Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body for IHS, which is a private, not-for-profit organization. The board ensures that the Indiana Historical Society is fiscally healthy and fulfilling its mission. It is made up of community leaders from throughout the state who are chosen for their experience and expertise, and who represent the many constituencies of IHS. This volunteer body meets on a quarterly basis and includes historians, business and civic leaders, attorneys, teachers, retirees and other citizens of Indiana.
2013 Board of Trustees
Jerry D. Semler, chair
Susan R. Jones-Huffine, first vice chair
Michael A. Blickman, second vice chair
Charles A. Liles, treasurer
Patricia D. Curran, secretary
Thomas G. Hoback, immediate past chair
Nancy Ayres
Nancy Ayres was born and raised in Indianapolis. She attended Tudor Hall School and is a graduate of Smith College in Massachusetts. Following graduation, she married in 1964 and moved to Florida. Ms. Ayres returned to Indianapolis in 1988 and became involved with local non-profits. Like her mother, she joined the Goodwill Foundation Board, and she also joined the Special Olympics Indiana Board after her mildly handicapped daughter became active in their athletic programs. Ms. Ayres served on other local boards including the Indiana State Museum, Conner Prairie and two of her family's foundations. Ms. Ayres joined the Board in 2012 and is co-chair of the Museum Theater Program Committee.
William E. Bartelt
William E. Bartelt of Newburgh is a retired high school and university educator. Holding degrees from Indiana State University and the University of Evansville, Bartelt is a published author with books and articles to his credit and numerous unpublished historical reports. He served as president of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society, and is currently a director of the Evansville Museum, a director of the Abraham Lincoln Association, a member of the Friends of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana Board of Directors and president of the Newburgh Museum Foundation. IHS published his book There I Grew Up: Remembering Abraham’s Lincoln’s Indiana Youth in 2008. He received IHS’s Hoosier Historian award in 2003. Mr. Bartelt has been an IHS trustee since 2006 and is currently chair of both the Public Programs and Outreach Committee and the Awards Committee.
Frank M. Basile
Frank Basile was born and raised in New Orleans and is a graduate of Tulane University. Mr. Basile recently retired as senior vice president of the Gene B. Glick Co. and is a professional speaker, author and columnist. He has served on a number of not-for-profit boards and has received numerous awards for his volunteer and philanthropic activities through the years. Mr. Basile’s hobbies include ballroom dancing, traveling, art collecting and attending plays and concerts. He is married to Katrina, an F.C. Tucker Realtor. Mr. Basile joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2008.
Michael A. Blickman
Indianapolis native Michael Blickman has been a member of the law firm Ice Miller LLP since 1980, representing employers in all aspects of employment and labor relations in both the public and private sectors. After graduating with honors from Miami University in Ohio in 1975, he attended Boston College School of Law and graduated in 1978 with honors. Mr. Blickman is a member of the Indianapolis, Indiana and American Bar Associations and is also active in several community organizations. He is president of The Historical Society of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. He is a past president and a current member of the advisory board of Social Health Association, a United Way agency, and Play Ball Indiana; past president of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation; and a member of the American Red Cross Hall of Fame. Mr. Blickman has also lectured extensively and is the author of many publications relating to employment law. Mr. Blickman served three terms as an IHS trustee from 2000 through 2008 (including three years as chair of the Board of Trustees). He served on the Board of Trustees in 2009 as immediate past-chair. He was elected to another three-year term 2010 and he is currently serving as second vice chair.
Joseph E. Costanza
Attorney Joseph E. Costanza is a graduate of Wabash College and Northwestern University School of Law and has been practicing law in northwest Indiana since 1961. He has a passion for history and a desire to expand the involvement of IHS in that part of the state. He has served on boards for Calumet College of St. Joseph, First National Bank of East Chicago, on boards and commissions related to Ogden Dunes, and he currently serves on the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana Inc. (parent of St. Catherine Hospital, Community Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center). Mr. Costanza has been involved with the revitalization of East Chicago, serving as counsel to the economic development commission, the redevelopment commission and the housing authority. He has been an IHS trustee since 2005 and currently serves on the Public Programs and Bylaws committees.
