An outside consultant has been brought in to help improve relations between staff members of Indiana Black Expo Inc. and
the organization’s CEO, the not-for-profit disclosed Friday morning.
The decision came in response to a May 6 letter to IBE directors in which employees voiced concerns about the leadership
of president and CEO Tanya Bell, who has been at the helm of the organization since early 2008. The letter said "some
staff members" have witnessed Bell "changing figures in various financial documents."
Seventeen members out of a staff of about 20 signed the letter, complaining that Bell has created a hostile work environment
that includes employees being “disrespected, disregarded and demeaned.” They called Bell "the perfect example
of a bully" who "intimidates several staff members with overly aggressive, rude remarks."
As president of Black Expo, Bell oversees Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic, which together generate roughly $40
million in spending for the city of Indianapolis.
Employees who signed the letter to the directors include Perry Hines, chief operating officer; Colleen Heeter, vice president
of development and advancement; and Elizabeth Hart, director of communications and public relations.
The letter said Bell "repeatedly changes her mind on various projects for which staff has invested considerable time
and effort." Staff members expressed "deep concern" about this year's Summer Celebration, which runs
July 7-17. Last year's event saw a significant drop in attendance, the letter said.
The prepared statement issued by the staff on Friday said, "We collectively voiced our concerns to the board of directors,
and an outside consultant has been brought to the table to assess the situation and provide assistance with employee relations.
A process has been started and an action plan is being established to move forward.”
Bell did not immediately respond to a phone message left Friday afternoon.
Bell succeeded Joyce Rogers, who left for a position at Ivy Tech Community College in 2007. Bell, who received her undergraduate
degree from Indiana State University and her law degree from the Indiana University School of Law, had been assistant general
counsel at Community Health Network before taking the IBE job.
on Facebook & Twitter
Back to Top
IBJ Conversations
9 Comments
Add Comment
Get them off their collective rear ends and do things THE RIGHT WAY!! Rev Williams is looking down on that staff shaking his head. Let Ms. Bell get things back on track and be progressive in her movement of the legacy!!
They need to downsize like the Indy 500 from it's previous month of May schedule.
The Black Expo is simply not large enough to take two to three prime summer weeks out of the cities convention calendar.
Additionally the event needs to get with the times and become more about Cosby/Williams/Obama self empowerment and no more Jackson/Sharpton victimhood message.
I found Ms. Bell to be terse in our meetings and somewhat unwelcoming in my efforts to work with them and provide revenue and exposure for the Summer Celebration.
However, the Executive Director of the Circle City Classic, Marc Williams introduced himself to me and was very interested in working together, but resigned after only 4 months in the position. Some people thought he was arrogant. I thought he was proactive.
IBE has a continued perception amongst my business associates as closed minded and lacking in progressive measures. The notion that 17 out of 20 (Indianapolis Star article says there are 18 employees) employees sign a letter of complaint and the Board hires a "consultant" to work with Ms. Bell on her interpersonal skills is a joke.
As Spike Lee says at the end of School Daze..."Wake Up!"