Republican Mike Braun pitches his candidacy during the Oct. 24, 2024 governor’s debate.
(Darron Cummings/Associated Press pool photo)
Gov.-elect Mike Braun on Wednesday announced the formation of 12 transition councils to guide state agency reviews and policy development across Indiana’s government.
The leaders and members bring expertise from diverse sectors, including business, public service, education, healthcare, natural resources, and constituent services. Each council will play a central role in creating streamlined, effective solutions that elevate state government’s impact on the lives of Hoosiers.
Many of the appointees have previously served in state government or are leaders in the private sector.
“To build an effective government that serves all Hoosier residents, we need the best minds and most experienced leaders at the table,” Braun said in a news release. “These distinguished individuals bring decades of public and private sector expertise to ensure a smooth and impactful transition.”
The councils and leaders are listed below with individual members are included in the attached PDF:
Business Affairs Transition Council is focused on strengthening Indiana’s reputation as a business-friendly environment by streamlining bureaucracy, cutting red tape, and enhancing customer service interactions between business owners and state regulators. The council aims to support Indiana’s businesses by reducing obstacles and improving the efficiency and responsiveness of state services.
Chair: Mike Speedy, a real estate developer, former state representative, former Indianapolis City-County councilor, and member of the HOPE Commission for Higher Education
The Commerce Transition Council is focused on driving economic growth across Indiana by fostering entrepreneurship and identifying opportunities to support geographically diverse communities. The council aims to expand economic opportunity in every corner of the state by cultivating a thriving environment for Hoosier entrepreneurs and encouraging community-level development.
Chair: Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus Indiana and former leader with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation under former Governor Mitch Daniels
The Constituent Services Transition Council is focused on improving interactions between Hoosiers and their state government by conducting a comprehensive review of constituent services across state agencies. The council will work to establish clear customer service standards for each agency, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the overall experience for Hoosiers engaging with state government.
Chair: Lawren Mills, partner at Ice Miller, chair of the firm’s Government Affairs and Regulatory Law Group, former chief lobbyist and senior policy director to then-Governor Mitch Daniels, and member of the HOPE Health and Family Services review team
The Education Transition Council is dedicated to ensuring a high-quality education for all Hoosiers by raising standards in K-12 and higher education, expanding school choice, keeping curriculum focused on core education rather than political indoctrination, and enhancing college and career readiness for high school graduates.
Chair: Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s first Secretary of Education, head of the Indiana Department of Education, and chair of the State Board of Education
The Efficiency and Modernization Transition Council is dedicated to conducting a comprehensive review of Indiana’s state government to ensure Hoosiers’ tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively. The council will work to streamline bureaucracy, reduce regulatory burdens, embrace emerging technology, and foster a business-friendly environment that drives economic growth and makes Indiana an even better place to do business.
Chair: Gus Olympidis, President and CEO of Family Express Corp and charter member of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority under former Governor Daniels
The Energy and Natural Resources Transition Council is committed to developing Indiana’s abundant energy and recreational resources to lower utility costs and enhance Hoosiers’ quality of life. The council will focus on leveraging Indiana’s natural assets to promote sustainable resource management and cost-effective energy solutions.
Chair: Jackie Bowman Ponder, Chief Legal Officer at Bowman Family Holdings, Inc., former General Counsel to Solar Sources Mining, LLC, and former member of the Executive Committee of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
The Health and Family Services Transition Council is dedicated to ensuring affordable, transparent, and high-quality healthcare for all Hoosiers, developing pro-family policies, faithfully implementing SEA 1 (P.L. 179-2022, Special Session), and improving program delivery at the Family and Social Services Agency, Department of Child Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Chair: Gloria Sachdev, PharmD, President and CEO of the Employers’ Forum of Indiana
The Lieutenant Governor-Elect Transition Council is focused on growing Indiana’s agriculture industry by supporting producers, expanding markets, and helping farmers pass their way of life to the next generation. The council is also committed to strengthening rural communities by reducing regulatory burdens and streamlining the grant application process through the Office of Community and Rural Development.
Chair: Sherry Ellis, Chief of Staff designee for Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith and campaign manager for the Micah for Lieutenant Governor campaign
The Local and Municipal Affairs Transition Council is focused on building a strong partnership between state and local governments in Indiana. By giving local leaders a seat at the table in the incoming Braun administration, the council aims to address key issues, including local tax and financing, and improve communities across the state.
Chair: Brian Burdick, managing partner of the Indianapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, and member of the HOPE policy committee review team for the Office of Management and Budget
The Management and Budget Transition Council is dedicated to securing Indiana’s financial future by developing a balanced budget, enhancing efficiency through shared services, and implementing best-value procurement practices. The council will focus on ensuring the State is on sound financial footing, driving whole-of-government efficiencies through shared services, and establishing best practices for effective fiscal management.
Chair: Tera Klutz, Chief Financial Officer at Gaylor Electric, Inc., and former State Auditor-Comptroller, Allen County Auditor, and Chief Deputy Auditor
The Public Safety Transition Council is focused on protecting every Hoosier, with priorities including school safety, support for law enforcement, crime prevention, and federal partnerships on immigration enforcement to protect Indiana communities.
Chair: Danny Price, founder of The Price Consulting Group, LLC, and a 34-year veteran of the Indiana State Police
The Transportation and Infrastructure Transition Council is focused on strengthening Indiana as the Crossroads of America by identifying sustainable funding to maintain, improve, and expand the state’s infrastructure without raising taxes. The council’s work includes investing in broadband solutions for all regions of Indiana and enhancing customer service at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Chair: Matt Ubelhor, former Indiana House Representative for District 62, former senior manager at Peabody Energy, and member of the HOPE energy and agriculture team
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.
