Open house to be held on April 1

LIMA — The Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC) has announced that Rebecca Phillips is its new executive director. The vote was made official in a special board meeting with the organization’s executive committee on Feb. 20. Phillips’ new role became  effective immediately following the vote.

LACRPC is also the administrator for the newly designated West Central Ohio Rural  Planning Organization (WORPO), which came to fruition in December 2024.  “With our service area expanding from Allen County to now include seven additional  counties because of WORPO, I want to ensure we continue to meet the needs of all of our  stakeholders,” Phillips explained. “We have a lot of projects coming up, so I’m looking forward  to sharing and discussing them with the community.” 

The public is invited to an open house for LACRPC on Tuesday, April 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. that will be held at the Allen County RTA building at 200 E. High St. Lima. This will be an  opportunity for the public to learn about and discuss LACRPC’s upcoming work plans outlined  in the draft of the 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Plan for Allen County, as well as  WORPO’s 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan. 

Information about upcoming transportation projects will be presented with the intent to receive public feedback, and will also serve as an opportunity to meet the new executive  director and additional LACRPC staff. 

Phillips said, “We are optimistic we will have a good turnout and hope to gain some  valuable input regarding our upcoming transportation projects. We want to hear from our  stakeholders and what’s needed from them.”

 For questions or more information, please visit www.lacrpc.com or call 419-228-1836.

BACKGROUND
Phillips has been employed at LACRPC as the finance director for the past 17 months. Prior  to her employment at LACRPC, she was appointed as the fiscal officer for Bath Township. She has also worked in higher education. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business  Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. 

Phillips is replacing former LACRPC executive director Tara Reynolds-Bales, who resigned  from the position in September 2024. 

An Allen County native, Phillips resides in the Allen East area with her husband and their  three children. 

 “I’m excited for this opportunity because it allows me to contribute further to the future of  transportation development for our members and community. I work with a great staff, and  anticipate a smooth transition to my new role,” Phillips said.