Patricia D. Curran
Indianapolis resident Patricia Curran is a founding member of The Worth Collection Ltd. and until recently served as executive vice president, corporate operations, for the company. Upon retirement from that position, Mrs. Curran formed PDC Associates Ltd. and continues to work with Worth in a consulting capacity. Active in the Indianapolis community, Mrs. Curran serves on the board of directors for the Indianapolis Opera Company and the Indianapolis Opera Foundation. She is the past president of both the Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Opera Foundation. In 2009, Mrs. Curran served as the co-chair of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Eiteljorg Museum. She is a founding member of the Friends of Riverdale, the historic garden on the campus of Marian College. Mrs. Curran is also a sustaining member of the Junior Leagues of Indianapolis. She has served on the board of the Association of Junior Leagues International and several other civic boards in both Syracuse, NY and Indianapolis. She currently serves on the board of the Fashion Arts Society, an affiliate o the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She served on the IHS committees for the Grand Opening, the Hoosier History Fest and the committee for the Indiana Experience Grand Opening. Mrs. Curran is a graduate of Nazareth College of Rochester and did additional graduate work at Syracuse University. She served as an IHS trustee from 2003 - 2011, has been a member of the Executive, Governance and Development committees, and is returning to the IHS board in 2013.
Brent Eckhart
President of Eckhart Consulting, Brent Eckhart has a keen interest in preserving Indiana’s past. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Miami University and enjoys the challenge of weaving elements of the past into a meaningful story. Mr. Eckhart has worked as a freelance writer and currently serves on the boards of the Binding Industries of America, Printing Industry Association of Illinois and Indiana, and Master Printers of America. Mr. Eckhart currently serves on the IHS Public Programs and Outreach, Publications, and Awards committees and has been a trustee since 2005.
David S. Evans
David Evans is a native of Indianapolis and a descendant of Rev. John Evans, who in 1799 became one of the first residents of what became known as Montgomery County. After graduating from Northwood University in Midland, Mich., in 1973, he formed Evans Industrial Products Inc., which owned and operated several small manufacturing companies. He is currently chairman of Pacific World Trade Inc., which represents the State of Indiana's interests, as well as those of industrial clients, in the Peoples Republic of China. Mr. Evans is a founding member of the Friends of Holliday Park, a trustee of the Meridian Street United Methodist Church, a trustee of the Ayres Foundation Inc., past trustee of the Indiana State Museum and fundraiser for several Indiana charitable agencies. Mr. Evans joined the Board in 2012.
Richard D. Feldman, M.D.
Richard Feldman is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine and a resident of Indianapolis. He served as the Indiana State Health Commissioner for Gov. Frank O’Bannon from 1997 to 2001. He maintains a private practice in family medicine in Indianapolis, lectures regionally and nationally on medical and public health matters, and is the director of the family medicine residency program at Franciscan St. Francis Hospital. Dr. Feldman serves on the Indiana Medical History Museum board and is a member of the Eiteljorg Museum board. He also serves on a number of nonprofit and health-related boards including the American Heart Association of Indianapolis and the American Lung Association of Indiana. With an enthusiasm for local history and a wide range of interests, he researched and wrote the book Home Before the Raven Caws concerning the Golden Hill Totem Pole of Indianapolis and has written several articles for Traces magazine. Additionally, Dr. Feldman's latest book, Family Practice Stories, is scheduled for publication by the Indiana Historical Society Press in 2013. Dr. Feldman is also an editorial columnist for the The Indianapolis Star and the South Bend Tribune on health-related issues. He is the chair of the Publications Committee, a member of the Collections Committee and has been a trustee since 2004.
Wanda Y. Fortune
Wanda Fortune is a native of Terre Haute. She is actively involved in genealogy and is a member of the Yeager family who first settled in Indiana in 1816. Mrs. Fortune has served on the boards of the Marion County Medical Auxiliary and the Indianapolis Day Nursery Auxiliary. She and her late husband, W. Brooks Fortune, were active in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Christian Theological Seminary, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo, Conner Prairie, Purdue University and Indiana Wesleyan University. Mrs. Fortune is a member of the Indiana Society of Pioneers and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is chair of the Twin Oaks committee and serves on the Publications and Public Programs and Outreach committees. Mrs. Fortune joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2007.
