Kyla Cox Deckard serves as the director of communications for the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, where shecollaborates with the campus, rural communities, and the media to support rural resilience and innovation. She previously directed Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County, an experiential learning program designed to develop local leaders. Kyla is a lifelong Hoosier and a graduate of Indiana University, holding a bachelor’s degree in English and studio art and a master’s degree in public relations.
She is a member of the City of Bloomington Board of Public Works, a current member and past president of the Community Kitchen of Monroe County board of directors, and treasurer of the Bloomington Rotary Club. Kyla held leadership roles in the Monroe County Democratic Party as vice chair and deputy chair of events, served as a state and national convention delegate representing the 9th Congressional District, and has volunteered on several local campaigns. She received the 2018 Women Excel Bloomington Award and the 2013 10 Under 40 Award from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and she was honored with the Emerging Leader Award from the City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Women in 2012.
Kyla resides in Bloomington with her husband Trent and their two daughters.