IBE celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels and religious affiliations. We continue to strive for excellence by providing unique events and programs that reflect the changing landscape of Indiana and the world. Our commitment to excellence through personal enhancement and community development exemplify our dedication to improving the quality of life for all. With a statewide infrastructure now including 12 chapter affiliates, IBE continues to be a major economic and social contributor to our youth and the Indiana community.
A voice and vehicle for social and economic advancement.
Meet The Team
Tanya McKinzie
President and CEO
As Indiana Back Expo’s President and general counsel for more than ten years, Tanya McKinzie oversees day-to-day operations and supervises various programs and initiatives as well as Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. Bell is also responsible for sponsorship sales and activations for more than 150 companies and has served on the Board of Directors for IBE from 2001 until 2007.
Alice Watson
Vice President of Operations & Project Management
As the Vice President of Operations and Project Management, Alice Watson advises and makes recommendations to IBE’s President and CEO, Tanya Bell regarding industry best practice policies related to project management and operational efficiencies.
Jennifer Darby
Vice President of Advancement and Programs
With 24 years experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer Darby serves as the Vice President of Advancement and Programs providing individuals with the support, tools, training, and latitude to pursue their goals and become the best they can be. This is accomplished through sharing knowledge, skills, and access to the community, which informs them of available opportunities for success.
Terri Falker
Director of Finance
Terri brings more than 30 years of experience in the public, private, and now the not-for-profit sector, adding integrity and bottom line improvements to IBE operations. Terri is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and has attended Grace Apostolic Church for over 50 years where she continues to volunteer and serve her community.
Edward Rogers Jr.
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator
Edward Rogers oversees IBE’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation programs and initiatives throughout the state of Indiana and supervises Volunteer Services and Recruitment for Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. Edward also currently serves as Chairman of the Circle City Classic Parade.
Lynna Townsend
Executive Assistant, Membership Coordinator and Receptionist
Lynna Townsend is currently the Executive Assistant, Membership Coordinator and Receptionist for IBE and is the staff member with the longest tenure having joined the organization in 1989. In her role as Executive Assistant, Lynna provides high-level administrative support to the executive department to ensure proper preparation for the organization and community stakeholders.
Kayla Hogan
Accounts Payable & Human Resources Specialist
Officers
Rinzer Williams, III, Chairman
Nick Bontreger, Executive Vice Chairman
Johnny Thomas, Treasurer
Keisha Ricketts, Secretary
Marilyn Goree, Central Region Vice Chairman
Robert Taylor, Northern Region Vice Chairman
Charles “Chuck” Hughes, Nominating Committee Chairman
Directors
Joe Ayers
Nick Bontreger
Gisele Carter
Mary Cossey
Hal Darring
Lesley Gordon
Marilyn Goree
Robert L. Hayes, Sr.
Andy Mallon
Murray Miller
Jesse L. Moore
Terry J. Morris
Danielle Neal
J. Marc Outlaw
Scott Pelath
Steven Quick
Norman Rayford
Keisha Ricketts
Robert Taylor
Timothy Taylor
Johnny Thomas
Kristi Upchurch
Aaron Williams
Summer Celebration Committee Chairs
Marcus Chapman – Amateur Boxing
Charlotte Leavell – Business Conference and Mayor Breakfast
Karen Wright – Corporate Luncheon
Kisha Tandy – Cultural Arts Pavilion
Shenia Suggs – Education Conference
Tracy Smith – Exhibit Hall Ambassador
Paula Ervin – Exhibit Hall Docks
Michael Green – IBE Booth Judging
Nicole Freeman and Nikki Blaine – IBE Fashion Show
Dorshan Jones – IBE Store
Marcel Bonds – Exhibition Hall
Percy Bland – Film Festival
Ariel Crawley – Youth Leadership Summit
Antoniette Brooks and Rose Maxey – Music Heritage Festival
Tracey Smith and John Dodson – Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Vendors
Circle City Classic® Committee Chairs
Patrick Bouquet – Coaches Luncheon
Malcolm Wiseman, Sr. – Communications/Radios
Jeniece Fleming and Paris Nettles – Coronation
Paula Ervin – Fan Fest (Tailgate)
Lori Clark and Michael Green– Food/Housing/Transportation
Joe Wynns – Game Operations
John Dodson – Parade Chair
Tracey Bush and Lakishia Byrd – Pep Rally
Heath Smith – Press Box
Marcel Bonds – Venue Operation/Field
Patrick Bouquet – Venue Operation
Kareem Lee – Venue Production
Judy Driver – VIP
Eva M. Miles – Administrative Services
“At KeyBank, our primary mission is to help our communities thrive. The Indiana Black Expo’s work in our community rests at the heart of that mission.“
Yvonne Harrington
Vice President of Corporate Responsibility | KeyBank
“The team at IBE understands that through education and the right communication vehicles you can change the paradigms of individuals and their life trajectories.“
Patricia Roe
Vice President of Philanthropy | Strada Education Network