Frankfort Mayor Resigns
Chris McBarnes
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFrankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes has announced his resignation. McBarnes, who became the state’s youngest mayor when he was elected in 2012, announced this week he has accepted a position as executive director for a Wyoming-based nonprofit, The WYldlife Fund.
McBarnes grew up in Frankfort and attended Butler University. At age 23, he was first elected mayor. He ran unopposed for his third term in November.
McBarnes said he would be leaving his role on February 28. A Frankfort Republican precinct committeeman will select his replacement.
“I have never taken your faith in my for granted. I have given everything I have within myself to my position as mayor. I believe that you and I have shown the rest of the State of Indiana what Frankfort is capable of and what all of us can accomplish together,” said the mayor’s statement.
The mayor pointed to growth at the Frito-Lay facilities, a new Ivy Tech campus and the Prairie Creek Park as some of the biggest accomplishments under his administration.
McBarnes said he is an outdoor enthusiast and protecting wildlife “is a great passion in my life.” In his new role, he’ll be raising funds to invest in Wyoming’s wildlife habitat.
In a Tweet, McBarnes said “It has been an amazing ride in Frankford. Life has chapters. God bless you all and I will never forget you. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me.”
McBarnes appeared on Inside INDiana Business with Gerry Dick in 2018 to discuss the small town renaissance of Frankfort.