Delaware Township Trustee Debbie Driskell Marks Decades of Community Leadership
Photographer / Robert Jones
Debbie Driskell has served as Delaware Township Tustee for almost 35 years, guiding her community through decades of change. Her story begins in the 1970s, when her parents moved to a small farm in Fishers. This year marks her 50th year as a resident, a milestone that has given her a firsthand view of the town’s growth and transformation.
Driskell’s involvement in local issues started while raising her own children, who inspired much of her career trajectory as Delaware Township Trustee. When a nearby development created safety hazards near her home, she organized neighbors to push for better screening and protective barriers.
“When my children were little, there was a development behind our house with a retention pond that was more like a 20-foot deep ditch,” she says. “There was no fence, no barrier, and I realized how dangerous it was for kids. I rallied the neighbors and we got a buffer installed by the developer. That experience opened my eyes to the workings of local government and sparked my desire to serve.”
Family remains central to her life, and she attributes part of her success to them. Her children grew up in Fishers, graduated from HSE, and now have children of their own. She has five granddaughters, who are her primary focus outside of work.
“My family is my purpose,” she says. “Next to them, it’s this community.”
So, when the township trustee position opened, Driskell felt it was the right fit. She describes the role as a mix of problem-solving, helping people navigate services, and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
“I learned the job as I went,” she says. “I discovered my calling in this role.”
Now, for more than three decades, Driskell has maintained the trust of her neighbors. She credits accessibility, transparency and integrity for her long tenure.
“People come to the trustee’s office on the worst days of their life – many times feeling very vulnerable,” she says. “It is my job to see that they are treated with dignity and respect as we determine what help we can give.”
Her office provides assistance with rent, mortgages, utility bills, food and referrals to local nonprofits. It fills the gap between what residents have and what they need, especially for those facing unnecessary hardships.
Over the years, Driskell has executed many pivotal projects in the community — but some stand out more than others in her mind. In 2018, she led a public awareness campaign, No More Secrets, that focused on child sexual abuse.
“Being vulnerable in the community made a difference,” she says.
She also helped establish the township food pantry, which provides essential support for families and seniors.
More recently, Driskell is excited about projects such as the Delaware Township Trailhead Park, new connector paths, the expansion of the government center and the rebuilding of the community center after a lightning strike in May.
Recognition has also come with her service. In 2023, Driskell was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Holcomb. The Sagamore of the Wabash is given to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service. Delaware Township has also been named Township of the Year by the Indiana Township Association, and Driskell was previously recognized as Trustee of the Year.
Despite these honors, Driskell is quick to note that she measures success by impact, not awards.
“We’re here for our people and our community,” she says. “Whether it’s helping someone prevent eviction or navigating government services, we are focused on making life better for our residents.”
To contact the Delaware Township Office, call 317-842-8595 or visit in.gov/townships/delaware29. The office is located at 9090 E. 131st Street in Fishers.
