Governor-elect Braun announces cabinet, key leadership appointments

Governor-elect Mike Braun, taking office in January 2025, announces the following cabinet members for his administration, as well as other key leadership appointments and senior staff positions.

Governor-elect Mike Braun has announced cabinet members, as well as key appointments to lead various state agencies and departments, as his administration prepares to take office in January 2025.

Among his cabinet appointments are those for superintendent of the Indiana State Police, adjutant general of Indiana and secretaries of health and family service, energy and natural resources, public safety, business affairs, education, commerce, transportation and infrastructure and management and budget. 

Captain Anthony Scott has been appointed superintendent of the Indiana State Police. Scott brings nearly three decades of Indiana State Police experience to the job, currently serving as captain and area commander responsible for enforcement and investigative operations across multiple state police districts.

"Captain Scott's extensive experience at every level of the Indiana State Police uniquely qualifies him to lead our state's law enforcement agency," Braun said. "His proven track record of success, commitment to community partnerships, and focus on both public safety and operational efficiency align perfectly with our vision for a safer Indiana."

Scott, a 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy, started serving the Indiana State Police in 1996 as a state trooper. He continued to rise up the ranks serving in various roles including detective, district investigative commander, lieutenant and captain. 

Scott also has a demonstrated history of leading security operations for major events across Indiana and the Midwest. He previously served as the special events supervisor for presidential and dignitary visits, the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis Grand Prix. He also deployed to Cleveland in 2016 and Milwaukee in 2024 to assist with security for the 2016 and 2024 Republican National Conventions as a member of the command team.

"I have been honored to serve the Indiana State Police over the past three decades and am humbled to answer Governor-elect Braun’s request to lead these dedicated men and women in law enforcement," Scott said. "The Indiana State Police will continue to protect and serve all Hoosiers with a clearly defined mission focused on quality of life and crime prevention while promoting the values of courage, commitment, and character to encourage both personal and professional growth within our ranks."

A Greensburg resident, Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Cumberland College, where he graduated with honors. He previously served as a board member on the Greensburg Community Schools Safety Committee and as a Greensburg Jr. High School girls basketball coach.

Brigadier General Lawrence “Larry” Muennich was named the next adjutant general of Indiana to lead the Indiana National Guard's more than 12,000 soldiers.

Brigadier General Muennich brings more than 32 years of military experience and 24 years of corporate executive leadership to the position. He currently serves as division director of Strategic Initiatives for the Indiana National Guard, where he oversees personnel readiness and manages Indiana's State Partnership Program relationship with Slovakia.

"Brigadier General Muennich's unique combination of military leadership and private sector executive experience makes him exceptionally qualified to lead our National Guard," Braun said. "His proven track record of strategic leadership, both in uniform and in business, will be invaluable as we work to strengthen Indiana's military readiness and emergency response capabilities."

A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Muennich most recently served as executive director of Final Mile Delivery at GE Appliances, where he led a nationwide network of over 2,500 contractors and 160 warehouses. His military career includes command of the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade and multiple operational deployments to Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait and Bosnia. He is also a Senior Army Aviator with more than 1,500 flight hours.

"I am honored to be selected as Indiana's next Adjutant General," Muennich said. "The Indiana National Guard has a proud tradition of serving both our state and nation, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated soldiers and airmen to ensure we remain ready to respond whenever called upon."

Muennich's military education includes graduation with distinction from the Air War College with a Master's in Strategic Studies and recent completion of Harvard University's Homeland Security Seminar. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Order of St. Michael from the Army Aviation Association of America.

Dr. Gloria Sachdev has been appointed as Indiana's secretary of health and family services. Sachdev currently serves as president and CEO of the Employers' Forum of Indiana, where she has led initiatives to improve healthcare transparency and affordability.

Under her leadership, Sachdev commissioned groundbreaking hospital cost transparency studies and developed Sage Transparency 2.0, a public dashboard for healthcare cost and quality data. Her advocacy has resulted in more than two dozen state laws to improve healthcare affordability, including legislation to restrict facility fees for off-campus hospital services.

"Dr. Sachdev's proven track record of transforming healthcare delivery and costs makes her the ideal choice to lead Indiana's health initiatives," Braun said. "Her expertise in pharmacy, healthcare policy, and coalition-building will be invaluable as we work to improve health outcomes for Hoosiers."

Sachdev will be responsible for improving coordination across constituent-facing health and well-being services and addressing public health policy holistically in her role as secretary of Health and Family Services. The Braun administration plans to confront rising healthcare costs and limited access to care, particularly in rural areas, while protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions and reforming mental health treatment to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.

