Mel Raines, BA’91, is CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, overseeing business operations for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, the Noblesville Boom of the G League, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Raines assumed the role of CEO in 2024, succeeding longtime executive Rick Fuson after his 40-year tenure and becoming the first female CEO in the organization’s history.
Prior to her promotion, she served as president and COO, overseeing corporate communications, community engagement, facility and event operations, human resources, IT, and major capital projects. She also oversaw the three-year, $400 million renovation of Gainbridge Fieldhouse completed in 2022, the second-largest renovation project in NBA history.
As CEO, she has led significant initiatives, including the rebranding of the Pacers’ G League affiliate as the Noblesville Boom and spearheading plans for a $78 million, 108,000-square-foot Indiana Fever sports performance center in downtown Indianapolis featuring state-of-the-art training, recovery, childcare, and mental health and wellness facilities, set to open ahead of the 2027 WNBA season.
Raines has more than 30 years of corporate, operations, legislative, political, and public affairs experience. From 2009 to 2012, Raines was one of the principal architects of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. She was the vice president of government relations and event operations for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee, overseeing 14 planning committees.
Prior to joining PS&E, she was chief of staff to Indiana Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks from 2012 to 2015, overseeing three offices as well as all legislative, constituent services, and communications staff. Raines held various roles on six Republican National Conventions, including serving as the COO for the 2008 Republican National Convention and as a senior advisor for the 2012 and 2016 conventions.
Earlier in her career, Raines served as assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney, directing his political and domestic outreach activities. She also held several leadership positions at Altria Corporate Services and at the Republican National Committee, and began her political career on Capitol Hill with U.S. Senator Daniel Coats of Indiana.
Raines, a South Bend, Indiana, native, is on the board of directors of the Pacers Foundation; Indy Chamber; Visit Indy; Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc.; Citizens Energy Group; the Indianapolis Zoo; and the Economic Club of Indiana.
Raines was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year in 2025. She currently resides in Indianapolis.