17 COVER STORY
Chris Plumb: Carmel Swim Coach On Earning International Recognition
This month, Carmel Monthly is pleased to feature Chris Plumb on its cover. After an impressive debut as a U.S. Olympic team assistant coach this summer, Plumb has been named head coach of the U.S. roster for the upcoming Short Course World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from December 10-15. This appointment marks Plumb’s first time leading a senior-level international team, a milestone USA Swimming announced on social media.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803
PUBLISHER / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418
DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418 HEAD
/ 317-250-7298
Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Laura Arick
We sat down with Mayor Sue Finkam to reflect on the accomplishments of 2024 and gain insight into her administration’s immediate goals for 2025. Mayor Finkam highlighted a year marked by significant achievements, including the successful launch of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Public Safety. This initiative has become instrumental in fostering community trust and proactively addressing evolving safety concerns, setting a strong foundation for the city’s future. Beyond public safety, she emphasized the creation of several other advisory commissions, each aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving the quality of life for Carmel residents.
Finkam expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that have strengthened community engagement and highlighted Carmel’s ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusivity. As she looks toward 2025, she is eager to build on this momentum, implementing actionable strategies that prioritize resident needs while maintaining Carmel’s reputation as a model for thriving cities.
LAUNCHING COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
The mayor’s advisory committees are designed to address key areas impacting the city’s growth and well-being. The Affiliate Review Committee, unanimously approved by the Carmel City Council, exemplifies this initiative. This committee builds on efforts led by Finkam earlier in the year, including restructuring governance frameworks for organizations like Promote Carmel, Inc., and implementing a financial transparency portal that provides residents with a detailed view of the city’s expenditures.
In February 2024, Finkam established the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Arts to replace the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee, emphasizing a renewed focus on fostering creativity and supporting local artists. Similarly, the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living, announced shortly thereafter, prioritizes enhancing resources and opportunities for Carmel’s senior residents.
Public safety also remains a top priority, with the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Public Safety, launched in August 2024 through Executive Order SF-2024-20, working to improve emergency response protocols and foster collaboration between public safety agencies and the community. Collectively, these committees reflect Finkam’s commitment to inclusivity, fiscal stewardship and proactive governance, ensuring that Carmel remains a vibrant, secure and thriving city for all its residents.
“It’s about investing in our people infrastructure,” Finkam said. “We also established the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Veterans & Military Families, dedicated to providing services and support to both veterans and military
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of City of Carmel
a few times, and the ideas are coming quickly. I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with so that our veterans and their families feel supported by their community.”
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND MILESTONES IN 2024
“First of all, I’m really happy that we’ve been able to engage our fifth graders at City Council Meetings,” Finkam expressed. “That makes me incredibly happy. It’s personally satisfying knowing that I’m planting seeds for future civic engagement down the road. I’m happy with the launch of the financial transparency portal. I’m also really proud of the economic development under the leadership of Executive Director of Economic Development Nick Weber. We’re truly looking at everything as far as how we attract and retain businesses as well as evaluating how we can do redevelopment better. I’m happy that we hired a person to oversee purchasing, and we are looking at different opportunities and ways to make improvements on how we procure different things, whether it be some of the consultants we use or how we purchase vehicles.”
LOOKING AHEAD AT 2025
Finkam spoke passionately about enhancing community engagement,
residents with city leaders and foster open dialogue. With a clear vision and a collaborative approach, Finkam is poised to build on 2024’s successes, driving innovation and inclusivity into the new year.
“I want to continue to focus on community engagement and putting our volunteer program on steroids,” Finkam stated. “We’re working on a plan where we can work with our nonprofit and other organizations in the community. There’s a lot of synergy with this initiative, and if we build an army of volunteers for our community, and, God forbid, if we have something serious or a tragedy to contend with, we can rely on this volunteer corps as part of the solution and ensuring our resiliency.”
Finkam continued, “We are also going to focus on visiting our neighborhoods and bringing police, fire and other aspects of our services to the community as part of our community engagement… not just in the way of mobile town halls but truly something fun and memorable that will bring out our residents, families and kids. We need to cast a wider net so that everyone feels like they’re part of the community.”
Finkam expressed her concerns regarding the state legislature’s potential budgetary changes for 2025, highlighting impacts on Carmel’s finances and services. She emphasized the importance of
We need to cast a wider net so that everyone feels like they’re part of the community.”
staying ahead of these changes to protect the interests of Carmel’s residents and taxpayers. Finkam discussed how she is taking a proactive role in advocating for Carmel by engaging with state lawmakers and ensuring that the city’s needs are well-represented. With a focus on fiscal responsibility, she is committed to making sure that any budgetary adjustments align with Carmel’s goals for growth, infrastructure and public services while minimizing burdens on local taxpayers.
