In the next few years we will face issues in our community for which I am uniquely prepared.
As we discuss the challenges and opportunities of I-69, evaluate the impact of county zoning and planning ordinances, collaborate in regional economic development and job creation, and preserve the unique fabric of our community, experienced community leadership will be required. Our leaders must have the proven skills to listen to our citizens, develop and implement effective policies, and adapt to change.
I developed those skills in my professional career, and over the last 15 years I have been able to use them in further service to our community as a member of 30 non-profit and governmental boards and commissions. I have a proven record of working collaboratively with others, building consensus to achieve results.
I ask for your vote on May 3rd, because experience matters.
My entire 45-year career has been spent in public service:
Teacher in elementary, middle and high school
Director in a community action program serving Monroe County
Department Head and member of Board of Public Works for City of Kokomo
Chief of Staff for Frank O’Bannon in the Indiana State Senate
Chancellor at Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington
Deputy Mayor for the City of Bloomington
Volunteer on 30 local and regional non-profit and governmental boards and commissions
I have a proven record of working collaboratively with others, with service on 30 local boards.
Campaign Executive Chair United Way of Monroe County
Chair Bloomington POPS Managing Board of Directors
Chair IU Credit Union Board of Directors
Vice President Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Vice President Bloomington Utilities Service Board
Founder O’Bannon Institute for Community Service
Diane Breeden-Lee Community Catalyst Award
Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce (2004, 2010)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award
City of Bloomington MLK Commission (2012)
Community Health Care Foundation
Bloomington Economic Development Corporation
Monroe County Redevelopment Commission
Bloomington Rotary
Monroe County NAACP
Bloomington Kiwanis
Center for Behavioral Health Board of Directors
IU Town and Gown Committee
Bloomington Public Transit Corporation Board
Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools
Lotus World Music and Arts Festival Advisory Board
Region 8-Indiana Workforce Board
MCCSC Graduation Workgroup
Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership Board
Bloomington Certified Technology Park Board of Directors
Bloomington Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship Community Advisory Board
Salvation Army Advisory Board
Bloomington Hospital Facility Study Committee
City of Bloomington Board of Public Safety
IU Health Hospital Site Relocation Committee
Mayor-elect John Hamilton Transition Team
Boys and Girls Club Steering Committee
Indiana Lobby Registration Commission
Indiana Campus Compact
You may know me best as the chancellor at Ivy Tech Bloomington for over 12 years.
John Whikehart served as Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor for over 12 years.
Leading a team of over 500 full and part-time
college employees,
Managing an annual budget of $30 million,
Increasing enrollment from 2,500 to 7,000 students,
Completing seven major construction and
renovation projects,
Working with the city to save the John Waldron
Arts Center
Partnering with Monroe County for life science and nursing buildings for workforce development,
Raising millions in private support.
John (Bella), Sophie and Linda (Teddy) Whikehart
Monroe County is on loan to us from our children. As County Commissioner, I will work for progressive, long-term plans for our children’s future:
A coalition of community leaders
to address the causes of poverty in
the lives of 1 in 5 of our children.
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A regional economic development
alliance with counties along the Crane corridor to create quality jobs that pay a living wage.
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A strategic plan with the city and state
to ensure the long-term integrity of
water quality in Lake Monroe.
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