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When Ben Trockman enters a room, it’s with purpose and determination that’s impossible to miss. A spinal cord injury at 17 may have altered his path, but it fueled his mission to redefine what leadership looks like. Now, voted in as Evansville City Council president in January 2025, he’s not just taking charge—he’s reshaping the very foundation of leadership itself.
In a city that had never seen someone with a significant physical disability hold this kind of public office, Trockman is the definition of bold leadership. He’s not afraid of the spotlight but he’s far more interested in reflecting it onto the causes and communities that matter most.
Before becoming Evansville City Council president, Ben Trockman cultivated a rich history of advocacy, leadership and breaking barriers. At Old National Bank, he developed an innovative mentorship program that paired executives with young professionals with disabilities, redefining workplace inclusion and opportunity. As a national ambassador for Easterseals, he travelled the country, championing disability rights and advocating for impactful policies in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago. His experiences advocating on Capitol Hill ignited a passion for public service and inspired him to take his leadership to the local government level. From his work in corporate inclusion to his commitment to community advancement, Trockman has consistently dedicated himself to building a more accessible and equitable future.
Life changed on a dime
At 17, Ben Trockman was your average small-town Indiana kid. Sports, independence and the adventurous spirit of youth were his trademarks. Then, a motocross accident hit pause on everything he thought he knew about his life. “I was independent, stubborn, and invincible—or so I thought,” he says with a laugh that carries no bitterness. The accident catapulted him into a world where he needed others for nearly everything. But while his body learned new limits, his mind refused to stay boxed in.
He dove headfirst into physical therapy, his education, and eventually a career in public relations and advocacy. For eight years, he worked at Old National Bank, where he launched a nationally recognized mentoring program connecting young people with disabilities to corporate leaders. The goal? To obliterate stereotypes by pairing talent with opportunity. And while that job gave him a platform, it also sparked an idea: why not bring that same passion for inclusion to city government?
A campaign worth every penny
Running for office isn’t for the faint of heart—or the faint of wallet. “When I was told the amount of money I needed to raise to run for a city council seat, I almost quit right there,” Trockman admits. But he didn’t. He put in the work, knocked on doors and in 2020 became the first Democrat in 65 years to hold his district’s seat.
His win wasn’t just historic; it was magnetic. It pulled conversations about disability, access and inclusion into the halls of power where they belonged. Trockman brought his lived experience into every decision, whether it was improving sidewalks, pushing for bike lanes, or making public spaces more accessible. “I have a friend who drives his wheelchair everywhere—even through the most inconvenient places. Every time I see him, I think: we’ve got to do better. Not only for him, but for everyone.”
A leader who leads by example
Ben Trockman is the kind of leader who instantly makes people feel seen and valued. Whether he’s working with voters, city council colleagues, or young people with disabilities who look up to him, he approaches every interaction with warmth and authenticity. For Trockman, leadership is about connection—listening, understanding, and finding common ground. His ability to genuinely care about the people around him has made him a trusted voice in the community, working to create meaningful change. It’s not just his position that sets him apart but the heart he brings to it.
Trockman takes his responsibilities seriously. As council president, he’s focused on collaboration. “Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice,” he says. “It’s about listening. Listening to your constituents, your colleagues and the people who challenge you.”
He’s also deeply focused on representation. For Trockman, visibility isn’t just personal—it’s systemic. “If someone in a wheelchair can be president of the city council, what else is possible? For kids growing up today, I want them to look at me and think—why not me?”
Breaking down barriers, one policy at a time
One of Trockman’s proudest accomplishments is Evansville’s “Complete Streets Ordinance,” a policy ensuring sidewalks, bike lanes and other public infrastructure prioritize accessibility. “The focus extends beyond wheelchairs. It encompasses mothers pushing strollers, older adults, and anyone who needs safe, connected pathways,” he explains. The ordinance, now shaping the city’s future, highlights Trockman’s focus on delivering actionable change over empty promises.
The legacy he’s building
Trockman doesn’t just want to be remembered as a groundbreaking leader. He wants to leave behind a community where inclusion isn’t revolutionary—it’s expected. “My family has this legacy of service,” he says, reflecting on his grandfather, who offered legal aid to anyone in need, and his father, a judge who started Indiana’s first treatment court for people battling addiction. “If I can even do a fraction of what they did for Evansville, I’ll be happy.”
But his aspirations go beyond family tradition. Trockman wants to create a city where babies can grow up and think, “This is a place worth staying in. This is a community worth leading.”
A different kind of power
Ben Trockman’s leadership is proof that power doesn’t come from titles, but from action. As Evansville moves forward, it is clear that the city is better because Ben Trockman decided it could be. Leadership is his way of life. And Evansville is all the stronger for it.
