Board Members

Town of Redkey
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Current: Board Members

Meet Your Redkey Elected Officials

The Redkey Town Board and Clerk-Treasurer are dedicated to serving our community with transparency, commitment, and a shared vision for the future. As elected officials, each brings a unique perspective, local insight, and a strong sense of civic duty to their role.

Together, they work to ensure that Redkey remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place to live, work, and grow. From managing town finances and maintaining infrastructure to supporting community initiatives, these leaders play a crucial role in shaping the policies and progress of our town.

Below, you’ll find information about each of our current elected officials, their responsibilities, and how to get in touch. We encourage all residents to stay informed, stay involved, and connect with us to share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns.

Gloria May

Clerk-Treasurer

Gloria L. May has served as Clerk-Treasurer of Redkey for just over a year, bringing with her a grounded, commonsense approach to public service. Encouraged to run by fellow residents who wanted to see positive change, Gloria stepped up with a deep appreciation for the town she has always called home. Born and raised in Redkey, she treasures its small-town charm and the close-knit feel that comes with it—“I’ve always lived here, and I don’t know anything else.”

As Clerk-Treasurer, Gloria manages the town’s finances, overseeing payroll, processing claims, and working closely with the board on budgeting and fiscal planning. Her main focus is helping to maintain stability while encouraging cooperation among town leadership. “One of my goals,” she shares, “is simply for everyone to get along.”

Looking ahead, Gloria is especially hopeful about ongoing efforts to clean up and beautify Redkey. She believes small changes can make a big difference, and that working together as a community is key to making Redkey shine.

Outside of her official duties, Gloria enjoys quiet moments reading or coloring. She’s also a big fan of Redkey traditions—especially the annual Fourth of July fireworks, a celebration she’s loved for years.

Residents can stay informed about town news and updates by visiting TownofRedkey.in.gov, where Gloria and the rest of the town leadership team continue to work for a stronger Redkey.

Brenda Beaty

Town Board President (Representative for Streets, Police Dept)

Brenda K. Beaty has served as President of the Redkey Town Board since 2024, stepping into leadership with a drive to “Make Redkey Great Again.”

A graduate of nursing school in 1992, Brenda brings over three decades of experience as a director of an assisted living unit, manager, and staff nurse—fields where compassion, leadership, and service are essential. That same passion fuels her public service work today.

A resident of Redkey for the past ten years, Brenda is married to John Beaty, a lifelong member of the community. She’s also a proud foster parent turned adoptive mom, now raising their daughter with the same deep-rooted values she brings to her civic role. In addition to her position on the Town Board, Brenda served as a regional committee member for the EDIC (Economic Development for Indiana Communities).

Brenda’s main responsibilities as a Town Board member include helping to draft and implement ordinances, maintaining financial oversight, and ensuring Redkey’s infrastructure and public safety services continue to grow, while staying within budget and state compliance. She is currently focused on modernizing the town’s resources, including acquiring new utility vehicles, smart meters, and upgrading the radio tower.

Brenda is especially passionate about bringing the long-awaited park renovation to life for the children of Redkey, improving the aging sewer plant structures, and replacing outdated road signage.

What inspires her most about Redkey is the spirit of its people—neighbors who consistently go above and beyond to support one another and the town they love.

When she’s not serving in her official role, Brenda enjoys gardening, cheering on her daughter at softball games, and embracing her favorite title: “Nonnie.” One of her proudest moments was watching her daughter compete with the Redkey All-Stars.

A fun fact that many may not know: Brenda is deeply compassionate and tireless when it comes to meeting the needs of the town, always ready to roll up her sleeves and get things done.

Her message to Redkey residents:
“Together, united, we can accomplish all things as a community. Big tasks appear small if we all work together!”

She encourages residents to stay informed by attending monthly Town Board meetings, visiting TownofRedkey.IN.gov, and following the Redkey Town Hall Facebook page.

Floyd Life

Board Member (Representative for Fire Department)

Floid Life has proudly served as a Redkey Town Council member for the past five years, where he oversees matters related to the Redkey Volunteer Fire Department.

