INDIANAPOLIS (HorizonLeague.org) – Following more than a decade creating major impact and positioning the Horizon League to thrive in a dynamic college sports environment, including nearly five years in the commissioner's chair, Julie Roe Lach has been named Executive Vice President with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which is the corporate identity exemplified by the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Noblesville Boom, Pacers Foundation and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
 
Why this matters: Lach will depart as the Horizon League leads and operates from a position of strength and influence. Alongside an aligned Council and Board with the support of dedicated staff, the League has advanced Men's and Women's Basketball through the establishment of innovative performance and excellence initiatives and investments, solidified a long-term community event in Indy with the Barbasol Horizon League Men's and Women's Basketball Championships and enhanced the experience of the nearly 4,000 League student-athletes through championship experience initiatives.  The League committed unprecedented financial support for mental health, NIL strategies, and built League-wide partnerships with Special Olympics, Team Impact and Athlete Ally. On the national landscape, leaders in the League office and within the membership are influencing NCAA governance, defining the mid-major voice and impacting congressional strategy with intentional and meaningful collaboration through their leadership with nine other conferences. Membership will grow to 12 in 2026 with the return of Northern Illinois University.
 
Major Voices
Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach
"Today is bittersweet.  Being a part of the Horizon League has been so meaningful.  Our staff, presidents, chancellors, athletics directors, sports administrators, coaches, faculty athletics representatives and student-athletes are remarkable.  Traveling to our campuses and seeing the transformational opportunities in action has been such a privilege.  Our league is filled with committed, talented and impactful leaders.  I'm grateful to have been a part of the HL."
 
Horizon League Board Chair and Wright State University President Sue Edwards
"The Horizon League has flourished under the leadership of Commissioner Julie Roe Lach. While we are saddened to see Julie depart, we are deeply grateful for her many contributions. Thanks to the strong foundation established by Julie and her team, the Horizon League is well positioned to continue its positive trajectory. We congratulate Julie on her new role in professional sports and wish her and her family continued success".

RMU President Dr. Michelle Patrick:
"The Horizon League and RMU benefited greatly from the visionary leadership Julie provided during her time as commissioner. Her exceptional work positioned the League for tremendous success, particularly in advancing basketball, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and elevating the League's national influence. She is a leader whom I greatly admire and I wish her nothing but success as she starts a new chapter with Pacers Sports & Entertainment."

RMU Vice President & Director of Athletics Chris King
"This is a great loss for the Horizon League institutions and Robert Morris University, and for me personally as a friend, colleague, and visionary in our field. While we're sad to see her go, this is a great opportunity and an exciting move for Julie's career with Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Her exceptional leadership positioned the Horizon League for tremendous success, particularly in advancing basketball, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and elevating the league's national influence. I have nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for her."  
 
Dig deeper:

• Lach will remain in her role with the League and assist in the transition through the academic semester.
• The Horizon League Board of Directors meets next week and will finalize the plan for the search process.
• The Horizon League is an NCAA Division I athletics conference comprised of 11 member institutions headquartered in Indianapolis. The League and our member schools develop nearly 4,000 student-athletes for life. Through unique opportunities in major metropolitan cities, their athletic, academic and personal aspirations can be achieved. Because what they learn today will inspire who they become tomorrow. For more information, visit HorizonLeague.com.