Indianapolis, Indiana – Scott Brand, president and chief operating officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, has been named chair of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in leadership for one of the state’s most influential business organizations. Brand, the first non-Japanese executive to lead SIA, oversees a workforce of 6,500 employees and brings a wealth of corporate and board experience to his new role. He has been involved with the Indiana Chamber in various capacities since 2018, providing guidance on key initiatives and helping shape the organization’s strategy.
Brand described the Indiana Chamber as “a highly effective organization” that occupies “a very influential position in the state.” Reflecting on his new responsibilities, he emphasized the dual role of supporting Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders while also leveraging his experience to strengthen the Chamber’s influence statewide.
“I see my role as chair to support (Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders) and the trajectory that she has put the Chamber on, and also to provide counsel and leverage opportunities for the Chamber to strengthen its position as the voice of business in Indiana,” Brand said. “It’s a huge responsibility but also a huge privilege to have the opportunity to be the chair of the Indiana Chamber.”
Sinders expressed enthusiasm about Brand’s appointment, highlighting his deep organizational knowledge and executive experience. She noted that his leadership at Subaru will bring valuable insight into operations and policy development, benefiting both the Chamber and its members.
“Scott’s contributions on the board have already been significant,” Sinders said. “We’re excited for him to lead the board in another pivotal year for Hoosier businesses. And we know his executive experience at Subaru will undoubtedly benefit operations for our organization as well as our members as we work to shape policy and provide resources to Indiana’s employers.”
Brand’s leadership extends beyond Subaru and the Indiana Chamber. He currently serves as chairman of the board for Conexus Indiana, a statewide network focused on advancing manufacturing and logistics. His board engagements also include Vincennes University, Wabash Heartland Innovation Network, Purdue University, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, and the National Association of Manufacturers. His wide-ranging involvement underscores a commitment to economic development and workforce growth across the state.
In addition to Brand’s appointment, the Indiana Chamber recently welcomed eight new directors to its board, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on diverse industry representation. The new members, installed last month, include:
• Kari Britto, vice president of operations at Indiana American Water (Greenwood)
• Matt Eckert, president and CEO at Holiday World (Santa Claus)
• Clarice Nist, vice president of information technology at Zimmer Biomet (Warsaw)
• Martin Pollio, president at Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis)
• Amish Shah, president at Kem Krest (Elkhart)
• Ryan Weaver, COO at Fair Oaks Farms (Fair Oaks)
• Chad Pulley, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Republic Airways (Indianapolis)
• Fred Merritt, CEO at Riverside Manufacturing (Fort Wayne)
“These new leaders come from varied sectors of the Hoosier economy and will help us keep our momentum as one of America’s best state chambers,” Sinders said. “We call on them – and all our board members – to apply their specific knowledge and talents, and we look forward to their engagement and the role they can play around achieving our Indiana Prosperity 2035 economic vision plan for the state.”
The Indiana Chamber’s board represents more than 200 executives from member companies across a broad spectrum of industries. These board members include presidents, CEOs, and other high-level leaders whose guidance helps drive the Chamber’s advocacy, policy initiatives, and business support programs.
All newly appointed board members will serve three-year terms, running through the fall of 2028. Their addition strengthens the Chamber’s leadership and reinforces its commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and prosperity throughout Indiana.
For Brand, the chairmanship represents both a personal and professional milestone. Leading the board of the Indiana Chamber provides a platform to influence state economic policy, champion workforce development, and support initiatives that benefit businesses across Indiana. As SIA continues to expand its manufacturing footprint and invest in employee development, Brand’s dual roles allow him to bring practical insights from the private sector into the Chamber’s decision-making process.
Through this leadership transition, the Indiana Chamber is positioned to maintain its role as a pivotal voice for Hoosier businesses, ensuring that policy, advocacy, and workforce initiatives continue to support economic growth statewide. With Brand at the helm and new board members bringing fresh perspectives, the Chamber is ready to tackle challenges and leverage opportunities for Indiana businesses in the years ahead.
Scott Brand’s tenure as chair comes at a critical time as Indiana positions itself for continued economic expansion, workforce readiness, and business development. His experience, combined with a diverse and highly engaged board, sets the stage for a strategic and impactful year for the Chamber and the broader business community.
The Indiana Chamber’s ongoing efforts, supported by its leadership and board, aim to ensure that Hoosier businesses remain competitive, innovative, and well-equipped to contribute to the state’s economic prosperity through 2035 and beyond.
