Marcy Simpson Named 2026 Milan High School Alumni Award Recipient

This award honors graduates who demonstrate excellence in their careers.

(Milan, Ind.) - Milan Community Schools is proud to announce that Marcy (Russell) Simpson, a 1995 graduate of Milan High School and a graduate of Indiana University, has been selected as the 2026 Milan Alumni Award recipient.

This award honors graduates who demonstrate excellence in their careers while making a positive impact through leadership, service, and character.

Simpson has built a successful career at Indiana University, where she currently serves as Executive Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the university in 2000, she has taken on a variety of leadership roles and now helps oversee the financial operations for Indiana University Athletics.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Simpson is committed to giving back. She regularly works with students through the Kelley School of Business, offering guidance on careers, internships, and professional growth. She also supports women's leadership initiatives and works closely with student-athletes and coaches as the sport administrator for the women's tennis and rowing programs.

As Chief Financial Officer, Simpson plays an important role in helping Indiana University Athletics navigate the ever-changing world of college sports. She helps manage a large and complex budget while ensuring programs remain strong and competitive. Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing major challenges, including revenue sharing with student-athletes, supporting leadership during the changing landscape of NIL opportunities for student athletes, management of donor contributions through the Indiana University Varsity Club, and management of conference television revenue distributions. Her efforts ensure the financial sustainability of Indiana University Athletics while supporting competitive excellence across all programs.

Her leadership has been especially valuable during both challenging and successful times, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting a historic run for Indiana University Athletics. Most notably, she helped manage the financial demands during an unprecedented period of success for Indiana University Football, which included appearances in the Big Ten Championship, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and the College Football National Championship. Throughout it all, she has remained focused on long-term stability and continued growth while skillfully managing complex financial operations.

Simpson is widely respected for her professionalism, integrity, and ability to build strong relationships. She has earned the trust of colleagues across Indiana University Athletics and throughout the Big Ten Conference. She is known for being approachable, thoughtful, and committed to doing what is right-qualities that have earned her the trust of colleagues and peers.

"Marcy Simpson exemplifies what it means to be a Milan Indian," said Principal Ryan Langferman. "Her commitment to excellence, service to others, and leadership at the highest level make her an outstanding choice for this honor. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the impact she continues to make."

Marcy lives in Bloomington with her husband, Kyle, and their 3 sons, Brady, Tucker, and Miles.