INDIANAPOLIS (May 17, 2005) -- Governor Mitch Daniels announced today that a veteran manager who has been involved in several major downtown Indianapolis construction projects will serve as executive director for the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority. John Klipsch, former special projects director for the Indianapolis Public Improvement Bond Bank and president and founder of his own construction owner’s representative consulting company, has been appointed to the role.

 

Applicable legislation provides the mayor of Indianapolis veto power over the governor’s appointment of the executive director. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has indicated he will not veto Klipsch’s appointment.

 

Daniels also announced that J. Terry Clapacs, vice president and chief administrative officer of Indiana University, will serve as the governor’s advisor to the authority.

 

“John has excellent experience in major development projects. He will be responsible for working with all involved in this important project to assure it is completed on time and under budget,” said Harry Gonso, the governor’s chief of staff.

 

Klipsch managed various Indianapolis construction projects including Conseco Fieldhouse, the Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis Artsgarden and the Lower Canal Improvements Project.

 

He will serve as the owner’s representative on the stadium and convention center project and will oversee the construction manager and architect, as well as all other service providers and vendors. Klipsch starts immediately and will report to the authority board.

 

Klipsch formed his own company, John Klipsch Consulting LLC, in 2000, which served as owner’s representative for the State Office Building Commission for the addition at the Logansport State Hospital and the exhibits portion of the Indiana State Museum. He worked for the Indianapolis Public Improvement Bond Bank from 1995 through 1999 and previously was manager of special projects for the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development from 1986 to 1995.

 

“I’m honored Governor Daniels has selected me for this responsibility, and I will move quickly and efficiently as he has directed to assure that Hoosiers have world class facilities,” said Klipsch.

 

In this volunteer role, Clapacs will provide advice to the authority board on architectural and construction matters. Among many responsibilities at Indiana University, Clapacs is responsible for all new building construction and renovation, physical plant services and real estate operations, having worked with some of the world’s leading architects and contractors.

 

The governor also has confirmed the appointment of Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, to the seven-member authority board. He was recommended last week by Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Garton. Kenley joins David Frick, who retired from WellPoint, Inc., and Charles Golden, an Eli Lilly and Co. executive, as members of the authority.

 

The mayor of Indianapolis has selected Derrick Burks, managing partner of Ernst & Young, and Barbara A. Lawrence, treasurer and assistant secretary of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, as his two appointees to the board. The remaining two members have yet to be selected. One will be recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the other representative will be an individual from the seven counties adjacent to Marion County that provide the base for regional financial support of the project.

 

Construction on the $900 million stadium and convention center project is expected to begin this summer.

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