Board Chair

Dr. Allison Barber is a seasoned leader with a diverse career spanning education, government, and sports. She has served in the White House and the Department of Defense, where she was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. As President of the Indiana Fever, Dr. Barber was dedicated to building and inspiring fans throughout the state. Dr. Barber has received numerous awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor - presented by Governor Eric Holcomb. Committed to making a positive impact on her community she serves on several boards: Sagamore Institute, the American Red Cross, the Indiana Destination Development Corp (IDDC), the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and is an advisor for Elizabeth Dole Hidden Heroes Foundation.

Executive Director

Provides over 25 years experience as a corporate attorney and non-profit board director. For nearly 20 years, managed Strada Education Foundation's insurance program, intellectual property portfolio, contracts, corporate compliance and litigation. Ms. Ragsdale served as Interim General Counsel, provided legal counsel to the Research, Philanthropy, and National Engagement divisions and supported Strada’s five operating subsidiaries. She began her career at Ice Miller in the Corporate Practice Group, representing clients in mergers and acquisitions, corporate formations, corporate transactions, antitrust, consumer protection and franchise law. She serves on the board of directors of Indianapolis RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Co-Vice Chair of the Board

Long time leader and builder of sports management and marketing organizations. Former CEO of Becker Group, an internationally accomplished experiential marketing company, Ripken Baseball, a national youth sports management and marketing business on behalf of Hall of Fame baseball great Cal Ripken Jr., and Defend Your Head, an innovative head impact protection company that developed technology to improve athlete safety. 

Co-Vice Chair of the Board

11 Time Emmy Award recipient for excellence in multi media sports reporting, news anchoring, programming, and production. Hosted national “Lou Tilley Sports Connection” reaching over 21 million households through the Comcast and NBC Sports Network. Known for his unique story telling ability utilizing multi media. Launched a new field in education, Sports Media Studies teaching the thread of sports, business and broadcasting. 

Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana’s State Health Commissioner, brings medical and public health expertise to Marvella. An emergency and palliative care physician, she serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her leadership in Indiana’s COVID-19 response and focus on athlete wellness inform Marvella’s health-driven sports programs. Weaver’s commitment to safety and community health ensures athletes thrive in supportive environments. Her strategic insights shape initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being, aligning with Marvella’s mission to empower young athletes through safe, inclusive sports experiences that foster growth and resilience.

Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations, leads Marvella with over 36 years as the NFHS’s first female chief executive. Her 33-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, shaping her passion for youth sports. Niehoff’s initiatives promote inclusivity, fitness, and leadership, aligning with Marvella’s mission to empower athletes. Her strategic vision drives programs that foster healthy communities, ensuring young athletes develop resilience and teamwork. Niehoff’s advocacy strengthens Marvella’s commitment to inspiring the next generation through sports.

Muffet McGraw, iconic Notre Dame women’s basketball coach, enriches Marvella Sports with 33 years of coaching excellence. A Naismith Hall of Famer, she led Notre Dame to two NCAA championships and nine Final Fours. McGraw’s dedication to empowering athletes aligns with Marvella’s mission to inspire leadership and teamwork. Her mentorship shapes programs that cultivate resilience and success, drawing from her 848–252 record. McGraw’s commitment to fostering confidence and discipline ensures Marvella’s initiatives empower young athletes to excel, both on and off the court, building a legacy of achievement.