The Lakeshore Excellence Foundation (LEF) has announced a strategic leadership transition plan that will guide the organization into its next chapter of service to Lakeshore students, teachers, and the broader community.
After 14 years of leadership, LEF Chairman JC Anderson will transition from his role at the end of 2026. Current LEF Board Member and Fund Development Committee member, Himanshu Ganjoo, will assume the role of Chairman in January 2027.
“This transition plan was proactively developed to ensure the continued growth and long-term sustainability of the LEF,” Anderson said. “No one asked me to step aside – rather, I believe this is the right time for new leadership to carry forward our mission with fresh energy and perspective.”
Anderson, who turned 80 this past October, was originally asked in 2012 by LEF founder Dave Brockway to serve as Chairman. At the time, Anderson had two grandsons attending Lakeshore Public Schools and committed to serving while they were enrolled. Although his grandsons have long since graduated, Anderson’s involvement evolved into what he describes as a “labor of love” — a meaningful way to give back to the community his family calls home.
Under Anderson’s leadership, LEF has strengthened its strategic focus, expanded fundraising initiatives, deepened donor relationships, and enhanced support for educational opportunities across the district. His tenure has been marked by consistent growth, strong business partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
As part of the multi-year transition plan:
- Anderson will continue serving as Board Chairman through December 2026.
- Ganjoo will immediately step into the role of Vice Chair of the Fund Development Committee and join the Executive Committee.
- In January 2027, Ganjoo will assume the role of Board Chairman.
- Anderson will serve as Vice Chair of Fund Development in 2027 before concluding his Board service in 2028.
The structured timeline allows for mentorship, continuity, and a seamless transition of leadership responsibilities.
Ganjoo brings strong professional and community credentials to the role. He is a Commercial Banker with 1st Source Bank and currently serves on the LEF Fund Development Committee. He and his wife, Sucheta — a Project Manager at Whirlpool Corporation with 19 years of service — are deeply invested in the Lakeshore community. Their daughters, Aadhya (6th grade) and Mishka (Preschool), attend Lakeshore Middle School and Trinity Lutheran School.
Anderson emphasized that future leadership of LEF should reflect active engagement in the school system, a passion for fundraising, and strong community and business connections — particularly with Whirlpool Corporation, LEF’s largest business donor.
“Himanshu brings energy, perspective, and a genuine passion for supporting Lakeshore students and educators,” notes Anderson. “I am very proud of the increased impact that the LEF has been able to attain with our donor base, the teachers, administration, and students during my time as Chairman. I know that Himanshu shares my passion for continuing to grow the LEF and its impact.”
Ganjoo says he’s grateful for the opportunity to serve in a way that directly impacts the community where he and his family live.
