Julie Roe Lach Honored by Indianapolis Business Journal and Radio One
INDIANAPOLIS (July 23, 2025) – Horizon League Commissioner, Julie Roe Lach, has been recognized by two distinguished outlets for her major impact in college sports and on the sports business landscape in the state of Indiana.
Last week, Radio One recognized her with the “Heart of Indy Award” while the
Indianapolis Business Journal named Lach to the prestigious “Indiana 250” list for the fourth consecutive year.
- Why it Matters: The “Heart of Indy Award” recognized the commissioner’s dedication to equity, innovation, and student-athlete success. The “Indiana 250” is a list of the state’s most influential business and community leaders from a wide range of sectors, including both public and private organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis for over 40 years, the Horizon League office team works hard to be a vital part of the greater Indy community. One of the team’s core values emphasizes that we “show up, participate, build relationships and contribute in intentional and meaningful ways with League members, the Indianapolis community, partners and sponsors.” These recognitions are a testament to the entire team’s efforts to advance the Indy community.
Major Voices:
Latha Ramchand, IU Indianapolis Chancellor
“Julie Roe Lach’s inclusion on the ‘Indiana 250’ list and her ‘Heart of Indy Award’ come as no surprise to those of us who witness her leadership in the Horizon League and throughout Indianapolis. She has forged a path with student experiences top of mind, represented the Horizon League with impact on a national scale and helped position Indianapolis as the global epicenter of sports. Congratulations Julie on these well-earned recognitions.”
Dig Deeper:
- Lach has been involved with college athletics for over 25 years. She was named Horizon League Commissioner January 1, 2021. Prior to being named Commissioner, Julie joined the Horizon League in 2014 as Deputy Commissioner. Lach worked at the NCAA for over 15 years, most recently serving as the vice president of enforcement from October 2010 to February 2013. After leaving the NCAA, Julie founded JRL Consulting which merged with CCHA Collegiate Consulting where Lach currently serves as Of Counsel with the CCHA Sports Law practice.
- In terms of NCAA leadership, Lach serves on the Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee, chaired the Women’s Basketball Ad Hoc Recruiting Committee and serves on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors.
- In Indianapolis, Lach is the Chair of the Indiana Sports Corporation Board of Directors and led the development of Indy’s 2050 Sports Strategy. She is also an LOC member for TEDSports Indianapolis and recently wrapped up a key role as WNBA All-Star 2025 Board of Directors Women Engagement Committee Co-Chair creating the first ever B.O.S.S. Experience for C-Suite women leading in sport. She also serves on the IU McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors, which she formerly chaired and was the President of McKinney’s Alumni Association.
- Radio One’s Heart & Hustle: A Night of Female Sports Excellence, took place July 17, 2025, at the Indianapolis Convention Center during WNBA All-Star Weekend. The “Heart of Indy” award recognized the impact Lach has made as a trailblazer in sports leadership, governance, and advocacy whose voice and vision have helped shape the future of college sports, not just in Indiana, but across the country.
- Nate Feltman, CEO of IBJ Media, said this about the Indiana 250: “…The Indiana 250 is a snapshot of those bold thinkers and doers who are shaping the future of our state — from innovative entrepreneurs to dedicated community advocates. It’s truly inspiring to witness the depth of talent and passion making Indiana a great place to live and work. The people on this list are not just leaders in their fields; they are champions for their communities and catalysts for progress across Indiana...”
- Indiana 250 - Indiana's Most Influential & Impactful Leaders
- Radio One - Urban One