INDIANAPOLIS (September 16, 2014) – The 500 Festival announces the following new hires:

Kaitlin O’Brien has been hired as Ticketing and Customer Service Coordinator. Her responsibilities include the oversight of registrations for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, ticketing for the IPL 500 Festival Parade and customer service. O’Brien previously worked for The Hartford, where she was an Associate Claim Representative. During that time, she assisted policy holders with the claims process. A native of Carmel, Ind., O’Brien earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Indiana University and was a former 500 Festival Intern.

Sara Adams has been hired as Event Coordinator. Her responsibilities include the management of the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run and the Mini-Marathon Post Race Party. Adams previously interned for the 500 Festival in support of the Volunteer and Education Programs. A native of Greenwood, Ind., Adams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism, Conventions & Event Management from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

Kim Gale has been hired as Director of Marketing for Running Events and Programs.  She will manage marketing, communications and program development for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K, the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run, the 500 Festival KidsFit Program and other running community interactions.  Gale most recently managed events and partnerships for BlueMile, a running specialty retailer and was a former executive director of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business Management from Asbury University in Kentucky and has completed over 20 marathons and 60 half-marathons including nine OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon races.

Sabrina List has been hired as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.  She will oversee all marketing, communications and public relations for the 500 Festival organization and its events and programs – including the development and execution of annual integrated marketing communications plans.  List previously worked for Indiana’s second largest communication agency, BLASTmedia as a Senior Vice President working with a wide range of technology-based companies and on the hhgregg account.  Prior to that, she worked in communications, branding and public relations for a San Francisco-based firm.  List earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University and is a former 500 Festival Princess.

“We could not be more excited to add such tremendous depth and talent to our team,” stated Bob Bryant, President and CEO of the 500 Festival.  “Each one of these individuals showed great interest in working with the 500 Festival to positively impact the lives of fellow Hoosiers and will bring unique skills and experiences to bear on our mission.”

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 57 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.