understanding of marketing strategies to RJL Solutions. A 2014 graduate of Indiana State University, Ashley has over 7 years of experience in marketing, including both for-profit and nonprofit markets, as well as 11 years of management experience. She strives to leave every situation better than she found it.
As the Director of Marketing, Ashely is responsible for leading the development of strategic marketing initiatives and elevating the profile of our clients through marketing and advertising. Additionally, she provides oversight and leadership for the Social Media Manager in their responsibilities of managing and implementing a variety of social media campaigns.
Ashley believes in the importance of community and giving back. She volunteers as the swim coach for Special Olympics Vigo County and helps local nonprofits whenever the opportunity arises. In her free time, Ashley enjoys cake decorating and reading, but her favorite thing to do is to sit with her husband and watch her son play football.
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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Brooklynn Sibley serves as the Director of Communications at RJL Solutions, bringing extensive experience in public relations, strategic outreach, and brand development. She has a proven track record of creating and executing innovative communication strategies, managing media relations, and leading impactful community engagement initiatives. Her expertise includes event planning, stakeholder engagement, and content development, all of which contribute to delivering exceptional results for RJL Solutions’ clients.
In her role, Brooklynn leads public relations strategies, develops comprehensive communication plans, and collaborates closely with clients to align their messaging with organizational goals. Her leadership ensures effective communication strategies that drive success across diverse industries.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Brooklynn is actively involved in coaching. She is the head cheerleading and diving coach at Terre Haute South High School and also coaches at Wabash Valley Tumbling and Gymnastics, where she emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
Brooklynn holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and a BS in Health Science with a minor in Business Administration from Indiana State University, with a concentration in communications and public relations.
Web & Graphic Designer
Cameron Wheeler brings nearly two decades of experience in creative design, print production, and web development to his role as RJL Solutions’ Web & Graphic Designer. With a background in branding, digital strategy, and UI/UX design, Cameron works to elevate client websites and digital performance, ensuring their online presence aligns with their goals.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Art & Design from Indiana State University, where he developed a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles. Before joining RJL Solutions, Cameron served as a Graphic Design Specialist at Indiana State University, playing a key role in shaping the university’s visual identity. As the Founder and Creative Director of CWCreative, he also built a successful freelance design business, showcasing his passion for innovative and impactful design solutions. His deep understanding of both digital and print media makes him a valuable asset to the team.
A history buff and avid sports fan, Cameron enjoys spending time outdoors, coaching his daughter’s soccer team, and taking on creative projects in woodworking and painting. He and his wife reside in Clinton, Indiana, with their daughter.
Government Relations Manager
Derion Searcey, a native of Indianapolis, is a graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, where he earned a degree in political science.
He began his political career as an intern with the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, collaborating with state legislators to advocate for key issues. Searcey quickly advanced to become the executive director of the caucus and took on leadership roles with the Marion County Young Democrats, where he now serves as treasurer. He also co-founded The Growth Project, an organization aimed at inspiring and empowering young people to engage in politics. In addition to his political work, Searcey has brought his expertise to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office and the National Black Leadership Staff Legislative Council.
His commitment to empowering communities and driving positive change is evident in his endeavors. As Government Relations Manager at RJL Solutions, Searcey works with the Government Relations team to advance policies and initiatives for RJL clients at the local, state, and federal levels.
Associate Planner
Ethan is a spring 2024 honors graduate from Valparaiso University, earning a degree in Criminology and Environmental Science. Following graduation, Ethan joined the RJL team as an Associate Planner, providing support for the strategic planning team with knowledge of GIS software, community engagement, and database management.
Prior to joining RJL, Ethan worked with the City of Valparaiso, Indiana, as a GIS Analyst, assisting the city’s public works division with various tasks, such as GIS organization and database updating and administration. Additionally, he has professional experience working with Valparaiso’s engineering department as they tackled ADA compliance issues in Valpo through land surveying and sidewalk planning.
Provided with his unique background of experiences, Ethan is excited to join the team to further broaden the reach of RJL’s strategic planning division. Outside of the office, Ethan enjoys mountain biking at Griffin Bike Park in Terre Haute, working on his car, and playing pickleball with the Indianapolis Pickleball Club.
Creative Advertising Manager
Hailee Christner serves as the Creative Advertising Manager at RJL Solutions, bringing extensive experience and a deep passion for marketing and communication to the team.
A Terre Haute native, Hailee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications from Indiana State University. During her time at ISU, she was an active member of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, where she honed her skills in marketing, designing, and networking. She held several executive committee positions, including community service and special events, where she made a meaningful impact and fostered a spirit of unity within the community.
Hailee’s background in the beauty and cosmetics industry includes leadership roles as Assistant District Manager, Brand Ambassador, and Manager. In these positions, she expertly supported multiple retail locations, analyzed market trends, and created engaging social media content. Her dedication to excellence and exceptional multitasking abilities have driven substantial achievements and growth throughout her career.
Outside of work, Hailee is dedicated to her family and enjoys creating lasting memories with them. She is also a passionate volleyball coach at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, where she has led teams to championships for the past five years.
As Creative Advertising Manager at RJL Solutions, Hailee is eager to launch innovative marketing campaigns, analyze trends, and develop strategies to drive growth. She is professionally certified in Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, equipped with skills in SEO, social media strategy, analytics, and customer engagement. Her creativity and expertise bring fresh perspectives and success to the team.
Senior Director of Planning
Jonathan Blake is an urban planning professional with more than 20 years experience in local government administration, including complex project management, operations, and executive-level leadership. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for managing programmatic and capital projects, geospatial analysis, public engagement, and public policy development and implementation. He has successfully managed more than $45.2 million in federally funded transportation projects and $90 million in public-private partnerships.
