A special Reconnecting Carmel Task Force consisting of business leaders and health care professionals met Tuesday with Mayor Jim Brainard and other city officials to begin the process of preparing the city for the phases of recovery and reconnecting after the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders go away, as outlined by Governor Eric Holcomb last week. The Carmel task force will be chaired by Deborah Wood, CEO of DWA Healthcare Communications Group.
“There is a great deal of information that has been shared by federal and state authorities, along with information from health care professionals, medical experts and the retail industry. We will rely on this group of talented and experienced professionals to help guide us as we begin to reconnect as a community,” Brainard said.
The mission of the task force is to advise the mayor on the implementation of Governor Holcomb’s five-stage plan. It is our hope that this group will also instill confidence in citizens and businesses to re-engage with one another in a responsible way while protecting the most vulnerable and to serve as a resource for questions and refinement as the city moves through the phases of opening up America.
The plan is for future meetings to take place prior to each successive phase outlined by Governor Holcomb and then periodically to review ongoing issues as best practices are implemented. The Task Force may also be asked to meet if COVID 19 cases spike or there is a major new scientific discovery that impacts the reconnecting process.
COVID-19 City of Carmel Re-entry Task Force Members
Corporate/Office
Scott Law, President/CEO, Zotec Partners
Rob Bush, President (Retired), Orchard Software
Staci Kroon, President/CEO, BraunAbility
Entertainment Venues
Jeff McDermott, President/CEO, Center for the Performing Arts
General
Terry Anker, Chairman, The Anker Consulting Group
Trishna Batra, Volunteer, MPH, Corporate Wellness Specialist
Hotel/Hospitality
Jamie Hopwood, General Manager, Hotel Carmichael
Medical
Dr. Michael Kaufmann, Medical Director, Emergency Medical Services Division, State of Indiana; and Medical Advisor for Carmel Fire Department
Deborah Wood, CEO, DWA Healthcare Communications Group
Christian Walker, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Hamilton County Health Department
Personal Services
Micki Stirsman, Owner, Salon 01
Real Estate
Carrie Holle, Broker/Owner, Highgarden Realty
Religious
Pastor Steve Poe, Northview Church
Pastor Luther Brunette, Cornerstone Lutheran Church
Father Ted Rothrock, Pastor, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church
Restaurant
Amy Long, Owner, Fork + Ale
Kevin Paul, Owner, Danny Boy Beer Works, Brockway Pub
Paul Arechiga, Owner, Verde Flavors of Mexico
Retail
Carla Mackie, Owner, Uplift
Lauren Taylor, President/Owner, Holder Mattress
Sports and Recreation
Jack Beery, President, Carmel Dad’s Club
Carmel City Council (Ex-Officio members)
Adam Aasen
Laura Campbell
Sue Finkam
Tony Green
Dr. Tim Hannon
Bruce Kimball
Miles Nelson
Kevin Rider
Jeff Worrell
City of Carmel
Mayor Jim Brainard
Jim Crider, Director of Administration
Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations and Economic Development
Barb Lamb, Director of Human Resources
Jim Barlow, Carmel Police Chief
Dave Haboush, Carmel Fire Chief