From serving as Huntingburg’s mayor to leading an organization dedicated to improving the lives of rural Hoosiers, Denny Spinner’s career is defined by his strong commitment to service. This dedication was honored by Regional Opportunity Initiatives on Feb. 18, when he was named the recipient of this year’s Becky Skillman Regional Leadership Award.
President and CEO Tina Peterson presented Spinner award award during ROI’s Annual Report to the Region in French Lick. Named in honor of Uplands native and Indiana’s 49th Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, this award recognizes an individual or organization that has shown uncommon dedication to bringing the Indiana Uplands region together in pursuit of regional success and prosperity.
“Denny’s enthusiasm for progress and a determination to bring ideas to life while ensuring the right people are brought along on the journey — all done with an unwavering commitment to rural Indiana — makes him the ideal recipient for the Becky Skillman Regional Leadership Award,” Peterson explained.
“His devotion to the Indiana Uplands continues to inspire gratitude and ignite progress,” she added “Denny brings people together, encourages communities to pursue and achieve their potential, and to seek prosperity for all who call our region home.”
“How fortunate that when this region looks at our success, we can clearly see the fingerprints of one of its biggest architects, advocates, and cheerleaders.”
Spinner said he was truly humbled and honored to receive the award named in honor of Skillman.
“It is especially meaningful to have my name associated with the work of Becky Skillman,” he said.
“From the very start of my career as a public servant, Becky has been a mentor and example of what service is really about, especially when it comes to rural Indiana.”
Spinner has always called the Indiana Uplands home. He grew up on Walnut Street in Huntingburg – just a few blocks away from Market Street Park, which would one day become the signature project of his successful campaign to achieve Stellar Communities status for the city. Skillman was instrumental in the launch of the state’s Stellar program.
“Stellar changed me and challenged me to grow as a leader,” Spinner said.
He graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in career and technical education and from Vincennes University with an associate’s degree in broadcast technology. Beginning his journey as a broadcast news and sports director for WBDC and WITZ, he developed a deep connection to the people and stories of Dubois County and our region.
As the longtime mayor of Huntingburg, Spinner played a pivotal role in revitalizing the city. His leadership brought transformative projects to life, including Market Street Park, a vibrant gathering space that has strengthened Huntingburg’s identity as a welcoming community. Residents gather at the park for the Latino Culture Fest, farmers markets, and the 4th Fridays free outdoor concert series.
He chaired the city’s Stellar Communities committee, which earned Huntingburg the Stellar Community designation in 2014, opening the doors to an influx of funding for community development projects. Stellar projects included an expansion of workforce housing, trails, and street reconstructions. His leadership on the Stellar project brought Spinner into contact with Skillman, who at that time was lieutenant governor.
After completing his tenure as mayor, Spinner remained an advocate for communities, working on a broader scale as the Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). In his role, Spinner led the state agency in its work to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for economic and community development.
Now, in his role with Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement, Spinner leads its efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers. Under his leadership, the Center for Rural Engagement has expanded its reach through initiatives like the Rural Placemaking Studio and a newly developed rural Indiana faculty tour to strengthen the connections of IU and our state.
Spinner noted that it’s not a coincidence that most of the new faculty tour of rural Indiana will take place in the Indiana Uplands region as it demonstrates “the strengths of our industries, of our agriculture, of our tourism, and most importantly, our people.”
As his dedication to service takes him farther from the city he has called home, his love for Huntingburg has never wavered.
Spinner’s passion for giving tours of his city shines through as he proudly highlights places like the redesigned Carnegie Library, the League of Their Own Stadium, and the historic Southridge High School Gym, once home to the Huntingburg Happy Hunters, Peterson explained.
“Huntingburg is special to me,” Spinner said. “After all, it is a city like no other, but it is no different than many other rural communities. The key in recognizing your assets is building on them, taking your strengths and making your community stronger. Leadership can make this happen in any community that so aspires.”
Throughout his public service journey, Spinner recognized his two constants: His wife Sherry and his faith.
“No matter what is happening around us, we must keep our focus on the work in front of us,” Spinner said.
“Our challenge as leaders in our communities remains the same. Listen to those who need to be heard, serve those who need to be served. Lift up those who are down, empower those who are prepared to lead, and protect those who need to be protected.”