As Senior Director of Strategic Planning, Jonathan serves as both a visionary leader and operational manager for the planning and community development services offered at RJL Solutions. Jonathan provides leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Grants & Strategic Planning department, serving as the conduit between the Grants & Strategic Planning department and the Executive Team, ensuring that the daily tasks of the team contribute to the overall vision of the company.
Jonathan is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Park & Recreation Professionals (CPRP), and Advance Commerical Advisors (ACA). He has a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Butler University. Additionally, Jonathan is a member of the American Planning Association (Environmental Division, City Planning Division, and Indiana Chapter), the National Recreation & Park Association, the Indiana Park & Recreation Association, and the Indiana Commercial Board of REALTORS.
Senior Director of Marketing & PR
An award-winning marketer and writer with over two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and public relations, Kelly is an essential part of the RJL team. Known for her creativity, determination, and leadership qualities, Kelly excels in overcoming challenges to help organizations be relevant.
Kelly grew up just outside Indianapolis in New Palestine, Indiana, and spent much of her childhood watching basketball legend Larry Bird. Her admiration led her to attend Bird's alma mater, Indiana State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Additionally, Kelly holds an MBA from Western Governors University.
As Senior Director of Marketing, Kelly is responsible for leading the development of comprehensive marketing and communications programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of RJL clients. Her strategic vision centers on enhancing brand recognition and market positioning for our valued clients. This includes creating innovative campaigns, cultivating impactful messaging, and implementing targeted strategies to drive growth and engagement within the industry.
Kelly and her husband, Kenny, live in Terre Haute. Most evenings and weekends, you can find their family at local athletic events, as their three children are involved in multiple sports.
Senior Director of Operations
McKenzi Ross started as the company’s first full-time grant writer more than five years ago, leading strategic planning and community development initiatives, including feasibility studies and needs assessments. McKenzi’s innovative approach has secured over $30 million in funding for clients and partners since 2021.
In her role as Senior Director of Operations, McKenzi oversees key operational functions, including human relations, professional development, onboarding/offboarding, and compliance. Her leadership ensures that RJL's continued growth is seamlessly aligned with both the success of the organization and the needs of its clients.
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Director of Business Development
Megan Heronemus serves as the Director of Business Development at RJL Solutions and will be based in Evansville, leading strategic growth initiatives for clients across industries. With over 20 years of experience in business development, hospitality, and tourism, Megan specializes in relationship-building, strategic planning, and community engagement to help businesses and organizations achieve long-term success.
Prior to joining RJL Solutions, Megan was the Director of Sales for Explore Evansville, where she played a key role in attracting major events, driving tourism-related economic development, and developing strategic partnerships across local, state, and regional markets. Her expertise in sales strategy, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement has consistently led to measurable growth and impactful initiatives.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from Western Kentucky University. She has been actively involved in various state and regional organizations, including the Indiana Society of Association Executives, Meeting Professionals International, and the Burdette Park Advisory Board. A longtime resident of Evansville, she is deeply committed to fostering economic and community development throughout Southwest Indiana.
Director of Corporate Relations
Rhiannon brings a strong background in business management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. She has led outreach and alumni engagement efforts at the Indiana State University Alumni Association and managed impactful public health initiatives with the Vigo County Health Department. With expertise in strategic program development, cross-functional team leadership, and event coordination, she brings a dynamic approach to every project.
As Director of Corporate Relations, Rhiannon fosters growth across Indiana by cultivating relationships and building strategic partnerships with for-profit businesses. She holds an MBA from Indiana State University and a bachelor's degree from Olivet Nazarene University.
In her personal time, Rhiannon enjoys staying active at the gym, traveling with her family, and supporting her daughter, Miah, in softball and basketball.
Government Relations Manager
Ruthie Munn serves as the Government Relations Manager at RJL Solutions. Originally from Crown Point, IN, Ruthie now resides in Indianapolis and brings a strong educational background to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA from Trine University, and is currently pursuing a JD from IU McKinney.
Ruthie’s extensive experience includes government affairs internships during law school, a lobbying internship with 1816, and legal positions with the State Budget Agency and the Governor’s Office. At RJL Solutions, she advocates for clients by building relationships with lawmakers and government officials, monitoring policy developments, and influencing legislation. Ruthie develops strategies to navigate the political landscape and ensures that clients’ goals are effectively represented.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Damon, and their two dogs, Lola and Bear. She is also passionate about running and outdoor activities.
Senior Director of Business Development
T.J.’s attention to detail and vision for community development make him an integral part of the RJL Solutions team. A Terre Haute native, he feels called to improve the quality of life in his hometown. As Senior Director of Business Development, T.J. will focus on driving business development and client retention efforts for RJL in key regions across Indiana. His take on client care is simple, make friends and keep friends. Each client, much like each friendship, is unique.
As the face of RJL Solutions, T.J. uses his excellent communication skills to manage high-level customer service, assist in the development of client retention initiatives and strategies and serve as the point of contact for clients. RJL Solutions is a “No Worry” firm, and T.J. is the driving force which makes this statement true. He works as community liaison when attending meetings, events, conferences and other networking opportunities where clients need us most.
T.J. graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2021, with a degree in communications and a master’s degree in interpersonal communications. T.J. has won several athletic achievements including the University of Kentucky Mr. Wild Cat award for community service, academics and sports.
RJL Solutions is where organizations come to find advocates to embrace challenges and fight for your cause every day.
