On Thursday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced two important appointments.
His selection for the state’s first secretary of education is Katie Jenner, who currently serves as his senior education advisor. Jenner takes office January 11, 2021.
The Indiana Chamber has long supported making Indiana’s top education official an appointed position so the Governor has someone aligned with his policy priorities in such a key role. That enhanced level of cooperation and collaboration will make the state’s education direction clear and allow for more impactful efforts on behalf of Indiana students.
What we are particularly excited about with Jenner is in both her prior roles for the Madison Consolidated Schools and Ivy Tech Community College she worked closely with employers to better align K-12 education with workforce needs and opportunities. That’s a big positive for our business community, which requires homegrown talent. It also helps ensure that young people are prepared to pursue relevant and prosperous careers.
Separately, Karrah A. Herring will serve as Indiana’s first-ever chief equity, inclusion and opportunity officer. Herring currently is the director of public affairs for the University of Notre Dame, where she has worked since 2011.
The creation of this position was first revealed during Holcomb’s August address to the state. The officer will focus on improving state government operations as well as drive systemic change to remove hurdles in the government workplace and services the state provides. Herring will help agencies develop strategic plans to remove any barriers.
Resource: Jason Bearce at (317) 264-6880 or email: jbearce@indianachamber.com
