The succession plan of Colts’ team ownership is official as late Owner and CEO Jim Irsay’s daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson — are set to collectively take up the torch.
Indianapolis, IN — Per the team, the Indianapolis Colts today announced details on the transition of team ownership from late Owner & CEO Jim Irsay to his daughters – Carlie-Irsay Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson.
All three of Jim’s surviving daughters have served as the team’s Vice Chair/Owner since 2012, with Irsay-Gordon and Jackson being the most involved overall. The transition, which has reportedly been among longstanding plans set forth by Jim Irsay, will see all three assume new roles and titles, effective immediately:
- Irsay-Gordon: Owner & CEO (Principal Owner).
- Foyt: Owner & Executive Vice President.
- Jackson: Owner & Chief Brand Officer and President of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.
The Colts’ official announcement added that the league requires that teams designate a principal owner, suggesting that even though Irsay-Gordon holds said title, all three daughters will hold an equal say in personnel changes:
“In this role, [Irsay-Gordon] will serve as the team’s principal owner, but all three sisters will share leadership duties for the club… Foyt will become Owner & Executive Vice President… Jackson will become Owner & Chief Brand Officer and President of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.”
The Indianapolis Colts organization as well as the city itself will miss the passionate yet generous man who helped turn an inherently basketball-minded state into a football-loving one. Although he’s gone now, the Irsay name will continue to shine bright through Jim’s surviving daughters.
Jim Irsay’s influence lives in all of us who grew up Hoosiers, and the Colts’ press release that showcases what each of his three daughters brings to the table is grounds for faith in a seamless but also fruitful transition for years to come:
Irsay-Gordon served 14 seasons as Vice Chair/Owner and has been involved in all aspects of the club. Raised in and around the Colts, she worked as an intern in many of the club’s departments while pursuing her undergraduate degree in religious studies from Skidmore College. Irsay-Gordon joined the team as a vice president in 2008 while completing coursework towards a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She has represented the Colts at NFL meetings since 2004 and is active in the administration of the NFL as a member of the league’s Media Owned & Operated Committee; the 32 Equity Committee, the league’s strategic capital fund; the Security & Fan Conduct Committee, as well as several inter-club groups that guide the NFL on many wide-ranging initiatives. Irsay-Gordon also serves on the board of the NFL Player Care Foundation, which supports the well-being of retired players. Irsay-Gordon resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Zach Gordon, and three children.
Foyt likewise grew up in and around the Colts organization and served as Vice Chair/Owner for 14 seasons. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in sports marketing, Foyt worked for the NFL in London, England, planning the first regular season NFL game played outside North America, as well as special events associated with the game. The contest was played in October 2007, featuring the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins playing in Wembley Stadium. Foyt joined the Colts in 2007 and focused her energy on marketing and community relations. She helped revitalize the Indianapolis Colts Women’s Organization and planned the group’s first major fundraiser in 2007. Foyt also helps represent the club at NFL meetings and other league events. Foyt resides in Carmel, Ind. with her husband, Anthony J. Foyt, IV, and five children.
Jackson also served 14 seasons as Vice Chair/Owner after joining the team in 2010. Like her sisters, Jackson grew up with the Colts organization as a significant part of her life since birth. She has overseen various functions of the organization, including coordinating the family’s community and philanthropic efforts. Jackson currently leads Kicking The Stigma, the family’s initiative to raise awareness about mental health disorders and end the stigma associated with these illnesses. Jackson serves on the national board of Project Healthy Minds and locally on the board of the United Way of Central Indiana. She also is president of the Indianapolis Colts Women’s Organization. In addition, to representing the Colts at NFL Meetings, Jackson chairs the league’s Employee Benefits Committee, where she is responsible for administering club and league benefit plans. She graduated with honors in 2010 from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and marketing. Jackson was born and resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Boyd Jackson, and their two daughters.