Dr. Allison Barber

With a career that spans from a schoolhouse to the White House and most recently the Fieldhouse as the President and COO of the Indiana Fever, Indiana’s WNBA franchise; Dr. Allison Barber has a successful record of building brands and maximizing impact. From grade school teacher in Merrillville, Indiana, to communications strategist in the White House and United States Department of Defense; and as the first chancellor and chief fundraiser for Western Governor’s University (WGU) Indiana, Allison has dedicated herself to creating pathways to help individuals reach their potential.

After spending six years building and inspiring Fever fans in all 92 counties of Indiana and beyond, Barber will continue her work of empowering young girls through sports as a leader with the Marvella Project. Barber understands the power of playing sports, a college athlete who lettered in tennis and softball, she values the positive impact sports can have on both children and adults. Barber holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University; a M.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University; and a Ph.D. In Leadership from Tennessee Temple University. She is the recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service awarded by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and was recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

In March 2019, she was presented with Indiana’s highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash, presented by Governor Eric Holcomb. Barber was honored as the Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year in 2024. Barber is the board chair for the Sagamore Institute, the board chair for the Marvella Foundation and serves on the boards of the American Red Cross, Indiana, Destination Development Corporation, and the Indiana Chamber. She volunteers for the Elizabeth Dole Hidden Heroes Foundation, Wheeler Mission and WNBA All-Star 2025.