Ports of Indiana appoints Dr. Bennett to River Ridge board

The Ports of Indiana Commission has appointed Dr. Tony Bennett to the Board of Directors for the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA).

The five-member RRDA board oversees the redevelopment of more than 6,000 acres at the River Ridge Commerce Center, which is adjacent to Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville at the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant complex. Ports of Indiana is one of five governmental entities that appoints a representative to the River Ridge board, along with Clark County, City of Charlestown, City of Jeffersonville and Town of Utica.

“Tony has a strong record of leadership and driving innovative changes to improve quality of life in Indiana,” said Ports of Indiana Commission Chair Micah Vincent. “River Ridge and our Jeffersonville port are powerful economic engines that have created one of the Midwest’s premier sites for economic growth. Tony’s experience in the public and private sectors is the perfect match for our shared goals of economic development and job creation.”

Bennett, a native of nearby Clarksville, Ind., replaces Phil McCauley, who is retiring from the River Ridge board after nearly nine years of service. McCauley also served on the Ports of Indiana Commission for 10 years and in multiple roles of local government for Jeffersonville.

“We cannot thank Phil enough for his years of leadership and service in the Jeffersonville community,” said Ports of Indiana Commission Vice Chair Steven Stemler. “His involvement is just one example of the many ways Phil has dedicated his life to civic service on behalf of the citizens of southern Indiana. Phil has helped River Ridge achieve new heights of economic development, and we believe Tony will be tremendous asset to support continued growth in this area and build on the strong synergies between River Ridge and our port.”

Bennett’s career has included significant leadership roles in the public and private sectors. He is president of Schools for Stride K12, an education solutions company serving K-12 students as well as secondary and postsecondary education programs.

Bennett was elected Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2008 and served in that role from 2009 to 2013. In 2010, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named him Government Leader of the Year. He also served as superintendent of the Greater Clark County Schools as well as a principal, administrator, teacher and coach at various local schools.

“It’s truly an honor to be named to the River Ridge board of directors,” Bennett said. “This facility has risen from the ashes of a place that supported a multi-generational fight for freedom and continues to provide valuable contributions to our community by attracting new investments and creating important jobs. I am excited to be part of such a strong local economic development team and to support the further growth and development of our community’s important assets at River Ridge.”