Board of Directors

The 500 Festival is governed by a committed Board of Directors and led by 500 Festival CEO Dave Neff. The board, comprised of community leaders, 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 support and enhance the 500 Festival and its more than 30 events and programs.

Doug Boles, President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway & INDYCAR

Scott Bove, Regional President, STAR Bank

Travis Brown, CEO, Team Image

Chris Cooke, Co-CEO, Partner, Wealth Advisor, Cooke Financial Group

Patricio Daneri, President and CEO, Energy Harness Corporation

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

John F. Gause, President and CEO, Apex Benefits Group

Greg Goelzer, CEO, Goelzer Investment Management

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

Jeff Harrison, President and CEO, Citizens Energy Group

Bali Heir, Chief Business & Talent Development Officer, Krieg DeVault LLP

Laurie Henry-Bradley, President/Owner Operator, Huston Lynn Enterprises, Inc.

Dr. Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools

Larry Jones, Founder and President, Teagen Development / Factory Arts District

Jenny Lurkins, Indiana Market Executive and Commercial Banking Leader, Regions Bank

Tadd Miller, CEO, Milhaus

JJ Nelson, Executive Director of Indiana, Delta Dental

Ron Penczek, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, Elevance Health

Lori Price, President and CEO, Franciscan Health, Central Indiana Division

Blake Schulz, Partner, Ice Miller’s Real Estate Group

Adrienne Sims, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, IU Health

Erik Skjodt, Owner, Vault Ventures

Angela Smith-Jones, Associate Vice President for University Relations, Indiana University

Kevin Speer, Senior Vice President and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension St. Vincent

Doug Talley, President, The National Bank of Indianapolis

Casse Tate, Partner, Katz, Sapper & Miller

Roger VanDerSnick, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Indianapolis Colts

Karen Woods, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, First Financial Bank