Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun has announced his first wave of key appointments, signaling priorities aligned with his “Freedom and Opportunity Agenda.”
Focused on fostering economic growth, reducing government overreach and expanding education, Braun’s initial selections reflect his commitment to empowering Hoosiers and driving conservative policy goals as he prepares to take office in January.
The agenda prioritizes the following:
- Providing tax relief to address inflation and reduce the burden for everyday Hoosiers.
- Delivering a leaner, more responsive government that runs efficiently and provides excellent constituent services.
- Equipping Indiana’s next generation through education, workforce development, and economic development.
- Investing in a healthier Indiana by driving down healthcare costs, increasing access, and increasing transparency.
- Improving quality of life for every Hoosier through public safety, affordable energy, and clean water.
“Our Freedom and Opportunity Agenda represents a bold vision for Indiana’s future,” Braun said. “By implementing these common-sense solutions, we’ll create a more prosperous, safer and stronger Indiana for every Hoosier family.”
Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released a statement following the agenda announcement.
“From lowering health care costs to increasing teacher pay, there are some agenda items from Gov.-elect Mike Braun that House Democrats will be fully onboard with,” GiaQuinta said. “Unfortunately, his plan has no mention of childcare expansion or universal pre-K and too much emphasis on expanding the school voucher program. If we want to bolster Indiana’s economy and provide our children with a better future, it starts with childcare and access to early education.”
The House Democratic Caucus also expressed their eagerness to work together and “get results for Hoosiers.”
In addition to Braun’s agenda, he also released appointments for his forthcoming administration.
Lisa Hershman has been named Secretary of Management and Budget, the chief financial officer of the state, overseeing the budget, financial management and administrative operations.
Prior to her appointment, Hershman served on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for 2014-2020 and most recently served as the chief management officer of the U.S. Department of Defense, where she managed a $168 billion budget.
“Lisa Hershman’s track record of driving efficiency and innovation in both government and business makes her the ideal choice to oversee Indiana’s financial management,” Braun said.
Braun tapped Matthew Ubelhor as Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure, which maintains the state’s transportation, infrastructure and broadband systems.
Prior to his appointment, Ubelhor served three terms as a state representative in the general assembly, representing Greene, Martin, Daviess and Monroe counties. In his most recent role, Ubelhor managed safety, production and cost control for 600 workers in the private sector.
“Matt’s decades of experience managing complex operations and infrastructure, combined with his service in the Indiana House, make him especially qualified to lead our transportation and infrastructure initiatives,” Braun said.
David Adams will be the Secretary of Commerce, which drives economic opportunity for the state and fosters business growth initiatives.
Adams previously served as Indiana’s Workforce Development Commissioner and Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Cincinnati. Under his leadership as Workforce Development Commissioner, Indiana’s workforce ranking under CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” improved from 48th to 14th.
“David’s proven track record of driving economic growth and innovation makes him the ideal choice to lead Indiana’s commerce initiatives,” Braun said. “His experience in workforce development to drive economic growth, combined with his successful entrepreneurial business track record and ability to attract major investments, will help accelerate Indiana’s economic momentum.”
Braun selected Katie Jenner as Secretary of Education, who will serve as Indiana’s top education official.
Jenner has served as Secretary of Education since 2021. Under her leadership, Indiana has made a large investment in literacy, implemented a comprehensive teacher supply-demand marketplace and increased the statewide graduation rate.
“Dr. Jenner’s proven track record of elevating Indiana’s education system makes her the ideal choice to continue leading our state’s academic initiatives,” Braun said. “Her focus on literacy, STEM education and workforce readiness aligns perfectly with our vision for Indiana’s future.”
Mike Speedy has been named Secretary of Business Affairs, which is responsible for managing the state’s regulatory framework and ensuring businesses and industries operate safely, ethically and efficiently.
Prior to his appointment, Speedy operated a real estate development company and served 14 years in the Indiana House of Representatives where he chaired the Financial Institutions and Environmental Affairs committees and served as vice chairman of Roads and Transportation.
“Mike’s combination of business acumen and public service experience makes him ideally suited to lead Indiana’s business development initiatives,” Braun said.
Braun has named Jennifer-Ruth Green as Secretary of Public Safety, which is responsible for overseeing law enforcement, emergency preparedness and public safety policy development.
Green is a combat veteran and current deputy commander of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Green previously served as commander of the 122nd Cyber Operations Flight in Fort Wayne.
“Jennifer-Ruth Green’s remarkable military background and cyber security expertise make her uniquely qualified to advise on homeland security and support law enforcement,” Braun said.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated to reflect further appointments.
For more information about Braun’s agenda and his appointees, visit brauntransition.com.
To read more political stories, click here.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
