Meet our board chair
Chris Gahl

For Chris Gahl, Indiana Humanities’ new board chair, the humanities are a vital part of the fabric that supports us as individuals and helps us live and thrive together. 

“The humanities are critically important to helping our communities heal from the pandemic. Over the last year and a half, we’ve all experienced distance and divides between one another. There’s no better way to reconnect and come together than by reading, thinking and talking.” 

Gahl, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Indy, will lead our board of 20 volunteer members for the next two years. We are grateful for the leadership of immediate past chair Doran Moreland, senior consultant with Resultant, whose time in the role ended in October.

As part of Visit Indy’s leadership team since 2005, Chris oversees marketing, communications, government, partner and community relations for the nonprofit charged with driving tourism to Indianapolis and enhancing the brand of the city. 

Prior to Visit Indy, Gahl owned a marketing firm in Honolulu, Hawaii. He’s been named a 40 Under 40 business leader by the Indianapolis Business Journal and participated in the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series. He holds a degree in communications from Butler University, where he also sits on the University’s Board of Trustees.

The connection between Gahl and Indiana Humanities has been a long time in the making.

“For more than 16 years, on my way into work each day, I’ve driven by and admired the historic Nicholson House. Before being introduced to the organization, I found myself wondering about the people I saw going in and out of the building on those days. When I finally met (Indiana Humanities president and CEO) Keira, I was immediately fascinated by her passion for the humanities and their integral role in our city and state.”  

Chris is eager to build connections and make the humanities accessible to Hoosiers across the state. He is a people person, a quality that is evident from the moment you first interact with him. In a room full of strangers, his curiosity and warmth drive his ability to connect with others. 

“I’m looking forward to finding new ways of using the humanities to bring individuals together to learn, listen and see differing points of view. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity and for the critical role that Indiana Humanities will play in helping our state recover.”