Evansville Mayor Makes Penultimate Appointments; Current Total is 18

WNIN | By Tim Jagielo

Published January 5, 2024 at 4:09 PM CST

Terry said she has to opportunity to travel with former Mayor Lloyd Winnicke and members of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) to the capitol to meet state legislators. "We want to continue that open dialogue, because again, Evansville is the third largest city in this in this state, and there's no reason why we shouldn't be receiving some of the benefits from our state and federal leaders." Beside Terry is Deputy Mayor Lyndsay Lacosta. — Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, through her media team, announced four additional appointments to various important leadership position within the city administration. A past announcement was Lyndsay Locosto (right) as deputy mayor.

Department of Metropolitan Development executive director, Central Dispatch director, building commissioner and Evansville Water and Sewer Utility executive director were announced Friday — only the police chief and fire chief remain

Likely the biggest announcement from Friday is Vic Kelson as the proposed new executive director of the Evansville water and Sewer Utility (EWSU).

He would be replacing Lane Young, who has been in this position since 2020.

This department oversees the city’s largest asset — the water and sewer infrastructure. Kelson would be starting at a time when the EWSU is designing and building a $260 million water treatment plant to replace the 120 year-old facility.

“Lane Young has done a terrific job getting these projects up and running,” spokesperson Joe Atkinson said. “But they received an application from a gentleman who has been working in the water sewer industry since the 1990s. He has tremendous amounts of experience and has been doing this in Bloomington for the past several years.”

Atkinson is Terry’s Communication Director. Kelson’s appointment is subject to approval by the EWSU board at the January 9 meeting.

Lane Young, EWSU executive director is seated beside Shawn Wright, director, PMO and Haley Burton, accountant, at the Tuesday afternoon meeting. — Lane Young, current EWSU executive director is seated beside Shawn Wright, director, PMO and Haley Burton, accountant, at a Tuesday afternoon meeting.

Other new appointments were happening due to retirements.

Kolbi Jackson is now the executive director of the Department of Metropolitan Development. She’ll replace Kelley Coures who had planned to retire. Jackson was formerly Community Development coordinator.

Atkinson said many times the best person was already on the job.

“In other cases, they were able to identify people who they felt brought something new to the table, something exciting to the table and decided they wanted to bring them in,” he said.

Of the 18 appointments, eight are incumbents.

The New Building Commissioner will be Johnny McAllister Jr. replacing an interim commissioner.

Carrie James will remain Director of Central Dispatch.

The only remaining announcements will be the police chief and fire chief.

This is the third round of department head announcements. Her transition team has been interviewing department heads and making recommendations to Terry, who makes the final call.

This brings the total appointments to 18. The previous appointments can be read about here.

More on the new appointments:

Kolbi Jackson, Executive Director, Department of Metropolitan Development: Kolbi Jackson is a Community Development professional who formerly worked as a Community Development Specialist and Coordinator for the City of Evansville, Indiana's Department of Metropolitan Development for almost 10 years. During her tenure, she was responsible for the oversight and administration of HUD entitlement grants. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and Development with a minor in Japanese from Ball State University, a Master's degree in Public Administration from Capella University, and is completing her PhD in Public Administration this Spring.

Vic Kelson, Executive Director, Evansville Water & Sewer Utility: Vic Kelson has worked as a consultant, educator and utilities professional in the water-supply field since the 1990s. He holds a B.S. in Chemical and Petroleum-Refining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D in Environmental Science from Indiana University, Bloomington. Vic has published a variety of innovative computer codes and technical reports related to water-supply development across the U.S. Vic served the City of Bloomington as Utilities Director from 2016-2023. Mr. Kelson’s appointment is subject to the approval of the EWSU Board at its January 9 meeting.

Johnny McAlister Jr., Building Commissioner: Johnny McAlister Jr. has served as a residential inspector for the past 11 years for the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Commission. He brings a wealth of direct knowledge to the role. Prior to working with the building commission, he managed an emergency home repair program providing support and oversight to both clients and contractors. With more than 13 years of experience working in customer service across public and private sectors, his skill and understanding will aid in promoting civic engagement. McAlister has an Associates of Science in Business Administration from Ivy Tech Community College. He enjoys volunteering in various capacities.

Carrie James, Director, Central Dispatch: Carrie James joined Evansville Vanderburgh Central Dispatch in 1993. She was a dispatcher for 10 years, Supervisor for 15, Administrative Supervisor for 3 years and Deputy Director for 4 years. She spent the last year as Director of Central Dispatch. She is excited to move Dispatch forward with a new CAD software program, educating people about calling 9-1-1, and working with Mayor Terry to move Evansville towards a better future.

Source: Mayor Stephanie Terry