“The state legislators have the power to do some pretty significantly damaging things to the budget as well as potentially helpful things,” Finkam said. “That’s going to impact everybody, and I’m going to be taking a very active role at the state legislature this coming year. I’ve been working hard this last half of the year, meeting with state legislators and introducing myself as the Mayor of Carmel. There is a perception that Carmel has everything it needs, and while we are very blessed, we have financial needs that are not [currently] being met. We have to be hungry and smart to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to maximize our taxpayers’ dollars.”
Finkam concluded, “It is such an honor to represent this community. I would like to say to my constituents, thank you for putting your trust in me. I try to earn it every day. Not a day goes by that I don’t understand that I was put here [in this office] to represent you, appropriately, and to work very hard on your behalf.
The S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed Carmel’s ‘AA’ bond rating, with a stable outlook, and with that, I feel even more positive about the city’s future.”
Experience the magic of the season at Hotel Carmichael with a variety of festive offerings. Unwind in the warmth of Prancer's Parlor, our charming pop-up holiday bar, where festive cocktails and cozy ambiance set the mood for the season. Delight in the Winter Chalets, a unique outdoor dining experience featuring twinkling lights, rustic decor, and a seasonal menu that captures the essence of winter. At Feinstein's, enjoy a diverse lineup of live entertainment, from classical to jazz, ensuring an unforgettable night for guests of all ages. And, just steps away, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Carmel's Christkindlmarkt—a holiday destination in itself. Whether you’re looking to dine, unwind, or be entertained, we have something special for everyone this holiday season.
THE CIVIC PRESENTS:
V WHITE CHRISTMAS
SHOWTIMES:
FRIDAYS AT 7 P.M.
SATURDAYS AT 7 P.M.
SUNDAYS AT 2 P.M.
SATURDAYS - DECEMBER 7, 14 AND 21 AT 2 P.M.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 7 P.M.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 AT 7 P.M.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 AT 12 P.M.
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
eterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean?” and the perennial title song, WHITE CHRISTMAS is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages. (Concord Theatricals) Don’t miss this season’s best show!
MICHAEL LASLEY - DIRECTOR
We started matching up our programming with the Christkindlmarkt once it became clear that it was a major driving force here in the area. We started with “Elf” in 2019, and it was a huge success for us. We decided to do a holiday-themed rotation, and the shows that we identified were “A Christmas Story,” “Elf” and “White Christmas.” We built the scenery for all three [shows] so we’re no longer beholden to anybody in terms of scenery… just the rights.
The goal here [at Civic] is to bring family entertainment of a fairly broad variety, and when you think
about movies that these shows are based upon, they sort of represent some very different generational views of the holiday. The best thing about all of them is that they’re unique in and of themselves. They are not carbon copies of the movies. In our production of “White Christmas,” we’re doing some of the songs that are in the movie, but we’ve also replaced some with other songs and added more music. What we have to be cognizant of is making sure that we are delivering those very important, very audience-satisfying moments they long for. Some are easier to accomplish than others, but we try to provide a unique and exciting live performance while delivering these “set” moments in each of the stories that play out on stage in a way that is emotionally satisfying to the audience. “White Christmas” is different from the other [shows] in that it has all this music from the Great American Songbook, so it’s a great tie-in for us here since we have the Great American Songbook on campus.
AUSTIN STODGHILL - PHIL DAVIS
I am doing a lot of choreography in this show with Anne Beck, and it’s intense, but I love it! My favorite character is Judy because she dances so much, and Phil is my second [favorite] because he dances the second most. My favorite number is “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.” There’s not much singing but a lot of beautiful dancing, and it’s such a beautiful production. My character “Phil” is not very serious… he’s very funny. My favorite part about the role is I get to dance with Kaycee [Beck]. She’s phenomenal, and having Anne [Beck] choreographing us is the best!
I get teary-eyed because I’ve never felt like a dancer before, and I feel proud of myself. I don’t get to say that too often. “White Christmas” is a heartwarming story, and I think it’s something people can leave with a smile, which I think is important for everyone to do.
