Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – When former lieutenant governor and Indiana state senator Becky Skillman left the Statehouse in 2012, she expected to step away from public life following a 36-year public service career that began with her election to Lawrence County recorder in 1976.
The last thing she expected to do was take a full-time job, until an opportunity came along too good to pass up. Skillman has spent the past 11 years leading Radius Indiana, initially as president and CEO, and for the past seven years as board chairman.
Last month, Skillman dropped the gavel for the final time on her Radius Indiana career.
During Radius Indiana’s final board meeting of 2023, Skillman reflected on the events that led her to the CEO role at Radius and how far the economic development organization serving Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington counties has come.
“It’s funny how life takes interesting twists and turns,” she said with a smile.
Although taking a full-time job was not among her plans, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come back to her home in Lawrence County and work to strengthen the regional economy of the area.
When approached about taking the job, she said it just felt right.
“I thought, what a great way to attempt to help my home region of the state and perhaps take advantage of great relationships with all the local elected officials and state agencies and with federal partners and I guess the rest is history,” she said.
She has helped her home region in other ways since leaving the Statehouse. For several years, the Becky Skillman Leadership Institute has brought impactful leaders to Lawrence County to speak on leadership. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County. In 2023, Skillman was named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250, a list of influential leaders in the state.
Skillman spoke with Southern Indiana Business Report about her time at Radius, the concept of regionalism and how the region has positioned itself for future success and development.
You had numerous opportunities offered to you at the end of your two decades at the Indiana Statehouse. Why did you want to work in economic development after leaving the Statehouse?
When I left public office at the end of 2012, I had devoted 20 years to helping our smaller cities and towns and rural counties thrive and grow. This passion grew out of necessity. During my 12 years in the Indiana Senate, I represented 5 rural counties. Three of those counties had unemployment levels high above the state average. It was necessary to be innovative and creative while working with local leaders on ways for communities to move forward. One of my earliest Senate endeavors was to mandate the State to implement a Rural Development Strategy.
Years later as Lieutenant Governor, I established the state’s first (and one of few in the nation) Office of Community and Rural Affairs. This move brought all of the programs and incentives scattered throughout state government intended for rural communities and consolidated those programs under one umbrella – OCRA. I continue to be proud of the work of this agency.
When the Governor and I were 6 weeks away from leaving the Statehouse at the end of our terms, the President and CEO of Radius Indiana passed away unexpectedly at 59 years old. Although I had not necessarily planned on working full-time, Radius was without a leader. This was a sad time for our region of the state. After discussing the vacancy and opportunity to serve with the Radius Chairman of the Board, I felt led to this organization to become the President and CEO. I could continue to work on issues that had been my long-time passion, and continue my good working relationship with local leaders, state agency heads, and federal partners to help my home region of the state.
The concept of regionalism – counties working together to promote their region rather than being solely county-focused – how would you say the concept was understood in 2013 vs. today? And also, the role Radius has played in that change?
My optimism going into the new responsibility with Radius was high, as well as my expectations. However, it didn’t take long until reality hit. In 2013 in our part of the state, regionalism was an unnatural act among non-consenting adults. Undeterred, I continued to communicate, coordinate, convene and focus on our strengths and opportunities. Under Jeff Quyle’s leadership today, I am so proud of Radius and how well the 8 counties work together. All understand the benefits of strengthening the region to boost an individual county’s opportunities. A win for one community is a win for a neighboring community. And Radius has the resources to be helpful and make a difference.
There’s been a number of developments/investments in the Radius region in the last 10 years. WestGate Tech Park is one that comes to mind that has really transformed the Daviess/Martin/Greene area. What are some other developments in the region you’ve seen in the 10 years you’ve been involved with Radius?
Governor Daniels and I announced and dedicated the WestGate Tech Park as the only certified multi-county tech park in the state of Indiana. I’m pleased today to see the growth that benefits our communities and strengthens our nation’s security. I believe we are just getting started with opportunities coming our way. Crane has seen a transformation over the past 10 years and remains vital to our nation’s defense. The Radius/Crane relationship is very strong today and will serve us well in the future.
The new I-69 has opened many opportunities for our region. Daviess County was perhaps the first county to prepare well in advance of the new interstate, being ready to accept new development and new jobs right away.
Radius is a founding partner of the Regional Opportunity Initiatives. With the Lilly Endowment as the original benefactor, this partnership has provided a boost for communities throughout our 8 counties.
I truly believe our region of the state is the “garden spot” of Indiana. With our natural beauty and rolling hills, we stand to gain growth through tourism. I’m proud of Radius for establishing Discover Southern Indiana and dedicating resources to tourism attraction.
While, I have mentioned primarily “regional initiatives,” every county can point to an initiative in partnership with Radius that has provided a boost to the community.
As you leave Radius, what do you see in the organization’s future?
I know Radius is in good hands with Jeff Quyle as CEO and a great staff in place today. I look forward to watching the development and success of the Monon South Trail. This is an amazing and fun opportunity for our region in partnership with the State. I’m most pleased that Radius has the leadership and resources to be able to take advantage of opportunities coming our way. I look forward to a prosperous future for the Radius region in 2024 and beyond.
What are your future plans?
I will continue to serve on corporate and non-profit boards in an attempt to give back to the community and state. And I will relish hearing about the future wins for my home region of Indiana.