International Travel,
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Reading
- Children's book author
Joyce Thompson-Mills
Avon
Summary
Experienced legal and regulatory professional with over 24 years of expertise in managing legal departments, guiding compliance efforts, conducting complex investigations, and managing organizational risk. Recognized for developing creative solutions to critical challenges and fostering trust among diverse groups and educational partners, education community members, and learning collaborators. A strategic thinker with demonstrated success in shaping policies, enforcing regulations, and aligning legal strategies to support organizational goals. Skilled in overseeing large budgets, driving policy reforms, and mentoring teams to achieve high performance.
Results-oriented executive professional with history of delivering impactful organizational changes and strategic initiatives. Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering culture of excellence. Renowned for adaptability and strong focus on achieving measurable results through effective collaboration and leadership.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director of Legal Services
Indiana State University
10.2022 - 02.2025
- Provided strategic legal advice to General Counsel, President, and Board of Trustees- influencing key institutional decisions
- Designed and implemented institution-wide risk mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
- Managed $450,000+ legal budgets, achieving 15% cost savings through vendor contract renegotiation and strategic financial planning
- Supervised up to eight outside law firms, resolving 90% of legal cases in favor of the institution while mitigating financial risk
- Conducted training on regulatory changes, enhancing institutional compliance and preparedness
- Reviewed and streamlined international/domestic contracts, reducing processing time by 45% and ensuring alignment with policies
- Fostered partnerships across administrative areas, expediting resolution of 95% of interdepartmental legal matters within set timelines, including but not limited to University colleges, Human Resources, Disability Resource Office, Title IX, Police Department, and Student Conduct
- Oversaw employee investigations, policy development, and compliance training to ensure adherence to federal and state laws, including immigration employment matters
- Experienced knowledge and understanding of the: Fair Labor Standards Act, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and Family Medical Leave Act and other state and federal regulations
- Member of the President’s Cabinet
- Provided strategic legal counsel to General Counsel, President, and Board of Trustees
- Managed $450,000+ legal budget and overseeing 7 outside firms
- Reviewed contracts, reducing processing time by 45% while ensuring regulatory compliance
- Spearheaded policy revisions aligned with Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 202
- Conducted compliance training for cross-functional teams, enhancing preparedness for regulatory changes
- Partnered with administrative and academic units to resolve 95% of legal matters efficiently
- Successfully resolved a high-profile Department of Education: Office of Civil Rights investigation involving ADA, minimizing institutional liability
Director of Infractions Appeals Committees (IAC) & Hearing Operations
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
11.2018 - 09.2022
- Collaborated with Human Resources partners to develop a comprehensive learning portal for onboarding and continuing education related to the Independent Accountability Resolution (IAR) process, a newly established adjudicative framework for handling complex infractions cases involving member institutions and involved individuals
- Designed curriculum strategies and educational training programs/materials for the divisional Independent Accountability Committee (IAC) office and the Independent Resolution Panel (IRP)
- Developed and implemented outreach programs and resources for the appeals process, participating in membership engagement initiatives
- Served as a primary contact with intercollegiate constituents, including committees, compliance professionals, attorneys, enforcement investigators, and public/media relations teams, ensuring confidentiality and sound judgment in interactions
- Maintained a thorough understanding of the NCAA Constitution and bylaws, with particular focus on provisions frequently cited in major infractions cases
- Provided expertise on the Appeals Committees (Division I, II, and III) policies, processes, and procedures, offering guidance and feedback to NCAA stakeholders
- Drafted appeal decisions for the Appeals Committees (Divisions I, II and III) to relevant parties, including the Office of Committees on Infractions, enforcement staff, institutions, and legal representatives
- Drafted media statements based on oral arguments and reporting, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational goals
- Transformed the Independent Accountability Committee into a highly effective committee, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Hearing Operations Unit
- Spearheaded initiatives that improved communication, fostered collaboration, and strengthened stakeholder relationships
- Developed an e-learning portal for committee training, reducing decision turnaround times by 20%
- Enhanced adjudication processes, leading to a more effective hearing operations unit
- Conceptualized and launched an e-learning portal for committee and panel member training
- Designed and implemented a mock hearing and infractions case experience for 15 adjudicators, improving preparedness and decision-making capabilities
Associate & Assistant Director of Enforcement (Investigations)
NCAA
02.2002 - 11.2018
- Directed and oversaw investigations into high-profile infractions, leveraging strategic planning to ensure compliance with NCAA bylaws
- Interviewed with prospective student-athletes, enrolled student-athletes, current and former institutional staff members, third parties or other individuals who may have relevant knowledge of NCAA violations
- Delivered impactful training sessions to member institutions, fostering greater understanding of compliance requirements
- Maintained case materials obtained during investigations, including recorded interviews, interview summaries, interview transcripts and other relevant information
- Provided education and outreach to key stakeholders, including agents in cross country / track and field
- Represented NCAA enforcement department in infractions cases in Division I, II and III
- Conducted pre-hearing conferences with institutions, involved parties, and attorneys
- Presented oral and written arguments before divisional adjudicative bodies, including writing Notice of Allegations and Case Summaries on behalf of the NCAA
- Communicated with institutions and, if appropriate and potential involved individuals about the status of investigations
- Successfully resolved 30+ infractions cases, safeguarding fairness and integrity in collegiate athletics
- Improved case resolution timelines by 10%
- Chaired the Investigations and Training Advisory Group, enhancing staff capabilities and institutional compliance
Legal Liaison - Office of Legal Affairs
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH)
01.2001 - 02.2002
- Represented ISDH in mediations and arbitrations with state and federal agencies, achieving favorable outcomes in employment disputes
- Developed motions, pleadings, and legal strategies for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) cases
Education
Juris Doctorate -
Valparaiso University School of Law
Valparaiso, IN05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice and & African American Studies
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05.1995
Skills
- Legal Strategy & Risk Mitigation
- Regulatory Compliance Leadership
- High-Stakes Investigations
- Policy Development & Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Litigation Oversight
- Budget Management ($450K)
- Employee Relations & Training
- Complex Case Resolution
- Change Management
- E-Learning & Training Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Proficiency in Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint (Microsoft Office Suite)
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Budgeting and financial management
- Operations management
- Staff management
- Relationship building
- Stakeholder relations
- Compliance and regulations
- Partnership development
- Crisis management
- Consulting
Professional Training Certifications
- National Association of College and University Attorneys, 2022 - Present
- Internal Investigations & Compliance Conference, 2018
- FBI Compliance Academy, 2017
- Supervisors and Managers Training, 2015
- Effective Managers Training, 2014
Skills Technical Competencies
- Legal Strategy & Risk Mitigation
- Regulatory Compliance Leadership
- High-Stakes Investigations
- Policy Development & Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Litigation Oversight
- Budget Management ($450K+)
- Employee Relations & Training
- Complex Case Resolution
- Change Management
- E-Learning & Training Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Proficiency in Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint (Microsoft Office Suite)
Certification
Diversity and Equity in the Workplace- University of South Florida (2021)
Interests
Timeline
Executive Director of Legal Services
Indiana State University
10.2022 - 02.2025
Director of Infractions Appeals Committees (IAC) & Hearing Operations
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
11.2018 - 09.2022
Associate & Assistant Director of Enforcement (Investigations)
NCAA
02.2002 - 11.2018
Legal Liaison - Office of Legal Affairs
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH)
01.2001 - 02.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice and & African American Studies
Indiana University
Juris Doctorate -
Valparaiso University School of Law
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