PCRD Welcomes New Engagement and Evaluation Specialist: Reneisha Rudder

The Purdue Center for Regional Development is excited to welcome Reneisha Rudder to the team as the new Engagement and Evaluation Specialist. With her professional background and a passion for community-focused work, Reneisha brings a fresh perspective and an eagerness to contribute to PCRD’s mission of strengthening communities across Indiana and beyond.

Originally from Kentucky, a career opportunity brought Reneisha to Indiana, where she spent the past four years working for a regional planning commission in Southeast Indiana. Her path hasn’t been linear and ranges from special needs childcare to education to public policy and community development, but it’s one that has equipped her with a wide mix of skills and insights. As she puts it, “It’s been a winding path but oddly enough, all of my previous experience helped me to build skills that always fit for the next role I took on.”

This blend of hands-on community work and policy-focused roles offers a strong foundation for her work with PCRD.

In her new position, Reneisha will focus on evaluating programs, many of which are tied to grants secured by PCRD, as well as supporting stakeholders throughout Indiana. A major part of her work will involve community engagement, helping regions, and organizations identify their needs and develop tailored solutions.

Her enthusiasm for this aspect of the job is clear. It offers her the chance not only to apply her experience but also to deepen her understanding of economic and community development. As someone who has grown increasingly passionate about community development, Reneisha was drawn to this position because it provides space to learn, collaborate, and evolve. The opportunity to work alongside experts in the field and a dedicated team at PCRD was an added bonus.

What excites her most? The learning. “I am always wanting to improve and make life better for those around me,” she says.

When she’s not connecting with communities, you can find Reneisha enjoying arts and crafts or binge-watching her favorite shows—often at the same time!

Please join us in giving Reneisha a warm welcome to PCRD! We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team.