Janis B. Funk
Janis B. Funk serves as executive director of the Indiana Insurance Guaranty Association and the Indiana Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association and is the manager of the Indiana FAIR Plan and Indiana Automobile Insurance Plan. Previously, she has served on boards for the Indianapolis Bar Association, Storytelling Arts of Indiana and the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations. Ms. Funk has also worked in Indiana state government and practiced law in a law firm and as head of the legal department of a corporation. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1973, a law degree from Indiana University-Indianapolis in 1976 and master's degree from Butler University in 1999. Ms. Funk has a special interest in the IHS Lincoln collections and in increasing educational outreach programs. She has been an IHS trustee since 2005 and currently serves on the Bylaws, Public Programs and Outreach, and Twin Oaks committees. Ms. Funk served as chair of the Building Renovation Task Force and is currently the chair of the Collections committee.
Gary Hentschel
Gary Hentschel is president of KeyBank’s Central Indiana District. Mr. Hentschel has full responsibility for growing the client base in Retail Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Key Investment Services and Key Private Bank for KeyBank in the state of Indiana. He joined Key in November of 2007 and has more than 31 years of experience including 20 years in financial services. Mr. Hentschel has held several leadership roles during his career, including presidency of a firm outside of the financial services industry, and roles in client acquisition, credit, lending, sales, and leadership in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Key, Mr. Hentschel was the President & COO of Personnel Management, Inc., a privately held light industrial staffing firm with 45 offices in 10 states, headquartered in Greenwood, IN. Under Mr. Hentschel's leadership, PMI's sales and profitability more than doubled and the company was successfully sold from public to private ownership. Mr. Hentschel also worked for both Indiana National Bank and KeyBank in Central Indiana, spending 10 years in various commercial loan production and management roles, including Executive Vice President for Corporate Banking, before being selected as President & COO of Personnel Management, Inc. in 1996. Mr. Hentschel is active in many philanthropic endeavors and serves on numerous for-profit and not-for profit boards in Indiana including: Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Central Indiana Transit Task Force, Centerfield Capital Partners and the Immigrant Welcome Center. Gary is also active in fundraising with the current Ivy Tech Capital Campaign and serving as Chairman of the 2013 American Heart Association HeartWalk. Mr. Hentschel is a graduate of Miami University with a BSBA in Economics and marketing and also holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Butler University. He is married with four children and enjoys participating in sprint triathlons, biking and family water sports. Mr. Hentschel joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2012.
Thomas G. Hoback
Thomas Hoback was elected to the board in 2002, but has a long association with IHS, having co-founded the Midwest Railroad Research Center in 1997. A native of Peoria, Ill., he attended Golden Gate University in San Francisco where he received a bachelor’s degree in transportation and economics. He founded the Indiana Rail Road Company, an Indianapolis-based regional railroad serving Chicago, Louisville, Indiana and central Illinois, in 1986 where he is president and CEO. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Railroad History, a scholarly journal covering railways as well as the Northwestern University Business Advisory Council. He is on the boards of several educational and historical institutions and currently serves on the board of advisers for the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Mr. Hoback is on the IHS Executive, Collections, and Public Programs and Outreach committees and is currently the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees.
Susan Jones-Huffine
Susan Jones-Huffine is a co-owner of Royal Title Services - Statewide. Her professional career reflects more than 20 years of commercial and residential real estate industry experience in the Land Title Insurance business by providing full-service land title information and real estate closings that serve local, statewide and national customers. Ms. Jones’ professional and volunteer positions include being state president of the Indiana Land Title Association, president of the Western Division of the Board of Realtors, president of the Avon Rotary, president of the Indianapolis Title Association, graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Indianapolis Museum of Art trustee, and Fifth Third Bank board member. Additionally, the Indianapolis Business Journal named her one of its "40 Under Forty," and Royal Title has been consistently named in IBJ as one of the top women-owned businesses. She speaks throughout the country for land title, realty and lending groups on various personal development and land title-related topics and is a graduate of Purdue University. Ms. Jones joined the IHS Board in 2011 and she serves on the IHS Executive, Board Resources and Governance, and Twin Oaks committees and is first vice chair of the Board of Trustees.
