Jennifer Pace Robinson was named CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in May 2021 after working for the museum for 29 years. Among her duties is forming partnerships that lead to large-scale exhibits and initiatives focused on the arts, sciences and humanities. She led the creation of the “Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See” exhibit that was developed with the Till family and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Mississippi. She serves on the Visit Indy board and Indiana University School of Education Dean’s Council.
Job swap: “I would like to be an Imagineer at Disney!”
Something surprising: “I love to go trail running year-round. Snow is my favorite.”
Toughest challenge: “My son had to have three brain surgeries during the pandemic. Having a critically ill child really puts life in perspective. He is doing well now and is studying anthropology at Ball State.”
Allison Melangton oversees marketing, communications and corporate partnerships for Penske Entertainment Corp., owner of the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Melangton has been involved in almost every major sports event in Indianapolis over the last several decades. She served 20 years on the executive leadership team of Indiana Sports Corp., the last two as president. She was CEO of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. In 2014, she joined Hulman Motorsports—now Penske Entertainment—and led the planning and execution of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016. She was an associate producer for gymnastics for NBC Sports at six Olympic Games. She serves on the boards of OneAmerica, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, the St. Vincent Foundation, the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis Economic Club.
Admires most: "Women who have broken barriers and lead by example, such as Sandy Knapp, initial founder of the Indiana Sports Corp. in 1979."
Now in his 39th year with the Pacers organization, Rick Fuson has been influential in shaping events within Market Square Arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and elsewhere in Indianapolis. He joined the staff of Market Square Arena in 1984 as director of special events, helping to plan the 1985 NBA All-Star Game. Fuson was promoted the following year to vice president and later oversaw the design of the Pacers’ move to Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse) in 1999. In his current role, Fuson is responsible for all aspects of the business and facilities operations of Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
First job: “Cleaning tables at Laughner’s Cafeteria. It taught me to do anything it takes.”
Walk-up song: “Don’t Stop Believin,'” by Journey
Hoover owns Won't Stop Hospitality Inc., a collection of restaurants that include Caf Patachou, Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar, Napolese Pizzeria, Public Greens, Apocalypse Burger and Bar One Fourteen. In 2013, she created The Patachou Foundation to feed healthy meals to food-insecure children in Indianapolis. This year, the foundation is expected to reach 500,000 meals served to children.
As vice president of communications for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Quinn Buckner is the organization’s liaison to the corporate community, leads the Pacers Youth Basketball Program, and is the analyst for Indiana Pacers television games. He serves on the board for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. Before joining the Pacers, he was an analyst with the Cleveland Cavaliers, coached the Dallas Mavericks and played 10 seasons in the NBA. He was captain of Indiana University’s 1976 NCAA Championship team and the 1976 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team. He chairs the Indiana University board.
First job: “I worked for a janitor at my elementary school, as well as for Head Start delivering supplies (around 10-12 years old). It taught responsibility.”
Something surprising: “I’ve always had an interest in
NHRA racing.”
Toughest challenge: “I grew up shy, so being in front of an audience is the toughest. I am private and shy, but people don’t necessarily see me that way. I overcome in order to give my best.”
Leonard Hoops leads a team of 58 professionals who are charged with growing central Indiana’s nearly $6 billion convention, tourism and event business. During his tenure, Indianapolis has been named the No. 1 convention city in America by USA Today and a top visitor destination by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler and Time magazine. He has helped develop the Indy Destination Vision travel and tourism plan, which includes a planned new hotel downtown, and the planning vision for the White River. He sits on the board of business events organization PCMA, among other national and local boards.
On leadership: “Just about anyone can have short-term success. But to deliver sustained success, you must build a great organizational culture.”
Something surprising: “I’ve been doing stand-up comedy for a variety of charitable causes (and an occasional industry roast or two) for about eight years.”
Worry: “Social issues legislation at the Statehouse. Underserved and marginalized communities, particularly people with disabilities.”
Mel Raines is in her ninth season with Pacers Sports & Entertainment as president and chief operating officer as well as president of the 2024 NBA All-Star Local Organizing Committee. Raines is responsible for corporate communications, community engagement, facility and event operations and management, human resources, and IT in addition to the Fieldhouse of the Future construction project and all capital construction projects. Before joining the Pacers, she was chief of staff to Indiana congresswoman Susan W. Brooks, overseeing three offices as well as all legislative, constituent services and communications staff.
First job: “I used to sell programs at Notre Dame football games when I was too young to be hired in a real job. It taught me to be proactive, hustle, make quick change and, if you were very nice to people, sometimes you might end up with an extra ticket to get into the game.”
Something surprising: “I absolutely love car shopping. I know many people dread it, but I love everything about it and would have a new car every year if I could.”
Michael Andretti is a former IndyCar driver who now leads Andretti Autosport, which fields multiple entries in the NTT IndyCar Series, Indy Lights Series and the IMSA Sportscar Championship LMP3 division, as well as programs in other series. Andretti teams have won 200 times, with four IndyCar Series championships, four Indy Lights titles and five Indianapolis 500 wins. Last year alone, Andretti Autosport won 20 races—with wins in six of the seven series the team competed in. As a driver, the eldest son of Mario Andretti raced in 16 Indy 500s, leading in nine of them, and won 42 races in the CART series. He also started the Michael Andretti Foundation. Last year, Andretti Global, the parent company of Andretti Autosport, announced it would build its motorsports headquarters in Fishers.
Doug Boles became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 2013, when the track was owned by Hulman & Co., and has continued to oversee the track’s daily operations as part of Penske Entertainment. He spearheads IMS events—including the Indianapolis 500, the GMR Grand Prix and the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard—and oversees work on the track’s facilities. Boles joined IMS as director of public relations in 2010 and moved up through the company. From 1992-1997, he served as director of governmental and corporate affairs for Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith.
Job swap: “High school/college swimming coach or management for a rock band.”
Admires most: “My dad. Simple. Always had time for family, and watching him in his professional life, he cared deeply about his staff and knew the importance of team culture to that success.”
Jim Hallett stepped down in March as executive chair and board chair of OpenLane (formerly KAR Global) and continues to serve on the board of the worldwide auto auction services company. During his tenure, the Carmel-based company grew rapidly and now has 4,500 employees across the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Uruguay and Europe. He pioneered the use of big data and digital transformation in the auto auction industry among automakers, dealer groups and financial institutions. As owner of the Indy Fuel hockey team, he also is involved in the development of an 8,500-seat entertainment and event center in Fishers that will serve as the team’s home.
First job: paperboy
Civic contribution: “‘Mabel’s Ride’—a program I developed in collaboration with the Community Health Network Foundation that helps thousands of patients access the health care they need by providing free transportation. Mabel is my mother’s name, and I wanted the program to reflect her generosity and commitment to supporting others in the community.”
