Terry Powers

Terry PowersTerry PowersTerry Powers

Terry Powers

Terry PowersTerry PowersTerry Powers

A Proven nonprofit executive with 30+ years' OF experience

A Proven nonprofit executive with 30+ years' OF experience A Proven nonprofit executive with 30+ years' OF experience A Proven nonprofit executive with 30+ years' OF experience
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meet Terry Powers

Proven nonprofit executive with 30 years' experience leading mission-driven organizations. Skilled in event production, organizational operations, staff development, and stakeholder engagement. 


Successful manager of multimillion-dollar budgets, large-scale events, and strategic transitions while aligning teams and programs with organizational vision and community impact.

Nonprofit leadership

Terry has held executive roles at multiple nonprofit organizations and has a vast background of experience to draw from. Managing staff and producing events ranging from the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 500 Festival Parade, to an Olympic qualifying event to an NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.

For-profit business acumen

In addition to 30 years' of nonprofit experience, Terry has also acquired considerable experience in the for-profit business world.  He has provided executive oversight to ensure operation excellence to achieve annual revenue goals while leading cross-functional innovation by implementing new technologies and processes for success.

results oriented, STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONALLY FOCUSED

Event Management

A proven executive leadership record in large-scale event management,  successfully overseen marquee experiences including:

  • The 500 Festival Mini‑Marathon and Parade, Indianapolis’s iconic Civic celebration historically drawing over 30,000 participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators and ranking among the most celebrated half‑marathons and parades in the U.S.
     
  • United States Olympic qualifying events, youth national championship tournaments, and a high‑profile NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, each involving complex logistics, significant media exposure, and coordination with national sports governing bodies.
     

In these roles, directed multi‑stakeholder operations, aligned sponsorship activations, and coordinated volunteer teams, multiple host venue logistics, local organizing committees, hotel partners, public safety agencies, and local government entities to ensure seamless and successful execution.


In addition, served as an instructor for the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Event Management School—part of IFEA’s professional education offerings—delivering instruction in event operations to industry professionals and emerging leaders within the Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE) framework

Risk Mitigation, Crisis Preparedness

A proactive and strategic leader in event risk management. Led staff in the development, restructuring, and implementation of emergency activation plans for all organizational event operations. These comprehensive plans were updated annually, incorporating guidance from local public safety officials, ensuring a strong alignment with best practices in crisis preparedness and resulting in safer, more resilient large-scale events.


In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, led a critical partnership with local public safety departments to revise security and safety plans for all upcoming events. This initiative included a thorough reassessment of event protocols and a clear communication strategy to update internal and external stakeholders on the new measures. 

Technology Implementation & Systems Integration

A results-driven executive with a strong track record of leveraging technology to enhance operational performance. Successfully researched, selected, and implemented enterprise software solutions that improved data accuracy, reduced operational costs, and optimized resource allocation. Led systems integration initiatives that streamlined workflows and improved collaboration across departments.


Key accomplishments include integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to provide real-time visibility into inventory and manufacturing metrics, enabling more accurate forecasting and fulfillment of sales requirements. These strategic implementations strengthened organizational agility and supported scalable, data-informed decision-making.

Accounting and Financial Planning

A seasoned executive skilled in managing complex financial operations across multiple organizations. Led the budgeting process from planning to reconciliation, ensuring proactive oversight and alignment with financial goals. By closely monitoring revenue against expenses, consistently kept operations within budgetary limits while optimizing resource allocation.


Directed accounting staff operations using QuickBooks, including issuing purchase orders, tracking accounts payable, and maintaining financial accuracy. Held the authority of check signer across several organizations, demonstrating trust and accountability in financial governance.

Sales, Marketing, Revenue

A strategic leader with deep experience in contract negotiation, securing key partnerships with sponsors, suppliers, broadcast partners, and site hosts. Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth through innovative program development and a collaborative approach to partnership building.


Worked alongside a military support organization to create life skills training for athletes, while securing sponsorship support to bolster both the organization’s mission and overall event funding. 


Developed and launched multiple programs aimed at generating new revenue streams and enhancing community engagement, resulting in stronger brand loyalty and increased financial backing.

Business Adaptability

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, played a leadership role was in building a business, successfully navigating the complexities of supply chain dynamics. The coordination of 250 containers annually from Europe was managed, supporting approximately $12 million in business with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Aldi, and Kroger. Despite the global logistical challenges, business continuity was maintained, and disruptions were minimized, ensuring smooth operations throughout a period of significant uncertainty. 

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ROLES

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

  U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Emergency Plan Activation exercise; selected participant 


BOARD MEMBER

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

 International Festival & Events Association Foundation Board Member;  

  • Vice Chairman
  • Board Secretary

INSTRUCTION

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EVENT SUPPORT

  Event Management School, Event Operations Class Instructor; 

International Festival & Events Association (IFEA)

EVENT SUPPORT

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EVENT SUPPORT

 NCAA; National Invitation Tournament site manager; 2008-2025

current resume

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