Innovate West Central Indiana - Terre Haute

Dr. Mike Godard proudly serves as the 13th President of Indiana State University, bringing over 25 years of higher education leadership. His distinguished career spans multiple pivotal roles, from dedicated faculty member to department chair, vice provost, and most recently, provost.

Leadership at Southeast Missouri State University

Before joining Indiana State University, Dr. Godard was the provost at Southeast Missouri State University since 2019. During his tenure, he:

• Forged Successful Public-Private Partnerships: These initiatives led to the creation of innovative academic programs tailored to meet regional workforce needs and support economic development.
• Strategic Resource Allocation: He reallocated resources efficiently to support new programs and initiatives.
• Guided Strategic Planning: Dr. Godard spearheaded a strategic planning process with measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring the achievement of the university's objectives.

Past Roles and Achievements

Dr. Godard has also held several key positions including:

• Interim Provost and Chief Learning Officer
• Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Student Success: In this role, he achieved record enrollments and increased student retention rates while ensuring affordability and access for all students.
• Collaborations with the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference: He worked to closely align academic and athletic goals for the benefit of student-athletes.

Academic Background

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Godard holds a PhD in Human Bioenergetics from Ball State University, a master’s in Exercise Physiology from Adelphi University, and a bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Vermont State University - Castleton.

Personal Life

Dr. Mike Godard and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Terre Haute, Indiana, and are proud parents to their two adult sons, Grant and Lance.

Rachel Joann Leslie is the face behind the name at RJL Solutions. With a fierce desire to bring good things to Indiana, Rachel’s journey has been lined in understanding her community and fighting for what it needs.

Rachel founded RJL Solutions in the summer of 2017 where she recognized the importance and value of advocacy and representation. The firm began as an advocacy firm and has since expanded to the marketing, public relations and community development industries.

As an experienced collaborator and registered lobbyist, Rachel advocates on behalf of her clients, strategically bringing them state and federal relationships and unique resources while also working to educate others on specific issues and promote public/private partnerships. Rachel has over 15 years of experience in government relationships, strategic communications, community development, event management and intentional collaboration.

Rachel holds a Master of Leadership Development degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a B.S. degree in Speech Communication Public Relations and Journalism from Indiana State University. She is a graduate of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association Chamber University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management and the Indiana Leadership Forum. She served the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce in many capacities for seven years, including Executive Vice President, and was the Vice President for External Relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for five years.

Rachel participates on a number of community and professional boards and committees, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Governor’s Defense Taskforce. She has previously served as President for the National Defense Industrial Association Greater Indiana Chapter, President of the Terre Haute Regional Airport Board Authority, and Vice President of the Indiana Defense Network.

Rachel lives in Terre Haute, Indiana with her husband, Broc, and their two boys, Beau and Luke. Often times, you can find their family outside, whether that be hunting or fishing or somewhere near a baseball mound.

Kelly Drake is a dynamic entrepreneur and dedicated community leader based in Terre Haute, Indiana. Together with her husband Tim, Kelly co-owns and operates The Mill Event Center & Amphitheater, a standout live music and entertainment venue nestled on a 65-acre riverfront property in the Wabash Valley. Under her guidance, The Mill has evolved into a cornerstone of the local arts scene—hosting high‑profile concerts, fostering community engagement, and consistently giving back through charitable initiatives.

In addition to her work at The Mill, Kelly is a co-owner of VIP Roofing & Exteriors, a homegrown company known for dependable roofing and exterior solutions across west-central Indiana. With a background in business, she brings practical expertise and a forward-thinking approach to both ventures.

A graduate of Indiana State University, Kelly blends her academic foundation with a deep love for her hometown. Beyond her professional roles, Kelly is passionate about giving back through mentorship and education. Each year, The Mill provides an internship program where students obtain real-world insights into event planning, venue management, and community outreach.

Above all, Kelly treasures spending time with her family—including their two children, Kali and Clayton, and their beloved dog Miller, the unofficial mascot of The Mill. Whether it’s cheering on a favorite band, enjoying a night at home or exploring new places to visit, family time is at the heart of everything she does.

Vanessa became the Indiana Chamber’s first female president and CEO on January 5, 2024.

After 20 years in Washington D.C. at the center of politics and power, Vanessa moved “home” to Indianapolis with her husband, a Clay County native, and their two sons. She founded Green Sinders Consulting, a woman-led firm offering strategic advice, project execution and crisis management, and leadership development and coaching services to clients.

Previously, Vanessa served as senior vice president for government affairs at Charter Communications/Spectrum, a Fortune 100 cable and broadband company. She was responsible for directing the company’s strategic policy and political engagement with Congress and the White House, as well as managing a seven-person internal team and 15 external consulting firms.

Vanessa came to Charter after a four-year stint as senior vice president and department head for government affairs at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In that capacity, she oversaw the association’s advocacy work at the federal, state and local levels, and managed the 10-person government affairs team.

Vanessa’s political and policy roots run deep. For a decade, earlier in her career, she held high-profile positions on Capitol Hill, including chief of staff for then-U.S. Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts and policy director for former U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire. Additionally, she was chief of staff for the “Campaign to Fix the Debt,” a nonpartisan issue-based coalition advocating for better national fiscal policies. There, she oversaw this implementation of the campaign’s strategy and directed the activities for its 45-person staff.

Vanessa received a bachelor’s degree in government with a minor in economics from Dartmouth College.

Ryan Keller is the CEO of Thrive West Central, a nonprofit organization serving West Central Indiana. Ryan and his team repositioned Thrive West Central in 2020 as an innovative regional driver. Thrive connects individuals, business, and communities to resources.  Thrive's services and programs focus on building age-friendly communities, improving the quality of life, promoting population growth, and increasing the per capita personal income throughout West Central Indiana. 

Ryan has a background in nonprofit organizational development, K-16 education, instructional design, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and leadership development. Prior to West Central, Ryan was the Chief Operating Officer at Certell, a worldwide nonprofit focused on free market and good citizenship educational programs.  

Before Certell, Ryan worked for major and minor league baseball teams, the NFL, agriculture cooperatives, and as a high school and college instructor.  He earned a master’s degree in Leadership Development with a focus on nonprofit organizations from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Plant Science and Agronomy, with an emphasis in turf science. 

Ryan lives outside Brazil, a small West Central town, with his wife and three children. Ryan is a recent Indiana Leadership Forum (ILF) graduate in 2024. He serves on several nonprofit boards and volunteers his time creating a better quality of life for members of his community.