Dr. Todd Hitchcock, former superintendent of Eastern Shelby Schools, has been named executive director of the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation (ICRF). He brings a unique combination of education, school administration and construction industry expertise to the position. He starts Oct. 1.
ICRF was founded in 2015 to encourage Hoosiers to pursue careers in construction and help build a sustainable workforce for the industry. The foundation provides free training for adults and underwrites programs at schools, community centers and nonprofits for K-12 students.
“Todd is an ideal fit for this role, and the timing is perfect,” said Chris Price, president of ICRF. “Indiana is at a critical juncture as schools and employers rethink how students transition from high school into careers. Changes in state diploma requirements and growing interest in alternative approaches to education are creating unprecedented opportunities for schools to work more closely with employers.”
Hitchcock has served on the ICRF board for the past 2½ years. As executive director, he will focus on strengthening connections between Indiana’s construction industry and schools and helping employers and educators develop pathways that prepare students for careers in construction and the skilled trades.
The move brings Hitchcock's career full circle.
At 16, he started working part-time with a general contractor doing carpentry. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed learning by doing and went on to gain experience in commercial and residential construction, as well as interior finish carpentry.
Hitchcock continued working as a carpenter while earning his bachelor’s degree in education and after he began teaching in New Palestine Schools, worked in construction during summers. He eventually started his own general contracting and custom carpentry business.
His experience also includes overseeing construction projects from the owner’s perspective. Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools built a new school when he was assistant superintendent there, and he has overseen numerous projects in his role as superintendent of Eastern Shelby Schools.
“I see how much industry and schools need each other, and I’m excited to facilitate those relationships,” Hitchcock said. “There is a tremendous opportunity to help schools and employers work together to give students more options and create stronger pathways into careers.”
Hitchcock serves as vice president of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS). An Indianapolis native, he earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from IUPUI, master’s degree in education and organizational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University, Ed.S. in educational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Indiana State University. He and his family live in New Palestine.
