New Indianapolis Urban League President Tony Mason
One of Indianapolis’ key overall institutions and a critical institution in the African-American community – the Indianapolis Urban League – has named a new leader. Tony Mason, who led the Circle City Classic during its glory years in the last decade and as Senior Vice-President of Indy’s Super Bowl Committee engaged the minority businesses and the community in Indy’s successful Super Bowl effort, is now the Indianapolis Urban League’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made Thursday (October 2nd) by Linda Thomas, Chair of the Indianapolis Urban League’s Board of Directors. Mason was unanimously chosen by the Urban League’s Board to become only the third director in the Indianapolis League’s 49 year history, after the Urban League’s legendary initial long time President Sam Jones and President for the past eleven years Joe Slash.
Legendary Urban League Leader Sam Jones
Said Board Chair Thomas, “I want to commend the search committee and board of directors for maintaining the integrity of this important selection process. We spoke with numerous outstanding candidates. Tony Mason quickly rose to the very top as the appropriate choice to guide the organization and build upon the momentum of our past leadership.” Mason will now lead one of the most respected and influential organizations in the State of Indiana. He’ll report to Thomas and the Board of Directors. The Indianapolis Urban League was founded in the fall of 1965 as a non-profit, non-partisan, interracial community-based social service/civil rights organization. The Indianapolis affiliate is one of five Urban League affiliates in Indiana. The organization is funded by the United Way of Central Indiana, individuals, organizations, businesses, and government bodies. Tony Mason’s primary task will be leading the Urban League’s staff and volunteers through the National Urban League 5-Point strategy that includes education and youth empowerment, economic empowerment, health and quality of life empowerment, civic engagement and civil rights and racial justice empowerment. 
“Tony Mason is an excellent choice to lead the Indianapolis Urban League,” said Carey Lykins, CEO, Citizens Energy Group and search committee chair. “His work with Indiana Black Expo, Circle City Classic and the Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee uniquely qualifies him to lead the organization.” Urban League Board Member and State Representative Greg Porter said of Mason, “Tony Mason has the capacity and leadership qualities the Indianapolis Urban League needs right now. I have had the privilege of working with Tony for many years. We are confident he will elevate the presence of the Indianapolis Urban League among with the community, sponsors and donors.” Tony Mason received his Bachelor of Art degree in Public Administration and Master of Science from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Mason is expected assume his new leadership role October 13, 2014.
