INDIANAPOLIS — Mel Raines, chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, had no interest in being the organization's CEO.
“I've definitely been given opportunities that I don't take for granted,” Raines explained. “I don’t mean that lightly, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue to serve our city and state.”
In January 2024, current Pacers CEO Rick Fuson announced his retirement from the team. In his announcement, he revealed that Raines will take up his position in June.
“Mel has the temperament, talent and experience to take PS&E to the next level,” Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Steve Simon said in a press release.
Although Raines is new to the CEO role, he is no stranger to Indianapolis.
Born in South Bend, Raines attended Indiana University in Bloomington before embarking on a 20-year career in politics.
In 2009, she was asked to serve on the host committee for the Indianapolis Super Bowl. Mr. Raines was looking forward to returning to her home.
“My home state, especially Indianapolis, is a very unique community and I'm very proud to be a part of it,” Raines said. “People come together for the greater good in ways you don’t see anywhere else.”
After the 2012 Super Bowl, Raines served as chief of staff to former Indiana 5th District Representative Susan Brooks.
In 2015, she received a call from Rick Fuson, a colleague on the Super Bowl committee, to join the Pacers.
“For someone who has never worked in politics, it can be difficult to bridge political experience to the business world and even the sports world,” Raines explained.
“When that opportunity came up, I thought, 'This will help me establish myself back home and show them what I can do.'” That's the reality. I was lucky that it was. ”
Raines' appointment as CEO makes her the third active female executive in the NBA. However, she wishes people would look at her qualifications before her gender.
“When the promotion was announced, I was hoping it would have something to do with my background and the fact that someone retires in 40 years, which is a bigger accomplishment than having a woman in the position.” ,” Raines explained. “I think this is probably an interesting footnote, but not the most important thing.”
In her new role, Raines aims to further similar efforts and increase opportunities for women in sports.
“I'm going to do my best to show all of them that this is what they should be and want to be at some point in their career,” Raines said. “Hopefully, by the time they get to the room, half the people in the room will be women as well.”