Indy Racing League Vice President of Public Relations John Griffin has submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 18.

Griffin joined the Indy Racing League as vice president in 2002, overseeing all aspects of the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights public and media relations program as well as strategic communication. During his tenure, Griffin developed and implemented public relations strategies for several historic events, including the unification of open-wheel racing, Danica Patrick’s first win and the series Izod entitlement announcement earlier this month.

Before joining the Indy Racing League, Griffin worked for NASCAR. His career also has included stops with World Cup USA 1994 and the Major Indoor Soccer League.

A replacement for Griffin has not been selected.

On the same day Griffin’s resignation was announced, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced the hiring of its first ever chief information officer.

Rhonda Winter was named CIO, a new position that will guide the direction of all information technology and related business units of the company. Winter formerly worked at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and NCAA. She most recently worked as chief information officer at CIK Enterprises in Indianapolis.•