Scott Furnish departs Special Olympics Indiana

Scott Furnish is leaving Special Olympics after 24 years as a staff member at the state offices in Indiana and Arizona.

Furnish began volunteering for Special Olympics in 1990, serving as a coach and sport management team member. He joined the Indiana state office staff in 2001 as assistant director of sports.

As vice president and chief development officer, he was responsible for overseeing the design, implementation and direction of a comprehensive annual plan for raising the money and fundraising needed to support year-round programs and competition through sponsorships and special events.

His final day in the office is Friday, May 16.

“It has been my utmost privilege to work with Special Olympics Indiana as a volunteer, coach, Unified Partner and staff member all these years,” Furnish said. “The friendships I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the moments shared with our courageous athletes have made an immeasurable impact on my life and family. Special Olympics Indiana is a movement that changes lives, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.”

Throughout his decades of service, Furnish embodied the spirit and mission of Special Olympics. His tireless dedication to athletes – ensuring they are seen, celebrated and supported – has left a lasting mark on the movement.

“I’m especially grateful for his unwavering support as my right hand during my early days as CEO,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “I wouldn’t have taken the role without knowing he’d be by my side.

“While we will miss his presence deeply, Scott’s impact will continue to resonate through the lives he’s touched and the countless opportunities he helped create. We are forever grateful for his passion, leadership, and love for the Special Olympics Indiana family.”

Whether cheering from the sidelines, championing fundraising efforts or mentoring young leaders, Furnish placed athletes at the heart of everything he did. His legacy is one of compassion, integrity and an unshakable belief in the potential of every individual we serve.

“Of all the people I recruited to get involved in Special Olympics, Scott may have been the best,” said Mike Furnish, Scott Furnish’s brother and former Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO. “Scott is humble and sincere. He is hardwired to do his best on the things he cares about most. I know that he loved the volunteers and athlete leaders who are the core of the Special Olympics mission.”

“The mission remains as vital today as it was when I began, and I have no doubt that its impact will continue to grow,” Scott Furnish said. ” I feel like you all are a part of my extended family and welcome you to stay in touch (at sfurnish@att.net).  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.”

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Here is what others said about Furnish:

Kelly Ries, Senior Director of Senior Engagement

“It’s been an honor to work under Scott’s leadership. He consistently put the athlete experience at the heart of everything we do. No matter the goal or challenge, Scott approached each situation with a positive and steady demeanor. He was committed to delivering high-quality events and worked tirelessly to foster and maintain strong relationships with all of our key stakeholders. His vision, dedication and support have left a lasting impact on our team and organization. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited to see the incredible things he’ll accomplish in the next chapter of his journey.”

Stephanie Manner, Director of Strategic Projects

“Scott has been an incredible mentor in fundraising and all things Special Olympics. I have enjoyed working with him for nearly 20 years on staff together and as a volunteer. Scott’s passion for supporting the movement has always been at the forefront of how he brings people and resources into the movement. I appreciate him bringing me into to the organization and teaching me so much over the years. I truly wish great things for Scott personally and professionally in his next adventure.”

Karen Kennelly, Chief Financial Officer

“Scott’s dedication and commitment to the Special Olympics mission clearly is evident in his work ethic and long tenure with the organization. It’s hard to imagine SOIN, and especially Polar Plunge, without him.”

Janet Davies, Database Manager

Scott returned to Indiana during my second year with SOIN, and I am finding it hard to imagine the place without him. He has expanded the Polar Plunge from five locations to 15, adding high school plunges at three sites and a law enforcement plunge at Eagle Creek. That equaled 19 Polar Plunges in 2025. He has also doubled the number of teams that participate in the Plane Pull. His dedication to raising funds to support our athletes, along with being the most organized person I’ve ever met, is something that will be hard to replace. I will miss his sense of humor and ‘story problems,’ but I know he will be leaving us in good shape to continue.”