President
Michele Feld
I am so proud to be President of Indianapolis Ambassadors as we celebrate the years around our 40th anniversary. My passion for volunteering began a few years after IA began….the exciting Pan American Games came to Indy. I was a student at Butler University soon to graduate with my Masters Degree in Radio and Television. Growing up on the Westside, my parents introduced me to the wide array of music, history and sports in Indianapolis. I thought I knew a lot but when I joined IA, I realized there was so much more. We visit places few experience and see behind the scenes…I’m constantly on the search for the next great place to take the Ambassadors! My communications and customer service background allow me to connect people in an impactful way. I serve on the board of Hendricks Symphony as the volunteer coordinator. In 2018, I was fortunate to become a Stephen Ministry Leader and train with people from around the world to help people who are grieving. My charming husband Christopher and I are newlyweds.
Vice President
Christopher Feld
As a Motown boy I'd learn to rock the beat to jazz and soul. As I traveled in Europe it surprised me how much that Detroit sound influenced the world. I'm up for bowling, biking and most -ing activities . New to Indianapolis, I moved here from Hawaii ( why?) I like the midwest vibe of museums, libraries race tracks and sporting event as a participant or observer. Volleyball anyone? Ambassadors are a fun group. so I figured I'd just marry the president. Lucky me.!!
Treasurer
Shari Zee
A lifetime resident of Indianapolis and a big fan of the city. Married with 2 sons. Work as a nurse at Eskenazi Health. Interests include: travel, reading, gardening, knitting, games and puzzles. Love to volunteer at the gala funraisers, art shows and theater events. Volunteer regularly at the Indiana State Museum (a wonderful place, please stop by).
Secretary
Karen DeSplinter
Karen is new on the board of directors but has been an active member of the Ambassadors for several years. She has a computer science degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and has spent her career in the IT field, currently working in tech support for a federal agency. She enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her grandchildren.
Director of Volunteer Administration
Chris Blair
Chris Blair has spent 30 years working in Health IT. He graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology. He is currently raising two teenage boys who keep him running due their participation in marching band. Chris is relatively new with the Ambassadors having joined in early 2022.
Director of Volunteer Promotions
Titto Augustine
“Obsessed with the fun fact that a squirrel's brain grows 15% bigger in size during the fall compared to rest of the year, because it must remember where it hid all its nuts for the winter!” 😂 Biomedical researcher (cancer immunologist) by the day and a “new-recipe-explorer” chef by the night! A laid-back dude, who enjoys spending time with family and friends. I appreciate adventurous moments with nature and traveling whenever time-permits. Optimism and positivity are motto! They call me a Doc! 😋 I came to IA about an year ago while looking to do something for fun and to socialize after moving from New York. Soon realized my selection was the perfect one – I made many friends with mature and meaningful connections, was able to give back a part of mine to the society and created an impact among lives needed it most. Being on IA’s volunteer administration position, I’d like to increase possibilities for our volunteers to find suitable and comfortable organizations/events and relish a fun-filled and stressless volunteering experience.
Director of Membership Administration
Louis Zee
Louie Zee was the owner/manager of the Hollywood Shoppe at Greenwood Mall, a gift shop with an entertainment theme which features t-shirts, posters, mugs, lunchboxes, action figures and more. He graduated from Indiana University in 1981 with an MBA. Louie was one of the original Ambassadors in the early '80s, and has previously served on the board as Treasurer and President.
Director of Membership Activation
Sally Dietzler
I retired in 2020 after a career in IT with a focus on software and systems used by major manufacturing and mining companies. My career took me to live in Europe and Australia. I now split my time between Perth, Australia (where I lived and worked for 30 years) and Indianapolis, which is my base in the USA since July 2021. Always open to new adventures and projects to make the world and people's lives better, I joined Indianapolis Ambassadors for the opportunities to volunteer and to enjoy friendships and social events with the many wonderful people who are members. In addition to my role at Indy Ambassadors, I enjoy spending time with my large extended family ... I am 3rd of 10 children and a mother and grandmother ...and friends in American and Australia. I also enjoy life as an artist, creating portraits and landscapes in acrylic. My role on the IA board is to welcome new members and support them to fully engage and enjoy being an Indianapolis Ambassador.
Director of Social Events
Alice Leet
I have lived in Indiana most of my life. I love the city. I am married and have 2 step children. I have been a nurse for 24 years and am currently working as a hospice nurse. My interests include paper crafting, DIY craft projects, cooking, travel, games, and hanging out with all people. I have been an IA member for 10 years. I enjoy volunteering for almost everything. However, my favorite place to volunteer is anyplace with a performance. I enjoy concerts and plays. I also enjoy fundraisers. My position on the IA board is Social Director. This is my 2nd year in that position and I am loving it.
Director of Public Relations
Dr. Denise Durham
I have been a Board Member serving as the Director of Public Relations for the Indianapolis Ambassadors since 2019. Currently, I am also a Sr. Director of Quality Assurance in the Food and Beverage industry for over 25 years. To date, my educational background consists of (2) Associates Degrees (Education and General Studies), (1) Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, (1) Masters Degree in Information Systems, (1) MBA in Leadership, (2) Law Degrees (Global Food Law from MSU School of Law and Ag Policy and Environmental Law from Vermont Law School, and (1) Doctorate in Business Management. I am a member of the Black Engineering Society, Sigma Alpha Pi, American Chemical Society, and on the Indianapolis Circle City Committee. To keep myself sane, I like to go to the movies, snorkel, scuba dive, camp, bike ride and read murder mysteries (my favorite author is James Patterson). My favorite volunteer opportunities through Indianapolis Ambassadors include working at the Museum by Moonlight Event at the Children's Museum, Various Heartland Film Festival Events, Earth Day, IRT theater, and Judging the Children's' Book Reviews for the Indianapolis Museum.
Director of Education
JOHN SCHMIDT
Member at Large
Karl Leet
I was born in Minnesota and moved to Indianapolis after college. I am married with 2 children. I worked for INDOT for 32 years and am currently between jobs. I have been a licensed civil engineer for 28 years. My interests are maps, geology, music (vocal, piano, organ), math, and yard care/landscaping. After being in IA for 9 years, my favorite volunteer activities involve ushering for events that allow me to see them for free. I have been an IA board member for 3 years--2 years as Director of Education and this past year as Member at Large. This means I provide drinks and snacks for our monthly venue meetings. IA is very enjoyable activity for me.