The Playworks Indiana Advisory Board is a group of change-makers who believe in the power of play and are active ambassadors for Playworks. These playful professionals contribute their personal time to share the mission of Playworks: to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
As an Area Manager at Everwise Credit Union, Amy has proudly dedicated 28 years to supporting financial growth and community development. Amy’s passion for giving back extends beyond my professional role. She currently serve as chair for Putnam County 100 Women Who Care. Amy is thrilled to serve with Playworks, where she will support the mission to level the playing field for children. Playworks equips kids with essential leadership skills that are crucial for their future success.
Jenny Dexter
Chief Strategy Officer
Veterans Strategies, Inc.
Jenny Dexter is the Chief Strategy Officer at Veteran Strategies, Inc., a multi-faceted public relations firm. As an agency executive with over 25 years of diverse experiences working in public relations, marketing, and branding, Jenny has had the great opportunity to develop partnerships and support the health of organizations whose products and services are best-in-class and purpose-driven.
Danny Embry
Senior Principal Success Manager
Salesforce
As a Senior Success Specialist at Salesforce, Danny Embry coaches customers in using their CRM software. Prior to joining Salesforce, Danny spent 7 years at Angie’s List as an Account Manager. Danny grew up traveling the world as the son of an Air Force mother and father. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, Danny settled down in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Kelli and their two daughters. Danny began serving on the Playworks Indiana board in 2018.
Melissa Thompson
Chief Community Officer
Indiana Sports Corp
Melissa Thompson is the Chief Community Officer at Indiana Sports Corp and is responsible for board affairs, community initiatives, event bids, serves as Indiana Sports Corp’s board appointment to Sports Indiana in addition to handling government relations.
A native of Indianapolis, Thompson’s roots and networks run deep in the city. Thompson offers extensive experience in event and logistics planning as well as public space management and government affairs.
Previously a Project Manager at Hathaway Strategies, Thompson offered extensive experience in event and logistics planning as well as public space management. Prior to joining Hathaway Strategies, Thompson served as the first-ever venue manager for Georgia Street, one of downtown Indianapolis’ premier outdoor event spaces. She handled day-to-day operations and maintenance of the venue as well as event coordination and planning.
Before that, Thompson occupied various roles for the City of Indianapolis. Beginning in 1999, she served in the Marion County Auditor’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office before becoming clerk of the City County Council from 2008-2011.
Eddie Rangel
Executive Director
Adelante Schools
Eddie Rangel is the Executive Director of Adelante Schools, a non-profit school management
organization in Indianapolis, IN. In this role, he helps direct a K-8 innovation restart school within the Indianapolis Public Schools Innovation Network. Previously, Eddie served as a school leader in the Tindley Accelerated Schools network of Indianapolis where his school achieved 100% proficiency on the 3rd-grade reading proficiency exam for two consecutive years and increased math and reading proficiency by 19 and 17 points, respectively.
Eddie holds a M.Ed. in Public School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia
University, an MA in Teaching from Marian University, and a BM in Music Performance from the
University of Redlands.
John Melind
COO
LED Indy
John Melind is the COO and part owner of LED Indy, an Indianapolis based commercial contractor that performs energy efficiency upgrades, electrical contracting, and all things low voltage, from design to installation. Growing LED Indy from the ground up to multi-faceted commercial operation and number one rebate contractor for AES Indiana, John has worn lots of hats and learned how all aspects of a business must work in tandem to succeed.
John grew up in Indianapolis, an IPS product, and graduated from Wabash College. A leader in light but a dad at night, John is family man with three awesome kids, partnered for life with his amazing wife, Jenny. When he’s not immersed in the world of lighting, you’ll find John unleashing his inner sports enthusiast, reveling in the thrill of an active lifestyle. His love for play is what attracted him to Playworks. John is also a football official, working varsity HS football games for the last five years while trying to climb the college ranks, with an end goal of working in the replay booth for NFL games. Beyond the field, he channels his passion into making a difference as the co-leader of his congressional district at Bread 4 the World, a hunger advocacy group.