INDIANAPOLIS — Rick Fuson first joined the Indiana Pacers in 1984 for the expressed purpose of managing the 1985 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. After shepherding the organization through the necessary preparation for the 2024 All-Star Game, its first since 1985, Fuson is announcing his retirement as CEO of Pacers Sports and Entertainment just a few weeks before the event though he will be seeing it through.

According to a release, Fuson will step down June 18, though he will remain as an advisor to owner and chairman Herb Simon. Mel Raines, the president and chief operating officer of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, will be promoted to CEO.

“Nobody cares more deeply for this company, our people, or this city than Rick, and that above all is what has made him such a transformational leader and effective advocate for four decades,” Simon said in a press release. “Rick rose through the company, approached every role with enthusiasm and loyalty, and grew into one of the very best in this industry, and I am so proud of him and so grateful for his years of incredible work and friendship.”

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Fuson is an Indianapolis native and graduate of Arlington High School. He played football at Indiana under John Pont and graduated in 1975 with a political science degree. He spent nearly 10 years in his first position with the organization as director of special events at Market Square Arena. He was promoted to Executive Senior Vice President of Pacers Sports & Entertainment in November 2001. Rick was named Chief Operating Officer in April 2008. In September 2014 he became President/COO.

He's had a critical hand in re-shaping not just the Pacers as an organization, but in shaping downtown Indianapolis. He directed the construction of Gainbridge Fieldhouse — first known as Conseco Fieldhouse — and promoted it as not only a viable home arena for the Pacers, but a venue for concerts and national and international sporting events.

In Fuson's tenure, Indianapolis hosted the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championships and 2004 FINA World Swimming Championships. It became a host venue on a rotating basis for the Big Ten men's and women's basketball tournaments and hosted men's and women's NCAA tournament first-and-second round weekends as well as regionals. It hosted the women's Final Four in 2011 and 2016, and it helped the state of Indiana host the entire 2021 NCAA men's tournament under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Fuson has also been a key figure in helping Indianapolis host major events that were not held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He was co-chair of the 2012 Super Bowl Village Committee, and he had a hand in planning for the men's Final Four in 1991, 1997, 2000, 2006 and 2011 as well as the 2021 event. He was instrumental in bringing the All-Star Game to Indianapolis for the second time. It was originally supposed to host the 2021 All-Star Game, but that game was played in Atlanta with limited attendance because of COVID 19, and Indianapolis was granted the 2024 game.

“My entire career has been, in some form or fashion, an effort to leave my city and state a stronger and more inclusive place than I inherited it, and I am so fortunate to have spent four decades working for and alongside amazing people who share that commitment,” Fuson said in a press release. “Herb Simon and the Simon family have given me the opportunity to help lead this company and grow Indianapolis, and words could never express my gratitude to them. I’m looking forward to watching Mel and the staff excel and find new ways to grow the impact PS&E can make, on and off the court.”

After practice on Wednesday, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed his gratitude for what Fuson accomplished in his tenure.

"A guy like Rick Fuson is a legend, a living legend, literally in many, many ways," Carlisle said. "It's going to be different without him, but I know he'll still be around."

Carlisle also complimented the promotion of Raines, who has been with the Pacers since 2015. She also had a hand in bringing Indianapolis the Super Bowl as she was vice president of government relations and event operations for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee overseeing 14 planning committees.

"Mel Raines has earned this," Carlisle said. "She's been an amazing member of this organization for I don't know how many years, but since coming back here, a third time for me, I've had more interaction with her. Just super impressed with who she is and how she operates."

Follow IndyStar Pacers writer Dustin Dopirak on X at @DustinDopirak.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Rick Fuson retires, Mel Raines promoted