KAYCEE BECK - JUDY HAYNES
I did two shows while in high school [Zionsville] with Civic’s YAP program. What drew me to Civic originally was how high-quality the shows are, especially for community theater. Music has always played a huge part of my life, and I’ve been surrounded by a very musical family. Civic Theatre has been my outlet of expression, and after college, I decided to trek my father [Joe Beck] along and make [Civic] our annual Christmas tradition. This is our second show [performing] together—I was in “Elf” last year along with my father. I could not ask for a better cast, directing team, theater community and family. Here I am playing one of my dream roles of all time… this has been such a dream come true. I could not have asked for a better way to spend my holiday season.
[The] biggest thing that I hope the audience takes away from this production is that the arts and theater are food for the soul. It’s such a great way to come
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Joshua Hasty Photography
CAST LIST
and distract yourself from the division in this world and from everything that is going on. Come to the theater and find peace in some way through the dancing and the singing. Irving Berlin has such great musicality, and there are so many great musical moments in this show that soothe my soul that I hope [hit] the audience in the same way.
MACKENZIE FOULKS - BETTY HAYNES
This is my second show at Civic. I did “Pride and Prejudice” in 2021, which was the first show back from COVID, though it was livestreamed. So, “White
Katherine LeFan
Christmas” feels like the first time I’ve done a “real” show here at Civic with an actual audience and all the things that a show is supposed to have. I have performed on cruise ships for a couple of years and just happened to be back for the auditions for “White Christmas.” I was like, I should probably go to the audition and be a good theater kid, but I had no expectations at all. Then I got a callback, and that was the most pleasant surprise of my year. My character “Betty” is me. I don’t have to try hard, which is a really special thing in theater. Acting is fun, but when you just resonate so much with
your character personality-wise and vocally, it’s fun. It’s nice to sing songs that feel like they were made for you. This year has been a lot of “nos” for me, and I was questioning why I chose this life, but I’ve been really lucky the second half of the year to have a couple of [positive] experiences where I felt really affirmed. Everyone’s been so friendly, and [this experience] has been really great!
American Songbook Foundation Proudly Presents:
Songbook Academy Sings the Songs of the Season
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Songbook Foundation
Studio Theater - Sunday December 22: 1 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET
Celebrate the magic of the season at the annual holiday performance of “The Songbook Academy Sings the Songs of the Season,” where talented local and regional alumni return for a heartwarming performance filled with beloved holiday classics.
The performance involves more than 20 Songbook Academy alumni, ranging from the classes of 2018 to 2024. It also includes students from esteemed institutions such as Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Howard University, Ball State University, Eastman School of Music and more. They will be accompanied by longtime Songbook Academy Music Director Mel Shore, renowned for her dynamic musical fluency on the piano and the Hammond B3, and her performance career as a sought-after studio musician, music director and award-winning composer and arranger.
Mel
Shore, Songbook Academy Music Director
As a special highlight, this performance will showcase the Songbook Foundation’s newest acquisition: Irving Berlin’s (“White Christmas,” “Happy Holiday”) Sohmer Studio Transposing Piano, an essential piece of musical history that is especially fitting for this time of year.
CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS AND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Great American Songbook Foundation Executive Director Chris Lewis and Director of Programs Renée La Schiazza
recently shared exciting highlights from this season’s programming. They emphasized the significance of this cherished annual tradition, which showcases the talents of Songbook Academy alumni. Additionally, they revealed thrilling news about next year’s performance, promising even more reasons to celebrate the enduring legacy of America’s rich musical heritage.
“This has become an exciting holiday tradition for the Songbook Academy that began with a night at the pavilion at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and it became so popular with the alums and the crowds that kept growing. We moved the [show] indoors to the Studio Theater and had to add a second show,” Lewis shared. “It’s a great way to celebrate the program year-round and for us to bring back kids from all over the country who are now in their college programs and/or are working professionally—and they can share their stories about how it all started right here on this campus!” Lewis added, “Applications have gone live for next year’s Songbook Academy. Visit thesongbook. org for more information.”
La Schiazza stated, “This year’s program is extremely exciting! It’s the most robust list of alums that we’ve had—27 alums— coming from all across the country, and [we] have alums ranging as far back as 2018 through our most recent summer [academy] in 2024. What we’ve asked from these young performers is to come back and perform one seasonal tune that means something to them this holiday season and to tell their story just as we do in the Songbook Academy, but this time through the lens of seasonal music.”
Both Lewis and La Schiazza expressed their enthusiasm for collaborating with the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel Christkindlmarkt and the Civic Theatre’s programming this year. “It’s wonderful to work together here on campus, surrounded by the incredible events happening at the Christkindl-
markt and the outstanding performances at the Palladium,” they shared. “We’re proud to be part of it all, and it’s a fantastic learning experience for our young performers.”
