500 Festival Names Board Members, Officers
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe 500 Festival Board of Directors has named its 2014-2015 officers as well as six new members. Indianapolis-based Bright Sheet Metal Co. Inc. Chief Operating Officer Gary Aletto will serve as chairman of the board.
October 6, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the quality of life for Indiana residents and visitors, today announces the election of officers for its 2014-2015 board of directors. In addition, six new civic and business leaders were appointed to the 500 Festival board of directors.
Serving as the governing body of the 500 Festival, the board of directors is comprised of 35 community leaders. 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 support and enhance the 500 Festival and its more than 50 programs and events.
Elected officers for 2014-2015:
Chairman of the board: Gary Aletto, chief operating officer, Bright Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
Vice chairman of the board: Patty Martin, senior director, Lilly Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company
Secretary: Justin Christian, president and CEO, BCforward
“Gary has proven himself as a passionate supporter of the 500 Festival. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our programs and events enhance the lives of our half million participants and spectators each year,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “I'm excited to work with Gary, along with our new slate of officers, over the coming year.”
New additions to the board of directors:
Kathy Cabello, president, Cabello Associates
As president and founder of Cabello Associates, Kathy Cabello oversees corporate strategy and marketing to meet each client’s particular needs. A passionate advocate for higher education for youth, Cabello mentors Hispanic/Latino youth. Ms. Cabello also serves as president emeritus and a founding member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs – Indianapolis chapter, the executive board of the National Association of Women Business Owners – Indianapolis and the Indiana State University board of trustees.
Lawrence Dewey, chairman, president and CEO, Allison Transmission
Lawrence Dewey joined Allison Transmission in February 1989 and has served as chairman, president and CEO since August 2007. Mr. Dewey currently serves on the board of directors of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Sports Corporation, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee.
Melissa Greenwell, executive vice president, chief human resources officer, Finish Line
Ms. Greenwell leads Finish Line's human resources, communications and corporate social responsibility functions. Melissa currently serves as a director of Special Olympics Indiana board as well as the Finish Line Youth Foundation.
Scott Molander, COO, LIDS Sports Group
Scott Molander co-founded Hat World, Inc. in 1995. Today, the LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc. has more than 1,000 retail locations and 220 sales professionals in the Lids Team Sports. Mr. Molander currently serves on the board for the Dickinson State University Foundation and previously served on the board for the Indiana University Entrepreneurship School.
Robert Pruitt, managing partner, BKD, LLP
Mr. Pruitt is managing partner of BKD’s Indianapolis and Bloomington offices, as well as the firm’s national tax director. His experience includes providing tax planning services for closely held and multinational corporations. Mr. Pruitt is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Indiana CPA Society and United Way Tocqueville Society. He is also a current board member of the Marian University Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Public Safety Foundation and was a founding board member of Academy of Finance at Hamilton Southeastern High School. He was a previous board member for TechPoint and the TechPoint PAC.
Aaron Reitz, senior vice president, Key Bank
As senior vice president and regional head of Key’s Corporate and Commercial banking division, Mr. Reitz leads a seasoned team of professionals working with middle market and large corporate clients in the Indiana Region. Reitz has also been involved with the American Heart Association, Marion University Cycling, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
“On behalf of our 7,000 devoted volunteers and staff, I'm pleased to welcome this year's new members of our Board of Directors,” continued Bryant. “We're incredibly appreciative of their enthusiasm to serve and look forward to working with them to enhance our programs and events. From the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon to the IPL 500 Festival Parade to our newest addition, the 500 Festival KidsFit Program, these events and programs unite the community and introduce the world to all that Indianapolis has to offer during the month of May and beyond.”
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 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 $350 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.
Source: 500 Festival