Catherine Hillenbrand Kennedy
Catherine (Kate) Hillenbrand Kennedy grew up in a small town in southern Indiana. She was born into a large Catholic family with Indiana ties that go back to 1837 when her great grandfather purchased 80 acres of land near what is now Batesville. Mrs. Kennedy received her bachelor's degree from Edgecliff College of Xavier University and attended the New York School of Design. She and her husband, Larry, have four children and 17 grandchildren. Education has always been an interest of hers starting with chairing the mothers' association boards of her children's schools. She has chaired the board of trustees of Brebeuf Jesuit and recently retired after serving 15 years as a member of the board of trustees of Xavier University, where she chaired the Academic Affairs Committee. She has also served on boards of the St. Vincent Foundation and the Indianapolis Symphony.
Katharine M. Kruse
Katharine Kruse has been a volunteer board member in numerous civic and cultural organizations in the Indianapolis area for a number of years, including The Children’s Museum Guild, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Indiana State Museum Foundation, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Orchard School Foundation, Park Tudor School, Indiana Advocates for Children and others. She is currently on the Civic Board Children's Museum Board of Trustees, Crown Hill Board of Incorporations and the Eiteljorg Museum. She was the owner of two gift shops and a former manager of the Conner Prairie Gift Shop. Mrs. Kruse received her education at the University of Denver Colorado Woman’s College. She joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2007 and is currently co-chair of the Museum Theater Program Committee.
Daniel M. Lechleiter
Dan Lechleiter is a Partner at Faegre Baker & Daniels LLP who concentrates his practice on patent litigation. He has litigated patent cases involving software, hardware, Internet technology, medical devices and various consumer products in federal courts throughout the United States, at both the trial and appellate levels. Prior to attending law school, he was a mechanical engineer in the Environmental Products Group of YSI Inc., a manufacturer of environmental monitoring and testing equipment based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Mr. Lechleiter currently serves on the finance committee of the United Way of Central Indiana's board of directors, and also serves as a member of the boards of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School and the Hoosier Salon Patron’s Association Inc. He is an active member of The Penrod Society and a graduate of Class XXXIV of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series. In 2012, the Indianapolis Business Journal named him as one of its "40 Under Forty." Mr. Lechleiter joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2011.
Charles A. Liles
Charles A. Liles has served on the IHS Finance Committee for more than 10 years having first joined the Finance Committee when it met in a small conference room of the State Library. He is a native of North Carolina having moved to Indianapolis in 1980 to join Indiana National Bank. In 2001, he joined Oxford Financial Group and did institutional investment consulting for foundations, endowments and pension plans. In 2003, Mr. Liles formed Charles A. Liles & Associates to provide investment and financial planning services to families and individuals. He has served as Secretary and Program Chairman of the Economic Club of Indianapolis; is on the Board of the English-Speaking Union; was former President of the University Club; is a member of the Professional Advisor Leadership Council of the Central Indiana Community Foundation; and a member of the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis. Mr. Liles is married to Lisa; their son Charles, Jr. lives and works in the Boston area while their other son, David lives and works in Indianapolis. Mr. Liles currently serves as treasurer.
James H. Madison
James H. Madison is the Thomas and Kathryn Miller professor emeritus of history at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is the author of several books, most about Indiana subjects, including The Indiana Way: A State History, Eli Lilly: A Life, A Lynching in the Heartland: Race and Memory in America and Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II. He has received several teaching honors, including the Sylvia E. Bowmen Distinguished Teaching Award, the James P. Holland Award for Exemplary Teaching, and the IU Student Alumni Association “Student Choice” Award. He has also taught as a Fulbright professor at Hiroshima University, Japan, and at the University of Kent, Canterbury, England. He is the recipient of the IHS Hoosier Historian Award and has been a fellow at Harvard University, the Newberry Library and the Huntington Library. From 1976 until 1993, Professor Madison was editor of the Indiana Magazine of History. He is currently a member of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission and the board of Indiana Humanities. He served on the IHS Board of Trustees from 2001 through 2009 and returned to the Board in 2012.
