The 500 Festival announces the elected officers for the 2024-2025 500 Festival Board of Directors and appoint six new civic and business leaders to its board. Additionally, new members and officers have been appointed to the 500 Festival Foundation Board of Directors, which supports the Festival’s mission through philanthropic efforts. 

500 Festival Board of Directors 

The 500 Festival Board of Directors, comprised of 33 community leaders, serves as the governing body of the 500 Festival. The board guides the strategic vision of the 500 Festival and its members act as trustees, representing the organization within the community. Committed to bettering the organization, members serve on various committees that enhance the 500 Festival’s events and programs. 

Elected Officers for 2024-2025 

Chair of the Board: Dr. Jim Callaghan  

Vice Chair of the Board: Christina Moungey 

Secretary: Dr. Aleesia Johnson 

Treasurer: Roger Harvey 

Immediate Past Chair: Michael Boatright  

“Dr. Callaghan has proven himself to be an exceptional leader on the board,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “His dedication, active involvement, and passion for every event and program have been inspiring. His promotion to chair is fully supported by his fellow board members, and we’re excited to see the continued impact of his leadership in this new role.” 

New Festival Board Members 

Jason Eckerle: Regional President for Central and Southern Indiana, PNC Bank 

Eckerle is a results-driven executive with almost 30 years of experience in customer service and banking. He is recognized for his leadership and excellence in both commercial and corporate banking and is focused on achieving financial and strategic goals. Dedicated to community engagement, he actively supports PNC’s Grow Up Great program, which promotes early education initiatives. He is also involved in efforts to strengthen Indiana’s economy and workforce.  

Jack Goodpasture: Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs Capabilities and Transformation, Eli Lilly 

Goodpasture has been with Eli Lilly since 2000 and has focused on building and leading high-performing teams across commercial, human resources, product development, and medical affairs. His experience spans several therapeutic areas, most recently in oncology. Currently, he and his team are responsible for developing and implementing new medical affairs capabilities globally to positively impact patient outcomes. Known as a strong coach and mentor, Jack is a people-focused leader and is excited to bring that passion to the 500 Festival. 

Cindy Morse: Chief of Staff, Office of the COO, Salesforce 

Morse joined Salesforce over 11 years ago as part of the ExactTarget acquisition. Throughout her tenure, she has held various roles and is currently the SVP and Chief of Staff to the President and COO, Brian Milliam and serves on the Salesforce Indianapolis Site Council. Outside of her professional role, she serves as committee chair for Women for Riley at Riley Children’s Hospital, planning chair for the Indiana Women in Tech Summit, a gymnastics coach at the YMCA, and the founder of Exact WIN (Women’s Inspiration Network). 

Ron Penczek: Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, Elevance Health 

Penczek is responsible for maintaining the integrity of Elevance Health’s financial records and managing external financial reporting to the SEC and other regulatory bodies. He has also been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, recently completing a decade of service on the executive board of the Crossroads of America Council in Central Indiana.  

Erik Skjodt: Owner, Vault Ventures 

Skjodt currently operates a private investment firm that deals in tech and real estate across the Midwest. Erik also serves on the board of Samerian, a foundation focused on youth and underserved communities in the greater Indianapolis area. He oversees the foundation’s investment portfolio including private equity and venture capital deals. He is a member of the Forbes Young Entrepreneurs Council and is a personal contributor on finance and entrepreneurship for publications like Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and U.S.News. Previously, he served as founder and CEO of two innovative Fintech startups that served over 10k customers and 3 industry-leading banks. 

Casse Tate: Partner, Katz, Sapper & Miller 

Tate leverages her tax law expertise to develop strategies that maximize tax savings and create meaningful impact for clients. She works across various industries, co-chairs the firm’s not-for-profit practice, and leads KSM Charitable Foundation Services. Tate is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Indiana CPA Society, and she has been involved with Dress for Success Indianapolis and Ball State University’s Accounting Alumni Advisory Board.

500 Festival Foundation Board of Directors 

The 500 Festival Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of civic and business leaders committed to supporting the 500 Festival’s mission to enrich lives and have a positive community impact while celebrating the Indy 500. A fully charitable 501(c)3 organization, the 500 Festival Foundation leverages philanthropy to advance the 500 Festival’s mission, with a special focus on bringing education, fitness, and leadership opportunities to Indiana youth. 

Elected Officers for 2024-2025 

Chair of the Board: Ted Dickman 

Vice Chair of the Board: Nadine Givens 

New Foundation Board Members 

Dennis Murphy: President & CEO, IU Health 

Murphy joined IU Health in 2013 as COO and has led efforts to advance the organization’s vision of making Indiana one of the healthiest states by focusing on high-quality health programs, value-based care, and community health initiatives, all supported by a culture of purpose, excellence, compassion, and teamwork. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University’s Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health and serves on multiple boards, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, IU Health Foundation, and The National Bank of Indianapolis. 

James Poore: Owner/Operator, McDonald’s of Central Indiana 

James S. Poore II began his career in marketing and sales before becoming vice president and director of marketing at Indiana’s largest privately owned bank. He now owns and operates six McDonald’s restaurants in Indianapolis, where he has received the Ronald Award for excellence in leadership. Poore has also earned the Distinguished Hoosier Award from the governor of Indiana. He has chaired the Pike YMCA Advisory Board, served on the 500 Festival Board, and been a member of the Board of Trustees for Indiana Wesleyan University. 

Eric Rowland: Principal, Luminaut  

Rowland has led major, innovative projects throughout his 30-year career in the architecture industry. His extensive experience across various markets gives him a deep knowledge of best practices and trends. His senior-level involvement from initial planning through construction ensures strong accountability from firm leadership to clients. His work has been nationally published, and he is a noted advocate for sustainable design and lifestyles. He has served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the 500 Festival, Indiana Landmarks, and the National Association of Wabash Men.  

Doug Brown: Principal and Senior Policy Advisor, Bose Public Affairs Group 

Brown is actively involved in his firm’s Governmental Services and Financial Institutions groups, providing legal counsel in areas such as wealth management, mortgage lending, and real estate development. His expertise covers business transactions, disputes, financing, and public affairs. He has served on the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County for 17 years, overseeing major public venues and sports events. His board experience also includes the Indiana Sports Corporation, the 500 Festival, and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders and community advocates to our boards,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Their professional success and dedication to the community will be invaluable as we continue enriching lives and making a positive impact. We anticipate the new and returning board members will drive significant progress and accomplishments for the 500 Festival.”  

To learn more about 500 Festival’s events and programs, please visit 500festival.com. 

About the 500 Festival | Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit 500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.