Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock Steps Down
Peacock concluded his more than 25-year service as CEO effective November 1, 2026, with an interim leadership team now in place.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Jody Peacock concluded his service as CEO of Ports of Indiana effective November 1, 2026, after serving the organization for more than 25 years. Chief Operating Officer Dave Parrott and Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson began serving as the interim leadership team on the same day.
Why it matters
The transition places the statewide port authority, which operates three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, under interim leadership during the period following Peacock's departure. Commission Chairman Steven Stemler is taking an active role in leading the organization during this interim period.
Peacock served more than 25 years with the organization, first taking on leadership roles in 2001 and being appointed CEO in 2023. The statewide authority, established in 1961, operates three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, though the announcement does not address a permanent successor timeline.
The players
Jody Peacock
Jody Peacock is the former CEO of Ports of Indiana, who led the statewide port authority after his 2023 appointment following more than two decades in leadership roles with the organization.
Dave Parrott
Dave Parrott is the Chief Operating Officer of Ports of Indiana, now serving as part of the interim leadership team that oversees the statewide port authority's operations.
Erica Jackson
Erica Jackson is the Chief Financial Officer of Ports of Indiana, now serving as part of the interim leadership team responsible for the authority's finances during the transition.
Steven Stemler
Steven Stemler is the Commission Chairman of Ports of Indiana, who is taking an active role in leading the organization through the interim period following the CEO's departure.
Ports of Indiana
Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority that operates three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, established in 1961.
The details
Peacock's departure as CEO took effect November 1, 2026, the same day Chief Operating Officer Dave Parrott and Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson began serving as the interim leadership team. Commission Chairman Steven Stemler is taking an active role in leading the organization during the interim period.
Timeline
2001: Peacock began serving in various leadership roles with Ports of Indiana.
1961: Ports of Indiana was established.
2023: Peacock was appointed CEO.
November 1, 2026: Peacock's service as CEO concluded and the interim leadership team began.
Leadership Legacy
Peacock's more than 25-year career with Ports of Indiana, beginning with leadership roles in 2001, spans a substantial portion of the authority's history since its 1961 founding. His departure ends a long period of continuity at the top of the statewide port organization.
The interim leadership arrangement means day-to-day operations of Ports of Indiana's three ports are being overseen by its COO and CFO while the board works through the CEO transition. Businesses that rely on the state's river and Great Lakes shipping routes should watch for any changes in port administration as the organization settles its leadership.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at long-serving public port authorities often bring short-term operational continuity through interim teams, while longer-term direction depends on the permanent appointment that follows. Readers tracking Indiana's shipping infrastructure can monitor future commission announcements for that decision.
Further reading
Explore more Indiana People coverage for additional context on regional business leadership.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Waterways Journal.
