INDIANAPOLIS (March 9, 2016) The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces the following new hires:
Tabitha Bolen has been hired as an administrative assistant. Her duties include providing administrative and office support for all of the 500 Festival staff to ensure all events and programs are a success. Tabitha is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs Management minoring in Human Resource and Legal Studies. While completing her studies, she assisted in providing a course on workplace diversity management. She recently completed a business administration internship with Brevard Music Center in North Carolina where she provided administrative assistance to their team and participants. In this role, she spear headed a project to conduct an economic impact study for the organization.
Laura Bliss has been hired as an event manager. In this role, she will work primarily on logistics and operations for the IPL 500 Festival Parade. Laura is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Laura comes to the 500 Festival from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce where she earned the position as the project coordinator for the Wellness Council of Indiana. During this time, she marketed and organized a variety of information and programs for a multitude of Indiana businesses who integrated wellness initiatives into their company’s culture. Laura volunteers her free time serving as a member of The Junior League of Indianapolis where she strives to promote lasting change in the lives of children and families in the community.
Darryl Morton has been hired as vice president of sponsorship. In this position, he will cultivate relationships with sponsors and create sponsorship packages according to client specifications. Darryl is a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and Marketing as well as a master’s in Communication Studies. At Indiana State, Darryl was a four year letterman football player. Previously, he worked at IU Health where he was the Sr. Account Executive. Within this role, he worked with corporate sponsors such as the Indianapolis Colts, Andrew Luck, IU Athletics and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is involved with numerous boards and committees such as Big Ten Football Championship, Indiana State University Young Professionals Board, Rev Indy and Youthlinks Charity Golf Outing Committee.
“We are thrilled to add these three individuals to our team,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival. “Each person demonstrated a genuine interest in fulfilling our mission and the opportunity to work alongside our amazing team. I truly believe that we have the best team we could possibly assemble as we continue our journey towards a May filled with once-in-a-generation celebrations including the 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade and the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.”
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 $400 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.
