Hoosier State Today

Melissa Proffitt, a well-regarded employee benefits attorney in Indianapolis, has been appointed as the new chair of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Her appointment was confirmed during the organization's annual fall board meeting held in mid-November.

Proffitt is currently the partner-in-charge of client relations at Ice Miller LLP, one of Indiana's largest general practice firms with ten locations across the United States.

Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber, expressed confidence in Proffitt's ability to further the organization's goals linked to its Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan. "When it comes to the issues we collectively need to work on so that Indiana keeps up momentum as a place in which Hoosiers and employers can prosper, I can’t think of anyone better to lead us than Melissa," Sinders stated. She praised Proffitt for her passion, commitment, and skills in coalition building.

Sinders also noted Proffitt's past contributions to the Chamber. "She also knows the Indiana Chamber as well as anyone. Her past contributions helped shape our organization and have played a key role in positioning us as one of the nation’s leading state chambers," she concluded.

Proffitt has been actively involved with the Indiana Chamber through roles such as outside general counsel and membership on its Executive Committee. She is also part of several policy committees and the PAC group.

Proffitt expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Sinders, who assumed her CEO role in January. "My number one focus is to help the Chamber in initiating action and implementing policies that align with the goals in Indiana Prosperity 2035," Proffitt conveyed. She emphasized her commitment to supporting Sinders and challenging the Chamber team to improve their performance.

Beyond her work with Ice Miller LLP and involvement with the Indiana Chamber, Proffitt engages extensively within her community. Her recent leadership roles include serving as board chair for organizations like Indy Chamber and IU’s Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council. Additionally, she serves as vice chair for Indiana Black Expo.

Proffitt's accolades include receiving IBJ’s Michael A. Carroll Award for community devotion, being named an Indiana Historical Society Living Legend, inclusion in IBJ's Indiana 250 – Most Influential Leaders since its inception, and recognition among America’s Best Lawyers from 2006-2025.

At Ice Miller LLP, aside from overseeing business development operations, she chairs two practice areas: food and agribusiness group and energy group. Her career at Ice Miller began with leading its employee benefits practice.