Mel Raines' Career Path From The Vice President of the United State's Office To Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Mel Raines, President and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, joins the podcast to share her remarkable journey from Capitol Hill to the front office of Indiana’s top sports franchises. In this episode, she reveals how a chance internship led to a career in politics, working for Sen. Dan Coats, running major Republican conventions, and ultimately serving as Assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney for Political Affairs.. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of high-stakes moments in Washington, the intensity of presidential transitions, and what it was like inside the White House. Raines also opens up about why she left politics, the challenges of running large-scale events, and how those skills led her to the sports industry. Packed with insight, humor, and a few surprising moments—like when she accidentally hung up on Cheney—this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by politics, leadership, and career pivots.