Edward S. Matthews
Edward S. Matthews is the president and owner of Edward Matthews Insurance Associates LLC, an independent insurance agency which designs, implements and develops large commercial accounts and offers loss control and risk management services throughout the state of Indiana. Mr. Matthews is also the newly elected president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana, the state association. He previously served as a vice president with Gregory & Appel and was a branch sales manager with American States Insurance Company. Mr. Matthews received a degree in business administration from Ball State University. Mr. Matthews’ civic involvement includes board positions with D.A.R.E. of Indiana and Flanner House. He is also a member of Ball State University Business School Advisory Board and the Board of Commissioners for the Indiana Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission as well as the IIAI board of directors. Mr. Matthews is past president of the Sunrise Rotary Club and a past board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Mr. Matthews serves on the Board Resources and Governance, and the Public Programs and Outreach committees and he joined the IHS Board in 2009.
Craig M. McKee
Craig M. McKee is in the private practice of law and serves as part-time U.S. magistrate judge for the Southern District of Indiana in Terre Haute. He is a partner at Wilkinson Goeller Modesitt Wilkinson & Drummy LLP in Terre Haute and has been with the firm since 1985. He has a general practice, focusing in litigation, health care and alternative dispute resolution. He has served in the court-appointed judicial position since 2007. A Terre Haute native, Judge McKee graduated from Indiana State University in 1979, earned a law degree from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis in 1983, and then served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Gene E. Brooks in Evansville for two years. He has served on the Chapter (governing board) of Washington National Cathedral since 2005 and is president of the National Cathedral Association, the Cathedral’s national support organization. He has served on various boards and organizations in Terre Haute, including United Way of the Wabash Valley, the Greater Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Indiana State University Foundation and Terre Haute Rotary Club, and served as president of the Terre Haute Bar Association. Mr. McKee joined the IHS board in 2011.
James W. Merritt Jr.
Sen. James Merritt is vice president, Corporate Affairs, The Indiana Rail Road Company, and has served the citizens of Marion County as a part of the Indiana State Senate since 1990. He is the majority caucus chair and chairs the Committee on Utilities and Technology. He serves as ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Transportation and Veteran Affairs. In addition, Sen. Merritt serves on the Appointments and Claims Committee, Public Policy Committee and the Rules and Joint Rules Committees. He was honored in 2001 as Legislator of the Year by the National Republican Legislators Association. Sen. Merritt serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He is also active in preserving and promoting Hoosier history through involvement with the Friends of the Indiana Archives, and is the author of Passing the Torch: Preserving Indiana’s Heritage. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University. Sen. Merritt serves on the Public Programs and Outreach Committee. He is married with three children and lives in the northeastern part of Indianapolis.
James T. Morris
For five years, James T. Morris served as executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, traveling to most of the 80 countries where WFP is operational and visiting sites of major operations worldwide, including in the tsunami region, Pakistan, Niger, Darfur and Southern Africa. His career includes head positions at IWC Resources Corp. and Indianapolis Water, Lilly Endowment Inc., and as chief of staff under former mayor Richard Lugar. His numerous service engagements include the U.S. Olympic Committee, board chair at Indiana University and Indiana State University, the NCAA Foundation Board of Directors, YMCA, Boy Scouts of America and United Way. Mr. Morris’ interests include community development, core city revitalization, enhancing opportunities for at-risk youth, child hunger and developing world issues. He is the president and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Mr. Morris joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2008.
Michael B. Murphy
A native Hoosier, born and raised in South Bend, Mike Murphy is currently senior vice president at Hirons and Co. and was previously senior vice president at Peritus. He began with a nine-year career in broadcast journalism, reporting in six Midwestern states. Mr. Murphy later joined the administration of then Lt. Gov. John Mutz, where he was responsible for all economic development marketing. Mr. Murphy worked at Fortune 500 companies such as The Associated Group (now Wellpoint) and Melvin Simon and Associates (now Simon Property Group) and later went on to serve as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1994 to 2010. Mr. Murphy earned his bachelor's degree in American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and his master's degree in American History from Indiana University. He served as a member of the Indiana Civil War Flags Commission and authored a law that requires that a bust of President Harrison be on display in the Indiana Statehouse. Mr. Murphy is currently chairman of the board for Monarch Inc. and a member of the board of directors of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. He has served as a member of Friends of the Indiana Archives. Mr. Murphy joined the Board of Trustees in 2012.
