Residents, local businesses, community partners and the general public are invited to a meet-and-greet welcoming three new members of the City of Indianola leadership team.
Join us from 4:30-6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, at the Indianola Wellness Campus, for an informal opportunity to connect with Police Chief Rob Hawkins, Community & Economic Development Director Bryce Johnson and Public Works Director Eric Stevens.
The event will begin with brief introductions from each leader, followed by time for attendees to visit with them individually. Each leader will be stationed in a designated area, allowing guests to ask questions, learn more about their roles and priorities and engage in meaningful conversation.
This open-house style gathering is designed to encourage dialogue, build relationships and provide the community with a chance to get to know the individuals helping guide Indianola’s future. All are welcome to attend.
About Our New Leaders
Get to know each leader ahead of the event by reviewing their background, experience and areas of focus below:
Rob Hawkins, Police Chief
Hawkins was formally sworn in as Indianola’s police chief on December 15, following an extensive search for the city’s highest-ranking law enforcement official. After starting his career in 1997 with the Pella Police Department, he joined the Indianola Police Department in 2000. Since then, Hawkins has served in various positions including police officer, drug task force officer, general crimes detective, sergeant, patrol lieutenant, captain and interim chief.
Hawkins has led several key initiatives throughout his career in Indianola, including the implementation of body-worn cameras, the launch of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) drone program, the development of the school resource officer program and the expansion of the department’s social media presence.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University and a master’s degree in criminal justice with a focus on public administration from Liberty University. Hawkins is a retired member of the Iowa Army National Guard, where he served for 22 years and completed five overseas deployments in support of Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Additionally, he has worked as a substitute teacher for 13 years with the Indianola Community School District.
Bryce Johnson, Community & Economic Development Director
Johnson joined the City of Indianola as its community and economic development director on September 15. He brings more than a decade of experience in planning and economic development to the role.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University, Johnson began his career as a planner and has since served in three communities. He later worked as zoning administrator for the City of Pella and most recently as business development coordinator for the City of West Des Moines.
Throughout his career, Johnson has developed a strong foundation in both planning and economic development, giving him a distinctive perspective on community growth and business attraction. His experience includes guiding zoning processes, supporting local businesses and fostering strategic development initiatives that strengthen communities.
Johnson’s blend of technical expertise and economic insight positions him to lead efforts that aim to enhance Indianola’s vitality and long-term growth.
Eric Stevens, Public Works Director
Stevens began his role as public works director for the City of Indianola on December 2 and was formally introduced to the Indianola City Council on December 15.
He brings 28 years of experience in the public works and engineering fields, most recently serving as the managing principal engineer of his own consulting firm. He previously worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as in the private sector.
As public works director, Stevens will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all public works operations, including infrastructure planning, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance and departmental management. His responsibilities also include aligning services with City goals, managing budgets and fostering partnerships to ensure high-quality service delivery sustainability.
Stevens holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), bringing a unique combination of technical expertise and legal knowledge.
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