Education-

•B.S., Purdue University

Community Activities-

•Former Hancock County Councilman

•Former member of the Hancock County Planning Commission

•Former member of the Greenfield Board of Zoning Appeals

•Appointed to the State Board of Tax Commissioners

•Former Chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Council

•Member of the Elks, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine, Farm Bureau, and Scottishh Rite, 33rd degree

State Representative Bob Cherry has had the opportunity to serve the State of Indiana in many ways since elected as State Representative for House District 53. He became a member of the General Assembly in 1998 after developing an interest in public policy and a desire to represent the people of District 53.

During the 2006 legislative session, Rep. Cherry co-authored House Enrolled (HEA) 1010, which places further limits on governments that want to use eminent domain to obtain property. HEA 1010 protects property owners’ rights by more clearly defining the requirements for property acquisition.

As an active member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Cherry was involved in creating and passing the state budget in 2011. The state budget didn’t include any tax increases, but did provide a structural balance for 2012-2013, maintained prudent level of preserves and directed more funding for K-12 education. In addition to the state budget, Rep. Cherry has also supported measures that brought tax incentives to businesses looking to locate in Indiana as a way to grow the Hoosier economy.

Rep. Cherry remains equally as involved in his local community in Hancock, Shelby and Rush Counties. He previously served as a Hancock County Councilman and as a member of both the Hancock County Planning Commission and Greenfield Board of Zoning Appeals. He was appointed by the governor to the State Board of Tax Commissioners and is the past Chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Council. He is a member of the Elks, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine and Farm Bureau. In August of 2007, Rep. Cherry received a 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite.

He has received numerous “Legislator of the Year” awards from various organizations, including the Credit Union, Small Businesses and the Conservation Officers. Rep. Cherry was also the recipient of the outstanding Purdue Alumni in Animal Science in 2007. He received his B.S. from Purdue University and remains involved in Boilermaker activities.

Rep. Cherry married Deborah Tilley in 2006. He has five grown children- Keegan, Kevin, Kathee, Stephanie and Jared. He also has eight granddaughters and two grandsons. Rep. Cherry is a member of the Willow Branch United Methodist Church. He and Deb live and work on their family farm in Greenfield.