The 500 Festival announced Dave Neff will be its new president and CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
As a nonprofit organization, the 500 Festival produces over 30 events and programs annually, serving more than 500,000 participants. As president and CEO, Neff will oversee the senior leadership team responsible for advancing the organization’s strategy, partnership growth, operational excellence and community engagement initiatives, according to a press release.
Neff’s appointment, which was announced on Dec. 15, marks a milestone for the organization in its continued efforts to elevate programming and events that positively impact Hoosier communities and celebrate the Indianapolis 500.
“Neff’s leadership and commitment to Indianapolis make him the right leader for this moment,” Christina Moungey, Board Chair of the 500 Festival, said in a statement. “His experience, passion for community, and strong belief in our mission will drive the 500 Festival forward in many ways.”
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Neff’s career spans both the private and philanthropic sectors, having served in leadership roles at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, ExactTarget (Salesforce), EDGE Mentoring and Prolific. He also serves on numerous boards, including the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee Leadership.
His most recent position was as the CEO of the Boilermaker Alliance, Purdue University’s exclusive NIL (Name, Image and Likeness), where he empowered student-athletes to become champions in their sport and in their communities, according to a press release.
Neff is passionate about Indianapolis and giving back to his community, and his background in collaborative leadership and mission-centered services will help “guide the 500 Festival into its next phase of strategic growth,” according to a press release.
“I’m honored to join the 500 Festival and build on its incredible legacy,” Neff said in a statement. “The 500 Festival represents the heart of Indianapolis, and I look forward to working with our staff, partners, and community to expand our impact and create experiences that inspire Hoosiers across the state.”
Neff was selected to be the 500 Festival’s new president and CEO following a comprehensive national search led by Prodigy Search, in coordination with the 500 Festival Board of Directors Search Committee. His dedication to uplifting the community aligns with the organization’s mission to “enrich lives, celebrate the spirit of the Indianapolis 500, and create meaningful impact statewide,” according to a press release.
For more information, visit 500festival.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
