Indiana Township Association names new executive director after Driskell retires

The Indiana Township Association has named John Wales as executive director after Debbie Driskell retired from the role on Oct. 7, 2026. Driskell, a longtime township leader and Delaware Township trustee, will stay on as director emeritus and continue serving in elected office.

Why it matters: - Debbie Driskell’s exit closes a more than 20-year run leading the Indiana Township Association and marks a leadership handoff for township government advocacy in Indiana. - The transition comes as townships continue to defend their role in providing emergency assistance, fire protection and other local services. - The association is also trying to show that township officials can support reform without losing core services.

What happened: - The Indiana Township Association announced Driskell’s retirement at its annual Education Conference and Trade Show on Oct. 7, 2026, in Noblesville. - John Wales, who had been interim executive director since May 2026, formally became executive director. - Driskell will remain Delaware Township trustee in Hamilton County, a post she has held since January 1991. - The ITA board granted Driskell the honorary title of director emeritus.

The details: - Driskell previously served on the ITA board of directors, including as board president. - During her tenure, Driskell pushed back against repeated legislative efforts to eliminate or restructure townships. - She worked with legislators and township officials statewide to defend grassroots local government. - Driskell helped guide the association through Senate Bill 270, which she worked on with state Sen. Rick Niemeyer beginning in 2025. - Senate Bill 270 created a scoring and evaluation process to identify townships that must reorganize with neighboring townships. - The Indiana Township Association said it had not previously endorsed legislation that created a township reorganization framework. - The bill passed the General Assembly and was signed by Gov. Mike Braun on March 5, 2026. - Driskell recommended Wales as her successor as part of the transition planning. - Wales served alongside Driskell and the board to take over association responsibilities. - ITA President Kay Walker said Driskell’s advocacy, leadership and mentorship shaped generations of township officials. - Wales said Driskell prepared the team to succeed and built the foundation for the association’s next phase.

Between the lines: - The new director emeritus title lets the association keep Driskell’s institutional knowledge close while moving daily operations to new leadership. - The association’s support for SB 270 suggests a more pragmatic approach to township restructuring than past opposition to reform efforts. - Driskell’s continued role as trustee means she remains active in the local government system she spent decades defending.

What’s next: - Driskell will continue mentoring township officials and advising ITA leadership as director emeritus. - Wales is now responsible for leading the association’s advocacy, education and member support programs. - The Debbie Driskell Mentor Award will remain a permanent annual honor presented at the association’s Education Conference and Trade Show. - Driskell was the inaugural recipient of the mentor award named for her during the 2026 conference.

The bottom line: - Driskell leaves as one of Indiana township government’s most influential advocates, but her impact will remain embedded in the association’s leadership, policies and recognition programs.