Samuel L. Odle
Sam Odle is the retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana University Health and former CEO of Methodist Hospital and University Hospital. His volunteer efforts have included working with Boy Scouts of America, and the United Way of Central Indiana, where he served as chairman of United Way's annual fundraising campaign helping to raise nearly $39 million. In addition to being a member of the Indianapolis Public School Board, Mr. Odle joined Bose Public Affairs Group LLC as a senior policy advisor where he works with clients on public policy issues that include health care and life sciences. Mr. Odle was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2007. He is married to Alexis Odle and they have three daughters.
Ersal Ozdemir
Ersal Ozdemir is the president and CEO of Keystone Group LLC, a construction, real estate and investment firm headquartered in downtown Indianapolis. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Mr. Ozdemir enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and playing soccer. He enjoys the arts and supports the local art community. Mr. Ozdemir’s board involvement includes the Children’s Bureau, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Center for the Performing Arts, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, University of Indianapolis, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and the North American Soccer League. Mr. Ozdemir has been an IHS trustee since 2009.
Margaret Cole Russell
Raised in Peru, Ind., Margaret Cole Russell’s involvement with the IHS has grown over the years. Mrs. Russell provided a generous gift to create the History Center’s Cole Porter Room, named after her cousin, the famous American musical genius. Currently, Mrs. Russell is president and treasurer of the Margaret Cole Russell Charitable Foundation and has served in the past on boards of the Cathedral Arts Foundation, Fairbanks Hospital Executive Committee and the Cole Porter Centennial Committee. Mrs. Russell was educated at St. Vincent’s School of Nursing and Indiana University. She became an IHS trustee in 2005.
William N. Salin Sr.
Mr. Salin is chairman and CEO of the Board of Salin Bancshares Inc., and director of Salin Bank & Trust Company, a family-owned community bank. Mr. Salin has practiced law and been in the banking industry for 30 years. In addition to serving as Indiana secretary of state from 1969 to 1971, Mr. Salin served as the city attorney of both Kendallville and Fort Wayne. He is a former partner in the Fort Wayne law firm of Beers, Mallers, Backs & Salin. A native of Anderson, Mr. Salin received business and law degrees from Indiana University. He is currently a board member of International Automation Inc. and PHD Inc. and also provides leadership for the Salin Foundation Inc. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Indiana University Varsity Club and Well House Society, Meridian Hills Country Club, American Business Club, American Bankers Association, The Columbia Club, the Indiana Society of Chicago and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Mr. Salin joined the IHS board in 2009 serves on the Finance Committee.
Jerry D. Semler
Jerry D. Semler is chairman emeritus of American United Mutual Insurance Holding Company, parent of OneAmerica Financial Partners Inc. He was elected company president in 1980, CEO in 1989 and chairman in 1991. Following his retirement as chairman, president and CEO, Mr. Semler was elected chairman emeritus in February 2007. Active in numerous business and civic organizations, Mr. Semler currently serves as chairman of Sagamore Institute for Policy Research. In addition, he serves on the boards of Visit Indy (past chairman), the Center for Leadership Development (past chairman), Indiana Chamber of Commerce (past chairman), Indianapolis Downtown Inc. (past chairman), 500 Festival Foundation (past chairman), 500 Festival Associates (past president), Indiana Repertory Theatre (past president), Hoosier Salon Patrons Association, Conner Prairie Museum, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Riley Children’s Foundation, United Way of Central Indiana, Alpha Tau Omega Foundation and he is a trustee of Marian University. Other boards on which Mr. Semler has served include the Cornea Research Foundation of America, Indiana Youth Institute, and Purdue Research Foundation. A few of the numerous awards Mr. Semler has been honored to receive include the Business Leader of the Year Award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Pathfinder Award from Youthlinks Indiana, the S. Henry Bundles Award from the Center for Leadership Development, the Distinguished Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America – Crossroads of America Council, the Charles L. Whistler Award from the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Michael A. Carroll Award from the Indianapolis Business Journal. He received his fourth Sagamore of the Wabash in March 2007 from Gov. Mitch Daniels. Mr. Semler is married to Rosemary “Rosie” Semler. They have seven children, 28 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. Semler has been an IHS trustee since 2006 and is currently chair of the Board of Trustees.
