Indy Chamber hires Stolen for new executive position

Steven Stolen, the former managing director for the Indiana Repertory Theatre, has been hired to a newly created executive position at the Indy Chamber, the organization announced Monday.

Stolen will become vice president of corporate advancement Sept. 8. In that role, he will work to build more corporate partnerships with the Chamber.

"It's a unique pleasure to have the opportunity to work with our business community and continue the kind of work in which I believe so strongly—connecting people and organizations in a powerful way so that together we can accomplish great things," Stolen said in a written statement.

Stolen played a prominent marketing role at IRT from 2006 until 2013, with responsibilities that included new business development, community relations, strategic planning, finance and development.

He has worked in several short-term positions since leaving the theater to become regional director of Rocketship Education, a charter school operator. He left the San Jose, California-based not-for-profit in early 2014 after it tabled plans to open Indianapolis schools.

Stolen most recently was senior director of external relations for the Julian Center, a not-for-profit that supports victims of domestic violence. He took that job in February.

Prior to that, he spent several months directing an assessment and strategic-planning effort for the Indianapolis Opera.

"Steven has a reputation as a collaborative, creative leader and brings with him extensive experience in community engagement, management and outreach in both the corporate and not-for-profit realms," Indy Chamber President and CEO Michael Huber said in written remarks.

Stolen also is a professional singer and musician who has a background in education as faculty member and administrator. He spent 15 years at Butler University, capping his time there as executive director of development and campaigns.

His past roles also include chairman of the Butler School of Music and executive director of the Indianapolis Children's Choir.