INDIANAPOLIS - Julie Roe Lach, Horizon League Commissioner, has been elected chair of the Indiana Sports Corp Board of Directors. Roe Lach becomes the ninth chair of the board since Indiana Sports Corp's inception in 1979. Karin Sarratt, OneAmerica Executive Vice President, was elected as Vice Chair. After serving three years as board chairman, Rick Fuson, part of Indiana Sports Corp since 1984 and a life member, assumes the role of immediate past chairman of the Board.
“I am honored to have been Chair of Indiana Sports Corp over the last three years," said Fuson. "I am grateful to Vice Chair Jennifer Pope Baker, Ryan Vaughn, Patrick Talty, and the Indiana Sports Corp Staff for their tireless effort under extraordinary circumstances. The Indiana Sports Corp Board continues to lead the model sports organization of its kind in the best town in America to hold a major sporting event. I am so very pleased to turn the Indiana Sports Corp reins over to new Chair, Julie Roe Lach and Vice Chair, Karin Sarratt. Both Julie and Karin are exemplary leaders, and I am so very proud that for the first time in the 43 years history of Indiana Sports Corp that the Board will be Chaired by a woman.”
"Julie and Karin are exceptional leaders in our community and we are excited they have agreed to take an expanded role with Indiana Sports Corp as our Board Chair and Vice Chair," said Patrick Talty, Indiana Sports Corp president. "As our organization strives to inspire and advance the community through sports, we rely on the community-minded individuals who comprise our board to play a significant part in living out our mission. We are grateful for the invaluable leadership Rick and Jennifer have shown our organization and look forward to the impact Julie and Karin will have in these new roles."
Roe Lach has been involved with athletics for more than 20 years. During her time at the Horizon League, she has been responsible for all core functions with special emphasis on championships, television, finances, governance/compliance, and operationalizing the HL's strategic plan. Prior to the Horizon League, Roe Lach worked at the NCAA for more than 15 years, most recently serving as the vice president of enforcement from October 2010 to February 2013. After leaving the NCAA, Julie founded JRL Consulting which merged with CCHA Collegiate Consulting where Roe Lach currently serves as Managing Principal and Of Counsel with the CCHA Sports Law practice.
"I am honored to serve as Board Chair of Indiana Sports Corp," said Roe Lach. "I want to give special thanks to former Chair Rick Fuson and Vice Chair Jennifer Pope Baker who along with outgoing President Ryan Vaughn led Indiana Sports Corp through the pandemic leaving the organization in a position of strength. I’m excited to work alongside our committed Board members, President Patrick Talty, and the outstanding Indiana Sports Corp staff as we deliver some major events in the coming years while building our state’s sports strategy into the future."
Sarratt, a member of the OneAmerica Executive Council, is the Indianapolis-based financial service company’s executive vice president. As EVP Sarratt leads Community Affairs, Enterprise Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, and Enterprise Strategy. Sarratt joined OneAmerica in fall 2016. Previously vice president of human resources at Anthem, Sarratt has experience with large, complex and highly regulated companies, and has worked with multi-site executive teams to help them respond to the challenges of connecting with associates’ needs. Before joining Anthem, she worked for International Paper Co. for more than 14 years, serving in her last role there as director of human resources in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sarratt is active in community service in Indianapolis in various board positions, and active member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc.
"I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Vice Chair for the Indiana Sports Corp Board of Directors," said Sarratt. "After being involved with the organization in several capacities for many years, I have witnessed how sports can drive the community forward. I'm looking forward to continuing that impact with this team in this elevated leadership role."
Roe Lach and Sarratt join the following members of the Indiana Sports Corp Executive Committee: Steve Sanner (Jiffy Lube of Indiana), Kathleen McNeely (Civic Volunteer), Rick Fuson (Pacers Sports & Entertainment), Andy Connor (Civic Volunteer), Dave Lewis (Indy Championships Fund), Dennis Dye (Shiel Sexton), Krista Skidmore (Flashpoint), Joanne Brouillette (Demeter LP), William Knox (Legacy Sports Group), Cindy Simon-Skjodt (Samerian Foundation), Terina Perry (Lucas Oil Products), Mario Rodriguez (Indianapolis Airport Authority), Jennifer Pope Baker (Civic Volunteer), Scott Bearby (NCAA), and Danny Lopez (Pacers Sports & Entertainment).
In addition to changes in leadership, several community leaders joined the Indiana Sports Corp Board of Directors.
- Tyler Bennett, Ascension St. Vincent
- Scott Bearby, NCAA
- Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber
- Marty Hill, Sport Graphics
- Beth Keyser, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Indiana
- Danny Lopez, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
- Dr. Patrick McGill, Community Health Network
- Jose Samperio, Cummins
- Erin Shaw, J.P. Morgan
- Ryan Vaughn, Sondhi Solutions
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About Indiana Sports Corp
Founded in 1979 as the nation’s first sports commission, Indiana Sports Corp is a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing premier sporting events to Indiana to drive economic vitality, facilitate a vibrant community with civic pride and garner positive media attention. Because of this, Indiana Sports Corp is able to provide positive, sports-related opportunities for youth in the community. For more information, please visit IndianaSportsCorp.org.
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