A political convention expert has been chosen help coordinate Indianapolis’ 2012 Super Bowl and related activities.

South Bend native and Indiana University graduate Michelle Raines was hired to be vice president of event operations by the 2012 Super Bowl host committee. Her job starts Sept. 24.

She is its fourth employee, according to an announcement today.

Raines, vice president of strategic communications for Navigators Global, a Washington D.C.-based issues management firm, previously has served in senior management roles in four Republican National Conventions — major events that attract international attention to their host communities.

“A national political convention is in a very narrow strata of events that command global interest and attention – the Super Bowl is another,” said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame athletic director and lndianapolis lawyer who helped the city land the prestigious sporting event. “There are a limited number of individuals nationally who have the breadth and depth of experience that Mel has in managing an event of this magnitude.”

Her expertise in event operations, logistics, transportation and security will be invaluable as the group “sprints towards the finish line over the next 26 months,” said Allison Melangton, president and CEO of the 2012 Host Committee.