CUMBERLAND — Ben Lipps began working for the town at age 18 as a seasonal employee mowing grass while getting his education. Now, he’s the new town manager.
The 33-year-old has worked in multiple areas of Cumberland’s government throughout his career, most recently as director of public works. He’s looking forward to continuing town projects and responsibilities, many of which he’s already been a part of.
Lipps is replacing April Fisher, who’s leaving later this month before starting as the new vice president, legal and analytics at NineStar Connect.
Before becoming director of public works, a post he held for more than 3½ years, he also served the town as streets and parks supervisor, stormwater technician, and streets and parks superintendent. He has a degree in environmental science from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Lipps said he’s always been drawn to helping people and working in positions that allow him to create and see change.
“I fell in love with municipal government because in small towns you can really see the effects of your work on a day-to-day basis, and see the change in the community,” he said.
He said he’s proud of Cumberland’s unique identity — split between Hancock and Marion counties — and the way the town has worked to preserve its historic character along U.S. 40.
Lipps has been involved in improvements to streetscapes and trails over the years, along with efforts to bring in $8.5 million in outside revenue to the town through grants and sales of utilities.
“There’s been a lot of pushes to do a lot of interesting things that I’ve been glad to be able to be a part of in one way or another,” he said.
He’s looking forward to continuing with projects the town has underway, like determining the future of two historical houses the town owns in the 11000 block of East Washington Street. Lipps is also excited about future park improvements and continuing with the Mount Comfort Corridor Coalition for Smart Growth, a collaboration of towns and businesses.
“The town’s got so many opportunities right now,” he said.
Cumberland Town Council voted unanimously in favor of the town manager search committee’s recommendation of Lipps earlier this month.
Breck Terheide, who just finished the first year of his first term on the council, said he’s worked with Lipps significantly throughout that time.
“He’s got a great amount of tenacity and determination,” Terheide said. “I can’t think of a project I’ve worked with him on or taken to him that my constituents have brought up that he hasn’t strived to get done, or if he can’t, is attempting to try to get done by finding the resources.”
Terheide said Lipps was instrumental in sorely needed sidewalk repairs in his district neighborhoods of Harvest Glen and Hartman Farms.
Lipps also helped get pedestrian signs along Buck Creek Road in an effort to mitigate fast traffic that’s common there, Terheide said.
Terheide said he admires Lipps’ longevity with the town as well.
“Ben has come up though all the ranks, learning all the jobs, knowing the jobs,” he said. “To me, he’s got a lot of skin in the game as far as helping the town be successful.”
Anna Pea, town council president, also feels Lipps’ background with the town will make him a good manager.
“He has strong values, a positive can-do attitude, he’s enthusiastic and he’s really smart,” she said. “He picks up on everything really quick, and if there’s something he doesn’t know, he does the research and figures it out.”
Pea has been involved in Cumberland government since the 1990s, starting with the town plan commission.
“I’ve seen Ben grow up, and he’s just been a great employee,” she said.
Fisher told the Daily Reporter in an email that the council made the right decision on her successor.
“I have worked closely with Ben over the past five years,” Fisher said. “I can say without doubt that he is an exceptional leader, a creative problem-solver, and a truly dedicated public servant. I look forward to seeing Cumberland’s continued success under his leadership.”
Lipps said there are a few directions the town could go as far as securing a new director of public works, including an internal hire, external hire or restructuring current department employees’ responsibilities.