Robert E. Sexton, D.D.S.
Dr. Bob Sexton attended Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis and received his graduate degree in dentistry from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1972. He completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 1975, worked briefly with an area oral surgeon and established what is now known as Avon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. While establishing the practice, he was an assistant professor at Indiana University School of Dentistry and continued teaching for approximately 10 years. Dr. Sexton belongs to many professional organizations and enjoys volunteering his time to assist in humanitarian projects. Through Ambassadors for Children, he traveled to Cuba several times to provide assistance and medical supplies to the Cuban people. In 1985, Dr. Sexton participated in a mission sponsored by DePauw University and traveled to Africa to provide oral surgery to adults and children in Kenya. Since retiring last year, Dr. Sexton has become involved with the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program. He also sits on the boards of the Hendricks Regional Hospital's Foundation, Visiting Nurse Service Foundation, the Avon Chamber of Commerce, the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Merit Board and Susie's Place, a non-profit child advocacy program for abused children. Dr. Sexton was raised in the Indianapolis area and lives in Brownsburg with his wife and daughter. He enjoys playing golf, fishing and traveling and was recently appointed as a special deputy for Hendricks County. Mr. Sexton joined the Board of Trustees in 2012.
Joseph A. Slash
Joseph A. Slash is currently president and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, formerly vice president, community and corporate effectiveness, of Indianapolis Power & Light Company, and deputy mayor for the City of Indianapolis from 1978 to 1989. He is a member of the board of directors of Fifth Third Bank of Central Indiana and National Government Services, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, and the Center for Leadership Development; and is also a former director and member of the Executive Committee of the Indiana Sports Corporation and the Circle City Classic, which he served as executive coordinator. He is also a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Merit Board. Mr. Slash has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash, the Jaycee's Outstanding Young Man of the Year; is listed in Who's Who in Black America, and has received the United Way of Central Indiana's Outstanding Service Award and the Marshall University Outstanding Alumni Award. Mr. Slash and his wife, Meredith, live in Indianapolis and have two daughters. He joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2008, is chair of the Bylaws Committee and serves on the Board Resources and Governance Committee.
Denny Sponsel
Dennis "Denny" Sponsel is president of RJE Business Interiors in Indianapolis. He has spent more than 35 years in the office furniture industry. He is a native of Indianapolis and attended IUPUI in the School of Business. Many of his volunteer efforts have been directed to the IUPUI campus and the IU School of Informatics. He received a Keystone Award from the Indiana University Foundation in 2007 for providing leadership in multiple campaigns and fundraising initiatives as well as the IU Foundation President Award. Denny serves on the United Way of Central Indiana Board and was also the 2007 Campaign Co-Chair, Chair of Resource and Development Committee, He is also on the Community Board for the IUPUI Library, IU School of Informatics Advisory Board, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation Board of Directors, the Chair of Mother Theodore Catholic Academies Board of Trustees, Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Board of Directors (chair) and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 2008-09 President, Board and Program and Membership Committees, Chair of Board of Trustees Harrison College, Methodist Health Foundation board, Chair of Div. 8, 2012 Super Bowl Committee, Big Ten Football Championship committee, Indiana State University School of Business Dean Advisory Board. Mr. Sponsel joined the IHS Board of Trustees in 2010.
Lu Carole West
Lu Carole West is Senior Counsel at Ice Miller LLP and is one of the leaders of the law firm's Government Enforcement, Investigations and Corporate Compliance practice. She retired in 2011 as Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel for Litigation and Legal Compliance from Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. She worked for Lilly for more than 25 years in a variety of positions in the Lilly Legal organization. Prior to joining Lilly, she was an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis. Ms. West is an Indiana native who grew up in Hanover, Indiana. She received her undergraduate degree at DePauw University and her law degree from Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis. She is married to Rob West, also an F.C. Tucker Realtor. They live in Zionsville and have two children. Ms. West joined the Board of Trustees in 2012.
