Coalition of United Professionals endorses Melina Kennedy

January 13, 2010

Coalition of United Professionals endorses Melina Kennedy 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2010

Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721 

Indianapolis--Today, the Coalition of United Professionals (CUP), acting through its political action committee, endorsed Melina Kennedy in her campaign for mayor of Indianapolis.  

The Coalition of United Professionals is an organization of twenty professionals that represent a new generation of black business and civic leaders throughout Central Indiana whose ultimate focus is creating opportunities for minority owned businesses as well as having a direct impact on the Federal, State and Local political process.  

CUP's chairman, Joseph L. Smith, Jr., cited Kennedy’s experience as vital to the endorsement. 

“I’ve known Melina for some time and, hands down, her experience as a proven and successful job-creator makes her the best choice for mayor,” Smith said.  

CUP member Gabe Bender added: "CUP looks forward to working with Melina to get Indianapolis moving again by growing the local economy and making Indianapolis a more vibrant, diverse and competitive city that is attractive to professionals and small businesses."  

Kennedy thanked CUP for their support. “I am grateful to have the support of the Coalition of United Professionals and look forward to working closely with them to make Indianapolis a city that reaches higher.”       

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Melina Kennedy recently formed an exploratory committee for the Office of Mayor of Indianapolis. As Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis under Mayor Bart Peterson, she was recognized for her efforts in job creation and economic development, including securing hundreds of new jobs at the vacant United Airlines airport facility, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Lawrence, numerous urban redevelopment projects like the Keystone Enterprise Park in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and helping launch long term strategic job creation initiatives like BioCrossroads. 

Melina and her husband, Bob Kennedy, Olympic and former Indiana University distance runner, started a small business in 2001 that now consists of four running and walking specialty stores in the Central Indiana region. Melina supports a number of community organizations in leadership roles, including: President of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society board of directors; co-chair of the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative; Board member of Dress for Success; President of the Legacy House board of directors; and numerous other organizations. Melina and Bob are the proud parents of a son and daughter.