In a recent episode of Diamond Podcast, host Alfredo Diamond welcomed Jeff Plasterer, Wayne County Commissioner, for an inspiring conversation about education, public service, and community development. The episode revealed a deep connection between the two, as Plasterer had been an influential figure in Diamond’s educational journey at Ivy Tech years ago.
A Mentor’s Impact
The conversation began with a heartfelt thank you from Diamond, who credited Plasterer with helping him navigate his college experience as a first-generation student. Plasterer, who spent 30 years at Ivy Tech in various positions including Director of Admissions and Executive Director at the Connersville Instructional Center, spoke passionately about the importance of education in both individual lives and community development.
“Education is the key,” Plasterer emphasized. “You need to be a lifelong learner. You need to achieve credentials and develop skills that will allow you to be a part of the economy, and the community needs people to do that so that we can attract higher-paying jobs.”
From Education to Public Service
After a brief foray into real estate during challenging economic times with mortgage rates of 12-15%, Plasterer found his calling in education at Ivy Tech. His commitment to community involvement extended beyond his professional role, with volunteer work through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and United Way.
It was through his role on United Way’s fund allocation committee that Plasterer developed an interest in government budgeting and priority setting. This interest eventually led him to run for County Council, though he wasn’t successful in his first attempt. Showing the perseverance he encourages in others, Plasterer ran again two years later and won, ultimately serving 22 years on the Wayne County Council.
Transition to County Commissioner
Plasterer explained his transition from County Council to Commissioner in 2020, emphasizing his desire to improve communication between these two branches of county government. As Commissioner, he’s focused on ensuring transparent communication and collaboration between the Council and Commissioners, as well as between Wayne County and its municipalities.
One of his proudest achievements has been the management of $12.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds. Through participation in Indiana’s Help the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), Wayne County collaborated with the city of Richmond and six towns to develop strategic investment plans for these funds.
Major Projects and Achievements
Several significant projects emerged from this collaborative planning process:
- Emergency Radio System Upgrade: After 40+ years of dead spots in the county’s emergency communication system, a $3 million investment will finally solve this critical public safety issue by summer or fall 2025.
- Park Renovations: Five small towns are receiving more than $100,000 each to upgrade their parks and playgrounds, some of which had been using the same equipment since the 1960s.
- Increased Municipal Collaboration: What began as a partnership between eight governmental entities has grown to include 12-13 units working together on a new 3-5 year strategic investment plan.
Addressing Housing Challenges
Looking ahead, Plasterer identified housing as a major focus area. Most of Wayne County’s housing stock was built before 1960, and there haven’t been significant new housing developments in 10-15 years. This poses challenges for attracting qualified workers to the area.
Several initiatives are underway to address this, including the Elder Beerman project for market-rate apartments and developments on South 37th Street. Plasterer emphasized the need for diverse housing options at various price points, noting that today’s development costs often require public-private partnerships.
Personal Reflections
Throughout the conversation, Plasterer highlighted the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and collaboration. When faced with setbacks, he advocates getting back up and trying again. He credits his parents, particularly his pediatrician father, with instilling values of community service and helping others achieve their potential.
The podcast concluded with Plasterer giving a heartfelt acknowledgment to his wife Cheryl, a registered nurse at Reid for 41 years, for her unwavering support throughout his education and career.
Diamond Podcast continues to bring inspiring conversations with community leaders who are making a difference in Wayne County. This episode with Jeff Plasterer highlights how education, perseverance, and public service can transform both individual lives and entire communities.