La Schiazza shared the exciting news that next year’s “Songbook Academy Sings the Songs of the Season” will be performed on the renowned Palladium stage.
“We will make a move to the Palladium for this performance, [and] we will be using the space creatively, seating the audience in the choral terrace and on the stage, with the orchestra seating area as the backdrop to maintain the intimacy of this show but expand our seating capacity,” La Schiazza said. “I think this is a wonderful testament to the support of the arts and of the [Songbook] Foundation. We continue to preserve not only some of these wonderful American songs but also create the next generation of artists who will continue the legacy of the Great American Songbook.”
The date for next year’s show is Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 (times TBD).
SONGBOOK ACADEMY ALUM TESTIMONIAL:
“The Songbook holiday show is something I have been looking forward to every year since it began. It is always such a blast to see everyone I met through the Songbook Academy and catch up, talk about music, school, anything! Not only that, but the music of this season is always such a joy to sing and listen to, so to share that with such talented and passionate musicians is such a wonderful experience. I participated in Songbook Academy three years ago, and the fact that they have stayed in touch and continued to provide so many opportunities for me and other alums is truly so special. Not only that, but every time I work with Songbook or reunite with someone I know from the program, it always feels like we’re just picking up right where we left off, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other. I have always felt so comfortable and supported by my Songbook family, and I am so unbelievably grateful for that.”
– Jilayne Kistner (2021), now attending Ithaca College for musical theater
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Dr. Gibson Dr. Di Giosia
CENTER PRESENTS:
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024
THE PALLADIUM // FRIDAY, DEC 13, 8 P.M. ET
FEATURING: JONATHAN BUTLER
SPECIAL GUESTS: VINCENT INGALA, ADAM HAWLEY AND REBECCA JADE
In the 27th anniversary edition of the world’s longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour, saxophonist Dave Koz and his musical friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics— and a Chanukah medley—along with hits from their respective catalogs. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, Koz has racked up honors and achievements, including nine Grammy nominations, 11 number-one albums on “Billboard’s” Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and a 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Koz’s 11th holiday performance at Allied Solutions Center will feature singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler and special guests, including tenor saxophonist Vincent Ingala, guitarist Adam Hawley and vocalist Rebecca Jade.
Experience the holidays with Dave Koz and Friends! Purchase your tickets online at thecenterpresents.org. Don’t forget to add to your collection of Dave Koz Christmas albums, available for purchase online at davekoz.com.
Tickets are selling fast! Purchase yours at thecenterpresents.org.
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Colin Peck, Noble Ambience Photography, Raj Naik, Shervin Lainez and Dan Boissy
Janelle Morrison: We can’t wait for you to come back to Carmel. You’re truly a part of our holiday traditions!
Dave Koz: That’s sweet— thank you!
JM: I’d like to congratulate you on your Presidential Lifetime Achievement award. That is amazing and so well-deserved.
DK: I’ve never been super focused on awards… they are very nice, and it’s a huge honor, of course, to be recognized, but I think it’s less about career accolades and more about philanthropy. That is a big part of my life.
JM: You have and continue to be very involved with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. For those who haven’t sailed the seas with you, you host a cruise, “Dave Koz & Friends at Sea,” that benefits Starlight, right?
DK: Yes. Starlight was my mom, Audrey’s, favorite charity, and she’s been gone for almost 20 years now, but we took it on as a charity and fundraise when we go on our cruises. Over the years, we’ve raised over a couple of million for Starlight, and that helps to keep their mission strong and
moving forward. That giving-back part makes me the most proud and happy. It’s a reflection of both my mom and dad [Norman], who was a wonderful and amazing person, too. They raised my brother, sister and me well, and to reflect that kind of attitude in our lives going forward, whatever we’re doing, and to keep a constant reflection on people who are less fortunate than we are.
JM: I’m excited to see you perform your Christmas repertoire and even more excited to hear one of your newer songs, “Automatic,” which you collaborated on with Adam Hawley. Let’s talk about that song, which is a total “vibe,” as the young people say.
DK [laughing]: Well, thank you! Adam is one of what I consider to be one of the brightest young stars of instrumental music. He’s an incredible guitar talent, and if that was it, it would be enough, but he’s got his doctorate in music and is a professor of music. He’s also a remarkable songwriter and arranger. I think he’s up to 16 number-one hits in his young career and is a major powerhouse. We wrote “Automatic,” and it turned out to be that sort of danceable disco [and] cool “vibe,” as you say, and I’m really proud of it and excited to play it live for audiences on this tour. We’re also really excited to come back with this particular lineup!
