Governor Elect Mike Pence continues to fill top administration positions. This week he announced two appointments of interest to rural Indiana. Lt. Gov.-elect Ellspermann announced that Dax Norton will be heading up the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Norton has eight years of experience in economic development and was a small business owner for eight years. He has been the executive director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation since 2008 and previously led economic development for Blackford County and downtown Greensburg, Indiana. “Dax Norton understands that economic development in rural communities is driven by strong community development,” said Ellspermann. “His experience in both will be a great asset to OCRA.”
Jeff Cardwell will join the Pence Administration as the Executive Director of the Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI), a position that will be part of Gov.-elect Pence’s Cabinet. Cardwell is an entrepreneur and business owner who launched the nonprofit People Helping People in 2001 to address issues of housing and hunger both locally and abroad. “Jeff Cardwell has made helping people a priority in his life,” said Pence. “His background in business and the non-profit world, coupled with his ability to bring people together to solve problems will make a difference for thousands of Hoosiers in need.”
No word yet on when the director of ISDA will be named.