Carmel, Indiana (January 20, 2011) – The Carmel United Soccer Club (CUSC) Operating Committee elected candidates Deb Freeland, Gene Lindley and Ken Yerkes to the CUSC Board of Directors at the 2011 Annual Meeting on Tuesday night.
The new CUSC Board of Directors met on January 25, to elect the executive board for the next term. Congratulations to President Dan Meador, Vice President Jody Backes, Vice President George Lawrence, Secretary Ken Yerkes, and Treasurer Deb Freeland. Gene Lindley and Jeff Larkin will serve as Directors.
Deb Freeland is an Assurance Partner with the public accounting firm of Clifton Gunderson LLP. She has been with Clifton Gunderson for over 16 years working with government and not for profit clients. Deb and her husband Leon live in Carmel with their two children, Grant and Kelly (CUSC U12 Girls Premier White). Deb has served as the Carmel United Soccer Club treasurer for two years. In addition to her involvement with CUSC, Deb is also a board member of Lutheran Disabilities Ministry and a confirmation coach for 8th graders at Carmel Lutheran Church.
Gene Lindley is the Chief Operating Officer with James H. Drew Corporation in Indianapolis. He and his wife Tara reside in Carmel with their two children, Cameron (CUSC U15 Elite and Indiana United U16 Developmental Academy) and Cassidy (CUSC U11 Elite). Gene is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (1992) where he played Division I and II soccer, with an NCAA tournament appearance. He was named the team MVP in 1990-1991. He also led the Greensboro Bucs Club to a Regional Championship and a 3rd place finish at Nationals in 1989. Gene played for the USISL Greensboro Dynamo from 1991-1992. As a coach, Gene has over 17 years of experience coaching both boys and girls of all ages, winning 17 Indiana Youth Soccer State Cup Championships, one US Youth Soccer Region II Championship (CUSC Cyclones 2007), and one US Youth Soccer National Championship (CUSC Cyclones 2007). He was honored as the Indiana Youth Soccer Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2007.
Ken Yerkes is a partner with Barnes & Thornburg where he serves as the chairman of the labor and employment department which provides litigation strategies to clients at the state and federal levels. A graduate of Earlham College, Ken holds a J.D. of Law from Indiana University. Ken and his wife Wendy reside in Indianapolis with two children; his son Jackson plays with the CUSC U15 Premier Blue team. Ken has served as a board member with the Indiana Legal Foundation (2008-Present), the Indiana Repertory Theatre (2002-2008), the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce (2000-2008), the Indiana Sports Corporation (1999-2000) and the Indianapolis Private Industry Council (1994-1998). Ken is a member of the Hundred Club of Indianapolis (2002-2011), a panel member of the City of Indianapolis Diversity Study (1994-1995) and served as Chairman of the Indianapolis Private Industry Council (1997-1999).
“I look forward to working with the new Board of Directors to help the Carmel United Soccer Club make a positive difference in the lives of children through sport,” said Executive Director of Soccer and Club Operations Don Rawson. “We have a responsibility to be effective leaders and collaborate as a team to ensure the club has the best coaches, an outstanding player development model, excellent facilities and a healthy and safe environment for youth development. I am thankful for the service of outgoing Directors Jeff Schuchman and Brian MeWhinney and for the leadership of outgoing Club President Dave Burkert. I appreciate their trust in my role as Executive Director of Club and Soccer Operations.”
About Carmel United Soccer Club (CUSC)– Carmel United Soccer Club was formed in 1995 through the merger of three Carmel-based youth soccer organizations. Today, Carmel United serves over 850+ players ages U8 through U23 and has a proud tradition of player development and club success. Carmel United is a Nike Premier Club and the only Indiana member of the USSF Developmental Academy. The mission of Carmel United Soccer Club is to provide a fun, safe, and healthy environment for soccer players from all communities. Carmel United Soccer Club is committed to developing players and teams to their fullest potential by providing the best coaches and facilities.