Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced today that Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett will become the new Executive Director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) after his term expires at the end of the year.
In a press release, Crouch said, “The next chapter in Indiana’s history is quality of life, in large and small communities around the state, and Mayor Bennett understands this. As communities and cities strive to build economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow, Mayor Bennett will spread the collaborative spirit he cultivated in Vigo County around the state. Indiana will be in good hands with Mayor Bennett leading the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs into the future.”
In the release, Bennet said he was honored for the opportunity from the Lieutenant Governor.
“As a four-term mayor, it’s obvious I love the city of Terre Haute,” he said. “But, I am equally passionate about the state of Indiana, and I am excited I have the opportunity to work with mayors, township boards and local officials all around that state who all share a common goal of making their communities – and Indiana – the best it can be.”
Bennett will begin in his new role at OCRA on Jan. 8, 2024.
Read more: Ask The Mayor: Terre Haute's Duke Bennett says goodbye after 16 years in office