A lifelong resident of Redkey, Floid’s deep roots in public service include time as a police officer from 1978 to 1983 and seven years serving in the court system. His straightforward sense of humor shines through when asked what motivated him to run for office—“a severe bump on the head,” he jokes—but his dedication to the town is no laughing matter.

Floid appreciates the safety and small-town trust that defines Redkey, where neighbors can still leave their doors unlocked. His current focus is on securing a new pumper truck for the Fire Department, ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need to protect the community effectively. He also hopes to work toward lower taxes for Redkey residents.

When it comes to staying informed and connected, Floid keeps it simple: “Talk to one another.” Outside of his role on the council, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and grilling up good food for friends and family.

Jimmy Phillips

Town Board Vice President (Representative for the Sewer Plant)

Jimmy Phillips (Watermelon Jim)

James Lee “Jimmy” Phillips, affectionately known around town as “Watermelon Jim,” has served as Vice President of the Redkey Town Council for the past six months and has been an active council member for a year and a half. A lifelong Democrat and former Democratic Precinct Committeeman, Jimmy first served on the council in 1985 for four years. He returned to public service with a passion to lower water bills and uplift the Redkey community.

Jimmy has called Redkey home for nearly 80 years, having moved here at the age of two after his father returned from serving in World War II. Deeply rooted in the town’s history, Jimmy has seen Redkey grow and evolve, and he appreciates its small-town charm paired with big dreams and determination.

As council vice president, Jimmy is focused on working collaboratively to serve the people of Redkey with transparency and fairness. He is currently prioritizing sewer line improvements and advocating for greater accountability within the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC), especially regarding property and financial transparency. Looking ahead, his goals include addressing sewer issues and reducing water bills to help attract new revenue to the town.

Jimmy encourages residents to reach out to him directly, visit the town hall, or follow the Redkey Facebook page for updates and assistance. Outside of his council duties, Jimmy is a devoted Christian, a family man, and a generous community member known for giving away his famous watermelons. He enjoys gardening, going to church, and cherishing time with loved ones.

For Jimmy, Redkey’s traditions — especially the joy and activity at the town ballpark — are a vital part of what makes the community special. His message to residents is simple but powerful: “Be kind to each other and do what we can to help the town.”

Jenny Staver

Board Member (Representative for Water and Parks)

Jennifer Staver

Town Board Member

Jennifer Staver proudly serves on the Redkey Town Board, bringing over 20 years of healthcare experience and a deep-rooted love for her hometown to her new role. She joined the board in March 2025, marking her first opportunity to serve in public office.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) for two decades, Jennifer recently accepted a new position at the Fayette County Jail, embracing what she calls “a new adventure and a calling to go where God needs her.” Previously, she spent three and a half years caring for patients at the Jay County Jail, a role she leaves with gratitude and hope for those continuing the work. Her decision to step into town leadership stemmed from a desire to foster a more cooperative and respectful environment in Redkey. Seeing a need for positive, community-focused leadership, she was motivated to help bridge divides and work toward a stronger, more united town.

Jennifer grew up in Redkey before moving to Fort Wayne during her junior year of high school. After 27 years away, she returned to her hometown, drawn back by the unique spirit and close-knit community that has always set Jay County apart. As Jennifer says, “There is a saying I’ve heard many times about our county... If ya ain’t from here, you wouldn’t understand us.” It’s that special connection and pride that fuels her work on behalf of Redkey’s residents.

One of Jennifer’s key projects is spearheading the creation of an all-inclusive playground for Redkey. Recognizing that the town's current playground equipment has aged, she is working to build a new, welcoming space that will benefit not only Redkey but the entire county.

Looking ahead, Jennifer hopes to see more businesses open in Redkey, adding vibrancy and opportunity to the community. She encourages residents to stay informed by attending town board meetings, watching them online, and engaging with the Town Hall Facebook page.

Jennifer’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed every morning. You can accomplish anything after that.” Her passion for Redkey and her belief in working together make her a valued and inspiring part of the town’s leadership.