JM: about this amazing lineup who’ll be accompanying you.
DK:
the Palladium] in years past already know about my love, appreciation and musical kinship with Jonathan Butler—I love being on stage with that guy! We’ve got Rebecca Jade, who’s a wonderful vocalist and is making a fourth appearance on our tour. Then we’ve got two [talents] new to this tour, Vincent Ingala on saxophone and Adam [Hawley] on guitar!
JM: Let’s talk about your latest Christmas album, “Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads.”
DK: For a nice Jewish boy with eight Christmas albums and 27 years of Christmas tours, it’s a head-scratcher, I know [laughing]! I’m very proud of this album, “Christmas Ballads.” It’s a return of the O.G. Christmas tour members Rick Braun, Peter White
of our tour. We just wanted to create something that was really beautiful and set a tone from start to finish without changing tempos too much. We went to a wonderful producer and arranger, Philippe Saisse, who came up with these very inspired arrangements. It’s really a beautiful project from start to finish.
I love Christmas music. There’s so much variety of [Christmas] music out there, which is a tribute to the music. The songs are so good, and it’s why people want to hear them… it’s like musical comfort food.
McCaw Ornament Collection
Brings Holiday Magic to Coxhall Mansion
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Coxhall Guild
The holiday season is brimming with traditions, and this year, Hamilton County residents are invited to experience a truly unique celebration. The Coxhall Mansion will be transformed into a festive wonderland thanks to the exquisite McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection. This treasure trove of ornaments, generously donated by Bruce and Jamie McCaw through April Williams and the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc., will dazzle visitors with its beauty and scale.
AN ORNAMENT COLLECTION FOR THE AGES
The McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection is an extensive array of cherished pieces, each telling a story of holiday joy and nostalgia. The collection was gifted to Hamilton County Parks by the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, showcasing the McCaws’ enduring support for community enrichment. Guests will have the opportunity to admire these ornaments displayed on 20 uniquely decorated trees throughout the four floors of the Coxhall Mansion. Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors will be serenaded by live Christmas piano music. Eric Bembenek, an employee of Hamilton County Parks, will play the mansion’s recently restored original piano.
A HOLIDAY TRADITION IN THE MAKING
The Coxhall Guild, a vital partner to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation,
plays a significant role in the holiday transformation. Members of the guild collaborated with Gisele Found of Gisele’s Flowers and Event Décor in Zionsville to ensure every tree and corner of the mansion radiates seasonal cheer.
The McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection is more than a display—it’s a celebration of artistry, nostalgia and community spirit.
Coxhall Guild President Mary Robinson highlighted the significance of the extensive ornament collection, the generosity of donors Bruce and Jamie McCaw, and the dedication of the guild members who came together to beautifully decorate the mansion’s Christmas trees for the holiday season.
“The McCaw ornament collection is absolutely incredible, with approximately 800 ornaments processed for display this year—and we haven’t even gotten to the ENESCO collection yet,” Robinson stated.
“Christy Brocken, the historical resource specialist for Hamilton County Parks, meticulously cataloged every ornament. She photographed each piece, carefully removed them from their original boxes, re-boxed them into ornament storage and preserved the original packaging, as collections are more valuable when kept in their original boxes.”
Robinson expressed deep admiration for Bruce McCaw, who is passionate about his collection. “When Christy, another parks employee, and I went to pick it up, we discovered Bruce had meticulously organized everything—there were 17 tabs of ornaments!” Robinson exclaimed. “He’s collected these over the years, with most being Hallmark ornaments.”
Robinson also described the camaraderie and organization that goes into decorating Coxhall Mansion. “We always kick off with a pizza party. It’s such a fun day,” Robinson said. “Over the years, we’ve had a chairperson leading the effort. For the past two years, it’s been Jan Williamson, a retired grade school principal, who’s incredibly organized. This year, for the first time, we’ve decorated 20 trees of various sizes throughout the mansion, each with its own theme.”
CELEBRATE AT THE OPEN HOUSES
The public is invited to attend a second open house this season and enjoy this holiday display on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each room in the mansion will feature a distinctive theme, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The McCaws themselves will make a special appearance on December 14, offering guests a chance to meet the couple behind this remarkable collection.
For more information about Coxhall Gardens and the Coxhall Guild, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov and search for “Coxhall Gardens.” To read the extended article online, scan the QR code.
