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New Indiana Pacers CEO Mel Raines helped plan Indy Super Bowl, worked for Dick Cheney

evan frank, indianapolis star
·2 min read

Mel Raines has been named the new CEO/President of the Indiana Pacers.

Raines, who will take over for the retiring Rick Fuson, has worked at Pacers Sports & Entertainment since 2015 serving as the organization's President and COO Officer. Another title she has held is the President of the 2024 NBA All-Star Local Organizing Committee.

Before embarking on a career in sports, Raines held numerous positions in Republican politics. Here are five things to know about Raines:

Mel Raines, SVP, Facilities Operation, one of the many women of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment WomenÕs Network.
Mel Raines, SVP, Facilities Operation, one of the many women of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment WomenÕs Network.

Mel Raines is an Indiana native

Raines grew up in South Bend and earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from Indiana University.

Mel Raines joins a select group of female NBA executives

Raines is now among a group of women who are executives for NBA teams. She joins Jeanie Buss (president and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers), Lara Price (chief operating officer of the Philadelphia 76ers), Gillian Zucker (president of business operations for the L.A. Clippers), Cynt Marshall (CEO of the Dallas Mavericks) and Melissa Proctor (executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Atlanta Hawks).

In addition to those team executives, Amy Brooks works as president, team marketing and business operations and chief innovation officer for the NBA.

Mel Raines address questions when the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee announced their transportation and parking plans for Super Bowl XLVI .
Mel Raines address questions when the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee announced their transportation and parking plans for Super Bowl XLVI .

Before the NBA, Mel Raines was involved in Super Bowl planning

From 2009 to 2012, Raines was a key part of the 2012 Super Bowl, which was held in Indianapolis. According to her LinkedIn profile, she served as the vice president of government relations and event operations and oversaw 14 planning committees.

Related: Meet the Pacers' highest-ranking women: An NBA team that is gender blind

Mel Raines worked as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks

While serving from November 2012 until January 2015, Raines oversaw three offices for Brooks and all legislative, constituent services and communications staff.

Mel Raines worked for Dick Cheney and played a role in multiple Republican National Conventions

Raines started her political career working for former Indiana U.S. Senator Dan Coats. From there, she worked in various roles on six Republican National Conventions. She was also the Assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney for Political Affairs.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who is Mel Raines? What to know about new Indiana Pacers CEO/President