Hoosier Banker 15 need to allow people to watch the process, because transparency is really important, and people also need to be able to present testimony. Would they testify in person, via some sort of WebEx or Zoom meeting, or will the testimony be given in a different room so that we can all stay socially distanced but still be in the Statehouse? “There are a lot of complicated issues, and we are looking at several options. Each step depends on how COVID-19 is impacting us at the time.” As a member of the Home Bank board of directors, what insights have you gained about banking? “I’ve learned a lot. Prior to coming on the board, I served as Home Bank’s attorney for a number of years, and I felt I knew a little bit about banking, probably just enough to make me ‘dangerous,’ I suppose. “Interestingly, I came on the board in 2008. As every banker will recall, that was a bad year, with a big economic downturn. I learned a lot about how to deal with an economy that’s in trouble, and it helped me make better decisions going forward as the economy began to improve. “The bottom line is that board service has given me a well-rounded picture of the banking industry, rather than just the attorney piece that I was doing beforehand. I understand banking much better now.” How does your family’s political background influence your work as a public servant? “As a child, I was able to watch my grandfather, who was in public office, and my father, who was as well. At Sunday dinners they would go round and round on different subjects and issues, and it implanted in my mind the importance of public service. “I always anticipated trying to do the same at some point in my life. When I got into my 30s, my wife and I had young children. At that point, I thought it might not come to pass, and I focused on practicing law and raising my family. “Then an opening came up in the Indiana Senate. By then I was in my early 40s, and it seemed like the right time. Our children were older, I felt I was on top of my law practice, and I was looking for another challenge. Politics has to align that way. “So I took a chance on it and was successful. I’ve truly enjoyed it ever since.” Please share a bit about home life and pastimes. “My wife, Kelly, and I have two boys, ages 12 and 15. Our oldest just started high school. They both play baseball, and I’ve coached them a number of years in that sport. “They also do some band and theater, and other creative things of that nature. Kelly and I just try to stand behind them and their interests, and support them as best we can. Being a parent has been an absolutely wonderful ride. “As a family, we like to travel, and we try to take camping trips every year. That’s something we really enjoy. We like to stay at the state parks. “Camping has been very popular across the state this year, because so many other places have been closed down. People are discovering just how wonderful our state parks are, so it’s kind of nice that way.” Since being elected to the Indiana Senate in 2012, Sen. Rodric Bray has built a reputation for consensus-building.
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