Chris Plumb
Carmel Swim Coach On Earning International Recognition
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted
This month, Carmel Monthly is pleased to feature Chris Plumb on its cover. After an impressive debut as a U.S. Olympic team assistant coach this summer, Plumb has been named head coach of the U.S. roster for the upcoming Short Course World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from December 10-15. This appointment marks Plumb’s first time leading a senior-level international team, a milestone USA Swimming announced on social media.
AN ACCOMPLISHED COACH
lumb was named Head Coach/ CEO of Carmel Swim Club in July 2006, but has been with the program since 2003. As Head Coach/CEO, Chris oversees all aspects of the club and coaches the High Performance training group. He is a dynamic leader for the organization, and works tirelessly to push Carmel to be a model club both in Indiana and nationally. Chris’s execution of the Carmel Swim Club’s vision to be a community club with a national presence continues to push CSC to new levels of success, including recognition as a USA Swimming
Gold Medal Club of Excellence several times since 2010.
Plumb’s coaching credentials have been bolstered by his success with elite swimmers, including siblings Aaron and Alex Shackell, whom he guided onto the U.S. Olympic team earlier this year. Aaron Shackell clinched a spot by winning the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Trials, while his younger sister Alex Shackell earned her place in Paris with a sixthplace finish in the 200-meter freestyle and a runner-up result in the 200-meter butterfly. Additionally, Carmel Swim Club alum Drew Kibler secured his Olympic team spot for relay duties.
Of the three, only Alex Shackell will represent the U.S. at the Short Course Worlds as Aaron opted to focus on his collegiate swimming commitments. Plumb, who serves as the Carmel Swim Club’s head coach, continues to demonstrate his ability to develop top-tier athletes and guide them to international success.
BETTER PREPARED FOR BUDAPEST
Supporting Plumb will be an accomplished coaching staff featuring Josh Huger of California, John Long of Indiana, Katie Robinson of Stanford and Jake Shrum of Virginia. Each assistant is affiliated with a prestigious collegiate program
It was a lifelong dream to represent the United States at the Olympics.”
that contributed swimmers to the U.S. roster. Notably, all four coaches will make their senior-level debut as part of the official USA Swimming staff.
Plumb’s appointment reflects USA Swimming’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the team. His work with Carmel Swim Club has been instrumental in shaping swimmers who excel at both the national and international levels. As head coach, he will oversee a talented ros ter aiming to achieve success in Budapest, continuing the tradition of excellence synonymous with USA Swimming.
The Short Course World Champion ships offer a unique opportunity for athletes and coaches to showcase their skills on a global stage in a 25-meter pool format, differing from the standard 50-meter Olympic pool. Plumb and his team will look to capitalize on this platform to secure victories and establish new milestones for U.S. swimming.
As the countdown begins to the championships, the swimming community eagerly anticipates how Plumb will guide his team to success, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the sport. With a combination of experienced leadership and promising athletes, Team USA is poised to make waves in Budapest.
Plumb shared how his experience at the Paris Summer Olympics has been instrumental in preparing him for his role as head coach at the Short Course World Championships in Budapest.
“It was a lifelong dream to represent the United States at the Olympics,” Plumb shared. “To be able to do that as a coach, as a representative of the Carmel community, and my family, I think it’s just a tremendous feeling of achievement that I’m incredibly proud of. I am also well aware of the importance of having the [Carmel] community’s support that helped
to make something like this [coaching opportunities] happen. I had a lot of time to reflect and am grateful for the opportunities. My father was in the military and my grandfather was in World War II, and though I am not a member of the U.S. Armed Services—[coaching] certainly pales in comparison—I do think it’s a similar feeling in terms of representing your country on an international stage and
being able to compete with other nations through athletics.”
Plumb continued, “Being at the [Paris] Olympics and walking around the village, being around the best athletes in the world was surreal. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. The moment I first walked in and saw all the Olympic flags and then the Olympic rings… that’s when it really hit and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh… this is really happening.’ Having actually experienced it for myself and having watched the athletes go through it, competing at that level is an incredibly challenging task. The emotional toll of being on a world stage is a really difficult thing to do. As head coach, I’ll have a slightly different role, but I am applying what I’ve learned [from Paris] and put my own spin on it. Knowing how important it is to get the logistics right, making sure we [the team] have the right energy, working through the ebbs and flows, international travel and time changes, and all that stuff. Understanding all of those things and having gone through it at the Olympics, I am better prepared for the meet in Budapest.”
