INDIANAPOLIS (October 21, 2013) – The 500 Festival announces the following new hires:

Jennifer Livesay has been hired as Volunteer Manager. Her responsibilities include the recruitment, training and onsite management of more than 7,000 500 Festival volunteers.  Livesay previously worked for Dress for Success, where she spent the last five years as a Program Manager. During that time she was responsible for maintaining the organization’s relationships with more than 90 partner agencies in Indianapolis as well as recruiting and managing their volunteer base. A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Livesay earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and is a volunteer for Starfish Initiative and United Way of Central Indiana. Photo

Kelby Hicks has been hired as Program and Development Manager. Her responsibilities include management of the 500 Festival Princess Program, as well as supporting the 500 Festival and 500 Festival Foundation in acquiring funding and grants to support organization initiatives. In addition, she will provide support for the marketing and communication team in social and digital media efforts. A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Hicks earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and was a 2003 500 Festival Princess. Kelby most recently served as a manager of political fundraising for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and also served as a special events manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Photo

The 500 Festival announces the following promotions and changes:

Josh Reichart has been promoted to Sponsorship Services Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day management of sponsorship fulfillment and serves as a liaison between 500 Festival corporate clients and the Festival’s internal teams to produce strategic partnerships for sponsors and the Festival. Photo

Sean Carlin, previously Sponsorship Manager for the 500 Festival, will now serve as Operations Manager. Responsibilities include management of the Mini-Marathon Expo and packet pickup, serving as a liaison between sponsorship, marketing and events departments in the production and activation of marketing and sponsorship events, as well as managing information technology and a new certificate of insurance program. Photo

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 advocate and celebrate the spirit, heritage and legacy of the Indianapolis 500^®. Through social, cultural and educational events and programs, the 500 Festival enhances the quality of life for all citizens of our communities.

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