Bruce Garrison

Bruce has spent almost 40 years working in the international nonprofit world. 23 of those years involved writing and editing magazines, books, newsletters and web content. He was fortunate enough to experience 21 years of living in England working in global nonprofit activity: education, literature, humanitarian, as well as famine and cyclone relief. He is now taking those 40 years of experience and working in Services, Advocacy, Coalition Building, Cultural Awareness, and Leadership Development in the immigration space.

He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Patchwork Indy. Patchwork Indy is recognized as a national leader in both practice and policy around Private Sponsorship and care for immigrants and refugees who are here in the US through lawful pathways.

In a time when the world is rapidly changing and we are facing challenges, both old and new, Bruce's focus in nonprofit work is on innovation. How can we do things differently? How can we do it better? In 2022, the Meridian Foundation of Indianapolis recognized Patchwork Indy for its innovation in addressing the affordable housing problem in Indianapolis. Again in 2025, the Meridian Foundation awarded Patchwork Indy for its work with resettled communities from around the world.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the nonprofit world, Bruce hopes he has learned a few lessons and understands what works, what doesn't work, and what could work — with some tweaks and new twists. He is continually working to find ways to strengthen the resettled communities and leaders throughout Indiana. Intellectual Curiosity and learning to “Think Different” are key aspects of everything he thinks and does.