• Head Coach of Carmel Swim Club and Carmel High School
• Ser ved as a U.S. Olympic team assistant coach in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
• Ser ved as assistant coach for National Staff at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships
• Plumb has led one of the most successful club teams in the countr y over the last decade or so
• Previously served on several junior international team’s staff
• Previously served as the head coach for the U.S. at the 2016 Junior Pan Pacific Championships
• Ser ved as assistant women’s coach at the 2017 FINA World Junior Championships
• Ser ved as the Head Women’s Coach for a USA Swimming National Junior Team Camp
Unveiling Carmel High School’s
State-of-the-Art Natatorium Complex
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and courtesy of CCS
Carmel High School’s newly expanded natatorium and renovated pool facilities now provide a state-of-the-art complex designed to support students, the community and high-level competitive swimming. The new natatorium significantly increases the available water surface, accommodating the growing demand for swimming programs in the Carmel area.
Ahead of the official grand opening, I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Inskeep, Director of Athletics and Activities at Carmel High School, about the new features in the school’s expanded natatorium. He shared his excitement about how the upgrades will enhance the experience for swim teams, staff and spectators for many years to come. With its advanced facilities, the complex is set to become a cornerstone for both athletic and community events, reflecting Carmel’s commitment to excellence in sports and wellness.
BOASTING A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY
The centerpiece of the expansion is a 50-meter competition pool with features
exceeding international standards. Its flat, eight-foot-deep floor and fully recessed gutters enhance safety and performance, while cooler water temperatures make it one of the fastest pools in the country. Advanced filtration and environmental controls promote a clean, healthy space for all users. A dedicated diving well with a one-meter platform adds versatility for both beginner and experienced divers.
Additional amenities include a hydrotherapy pool, designed with optimal temperatures for recovery and relaxation, accessible to students, staff and the community. The new facility also boasts ample spectator areas and support spaces, ensuring flexibility during competitions and events.
Renovations to the existing 50-meter pool complement the new construction, creating an integrated aquatic complex. Upgrades include a new dehumidification system, improved ventilation, advanced UV filtration and an enhanced sound system. These improvements maintain the pool’s multi-purpose capabilities, serving physical education, community programs and athletic training.
Together, the updated facilities provide Carmel with a premier swimming destination tailored to meet diverse needs while setting a new standard for excellence in aquatics.
“It’s a very unique project for us,” Inskeep stated. “The impetus for this, really, was we had reached a point, as with any indoor pool or natatorium in a school built in the ’90s, where you have this corrosive environment with the air quality and all the surroundings that go on with a facility of that magnitude, and you have to figure out if you’re going to renovate the existing facility or shut it down and build a new one. It made a lot more sense to build something new because we can’t really shut down a pool and find training spaces at other locations… there’s only so much lane space in the area to go around, and those other places have their own teams and programming.”
Inskeep continued, “We learned this when we had the gas explosion in 2019, and we were down without the pool for about a month. We have a lot of neighboring school districts that were so generous at that time and helped us out, but it was eye-opening to all the needs that we really have regarding lane space. If you go back 16-17 years ago, the Carmel Swim Club, which serves as a feeder club for the high school programs, had about 220 kids from entry level all the way up to high school seniors. That [number] has continued to grow and is currently about 500 kids. We had conversations back in 2019-2020 about how we were going to be able to service all of these kids and [swim/dive] programs. We discussed rehabilitating the existing pool and investigated building a new pool that has all of the amenities that we need to run a world-class program, which is what it is.”
Inskeep explained that the Carmel Clay Schools (CCS) Board and Administration decided that it was in the best interest of the CCS student-athletes, swimming and diving programs and community swimming programs to build an auditorium complex on campus.
“There have been so many advancements since the existing pool opened 25 years ago in how people build pools and facilities this size,” Inskeep said. “The new pool will have a lot of features that will benefit the swimmers and staff that spend several hours [there] on a weekly basis. It will also have its own diving well… we did not have that in our existing pool. Having a separate diving
well helps with the efficiency of running meets of any size and eliminates the changeover that can typically add 30-45 minutes to a meet.”
Inskeep added, “There will be a therapy pool that will be utilized by lots of different groups in our community, and there is a ramp that assists our special-needs population, who [had] been utilizing a lift in order to get into the pool. Having this ramp is really optimal for that function. The new pool has beautiful windows and a great view of campus. Most pools you go to are known as dungeons void [of] a lot of sunlight. For the kids and staff who spend so much time in these facilities, to be able to see sunlight and sunrises is
pretty unique, and I think [the windows] are what makes it beautiful from the inside and out.”
A BRILLIANT DESIGN BUILT FOR AESTHETICS AND ATHLETICS
When asked who the architect was, Inskeep shared it was Fanning Howey and the work of nationally renowned pool designer/consultant Bill Robertson.
“There’s not an infinite amount of square footage on campus, so this [new natatorium] fits so well into what we do, and it looks seamless within the physical plan of our school,” Inskeep touted. “All of the lighting is LED, which is more efficient, and I can tell you from a funding standpoint, this was completed through the sales of bonds and not a tax increase from the community. The spectator seating went from 550 to 1400, and [there are] seats in bleachers rather than carpeted stairs. It is a more formal setting, and there’s a lot of cool features about this facility that include digital record boards, which in Carmel is useful!”
David West on Taking Hamilton County Tourism to the Next Level
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism
This past October, David West officially stepped into the role of President & CEO at Hamilton County Tourism. The Hamilton County Tourism Board of Directors selected West to succeed Brenda Myers, who retired after 19 years of service.
West brings over two decades of experience in tourism and destination management, having held leadership roles at Herschend Family Entertainment (Dollywood Parks & Resorts), the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Among his career highlights are leading the renowned “Pure Michigan” marketing campaign and developing a strategic destination plan for Dollywood Parks & Resorts, which achieved record-breaking visitor numbers.
Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., a nonprofit destination management organization, promotes tourism growth by strategically marketing and developing hospitality initiatives. Each year, it welcomes over four million visitors to Hamilton County, Indiana.
TOURISM STRENGTHENS COMMUNITIES
“I’ve been in tourism most of my adult life,” West said. “Research [and] methodical and critical thinking is sort of part of my DNA in terms of who I am and in terms of tourism and the impacts it can have. I think everywhere I’ve been has been a learning experience.”
West continued, “Hamiton County has a lot going [on] that goes beyond tourism. The exciting part is watching where the county wants to go with its ideas of building identity and the impact of giving a ‘brand’ that everyone in the county and the state can rally around. I think everyone enjoys the trials, the concerts, the Palladium and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and these things wouldn’t necessarily be as great as they are and continue growing without tourism because residents themselves cannot sustain those. They have
to be fed by other engines, and when you bring outside dollars into the community that brings in revenue that goes beyond the hotel tax… it goes to sales tax because people are buying olive oil, knickknacks, artwork and all the things you can buy downtown.”
West emphasized the growing demand for meaningful and authentic experiences, noting that people increasingly seek opportunities that resonate on a deeper level and create lasting memories.
“People in 2024 want experiences,” West emphasized. “They love to come and experience your community and support it because they are interested in the authenticity of what Carmel has to deliver, whether that be dining, shopping or entertainment. When you have this sort of environment, businesses want to operate there and people want to live there. The more we keep supporting and building these world-class attractions, the more people want to be here, and that demand keeps growing, and then guess what happens? Your property values go up.”
DRIVING TOURISM TO HAMILTON COUNTY IN 2025
West discussed how in Hamilton County, the Hamilton County Tourism board and staff are focused on building demand by creating and enhancing assets that attract visitors and enrich their experiences. It’s a multifaceted approach that includes both “hardware” and “software” elements.
The hardware encompasses physical attractions like museums, while the software includes vibrant events such as the Christmas market and other festivals.
The ultimate goal is to create a destination where visitors are encouraged to stay for three or four days rather than just making a single, brief stop. Achieving this requires a collective effort to continuously build and enhance experiences, giving people compelling reasons to return.
“Fundamentally, it’s our job to make sure we brand and tell the story of Hamilton County so that everybody knows us throughout the nation,” West stated.
“What makes us special and what makes us a destination is not only our worldclass experiences, activities and attractions—we also have our Hoosier Hospitality. I truly believe that travel and tourism are the conduits of peace even within our own county… what’s good for tourism is
also good for the residents.”
West concluded, “I can [tell] you, ‘Buckle up,’ because we have an exciting vision and mission to really bring next-level attractions and events, and I think all of [Hamilton County] mayors are supportive and understand the importance of the growth of tourism in the area. I have always found throughout my career that if you come in open-minded and put your hand out along with an introduction, ‘Hi, I am …,’ just watch what happens. It’s crazy how [positive] things happen and how small our world becomes if you just extend your hand. That’s what Hamilton County wants to do… it wants to extend its hand to not only the residents but to all visitors from across the country and the globe.”
To learn more about Hamilton County Tourism and explore upcoming events and attractions for this season and the year ahead, visit visithamiltoncounty.com.
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