“Drawing on my healthcare expertise, I am committed to improving health outcomes and access to care for all Hoosiers,” Sachdev said. “Under Governor-elect Braun's leadership, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every Indiana resident has the resources and support they need to live healthy, productive lives. I am grateful to Governor-elect Braun for entrusting me with this critical role.”

A Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from the University of Oklahoma, Sachdev has served as a clinical associate professor at Purdue's College of Pharmacy and the Indiana University School of Medicine. She founded courses in health policy and established a healthcare policy rotation at the Indiana Statehouse. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and other national media.

Suzanne Ryder Jaworowski has been named as Indiana's secretary of energy and natural resources. Jaworowski brings extensive experience in energy policy as a leader in the private sector and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Jaworowski most recently served as executive director of stakeholder services at MISO Energy, overseeing stakeholder relations and client services. She previously served as chief of staff and senior advisor for policy and communications in the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy during the Trump administration, where she led strategic communications and policy initiatives.

"Suzie's deep understanding of energy policy and proven track record of stakeholder engagement makes her an ideal choice to lead Indiana's energy future," Braun said. "Her experience in both government and industry will be invaluable as we work to ensure reliable, affordable energy for Hoosiers."

As the secretary of energy, Jaworowski will provide the strong leadership needed to navigate Indiana’s energy challenges and improve accessibility. Consistent with Braun’s agenda, the administration will focus on ensuring the state has enough affordable and reliable energy sources to sustain current residents and attract new development.

“My vision is to ensure our state maintains a diverse energy portfolio that powers our economy, creates jobs, and supports our communities," Jaworowski said. "Working alongside Governor-elect Braun, we will ensure that Indiana families and businesses have access to dependable, cost-effective energy solutions that drive our state forward."

Before her federal service, Jaworowski directed communications and government relations at Hallador Energy and founded Ryder Research Consulting, where she advised energy companies, utilities and industry associations. She holds degrees from Radford University and Marymount University.

Jennifer-Ruth Green has been appointed as Indiana's secretary of public safety. Green, a combat veteran and current deputy commander of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, brings extensive military and cyber security experience to the role.

Green's distinguished military career includes service as the commander of the 122nd Cyber Operations Flight in Fort Wayne and deployment to Baghdad with the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, she is an FAA-certified pilot and former Air Force Special Agent. Green also graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center with Distinguished Fitness Award honors and was selected as a Defense Ventures Cyber Fellow. 

"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. "Her combat experience and proven leadership will be invaluable in protecting Hoosier families and strengthening our emergency response capabilities."

The secretary of public safety will be responsible for overseeing law enforcement, emergency preparedness and public safety policy development. As secretary, Green will work with Braun to keep communities safe by supporting law enforcement, combating drug trafficking and addressing illegal immigration.

"My commitment is to bring a strategic, comprehensive approach to public safety that protects Hoosier families and supports our first responders,” Green said. “Under Governor-elect Braun's leadership, we will ensure safety in our communities and focus on strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and communities, enhancing emergency preparedness, and ensuring our public safety personnel have the training and resources they need to serve effectively.”

Green founded Battle-Proven Leadership, providing executive training to organizations including the Indiana Attorney General's Office. She holds a master's degree in aeronautics from Liberty University and authored "People Don't Quit Their Jobs; They Quit Their Bosses."

Former State Representative Mike Speedy has been appointed as Indiana's secretary of business affairs. Speedy brings extensive experience in business, law and public service to the role.

A second-generation real estate investor and graduate of IU's Kelley School of Business and McKinney School of Law, Speedy operates a multi-state real estate development company headquartered in Indianapolis. He concluded 14 years of service 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. "His background in real estate, finance, and law will help drive economic growth across our state."

In Speedy’s role as secretary of business affairs, he will be responsible for managing the state's regulatory framework and ensuring that businesses and industries operate safely, ethically and efficiently.

"I look forward to working alongside Governor-elect Braun as Indiana's Secretary of Business Affairs,” Speedy said. “Having served in the Indiana General Assembly, I've seen firsthand how smart policy and reduced regulation can help businesses flourish. Drawing on my experience as both a legislator and business owner, we will streamline government processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and create an even more business-friendly environment in Indiana. Together, we’ll ensure Indiana remains one of the best places to do business in America.”

In the Indiana General Assembly, he served on key committees including Judiciary, Employment, Labor & Pensions, and Utilities, Energy & Telecommunications. Prior to serving at the Statehouse, Speedy served on the Indianapolis City-County Council for seven years, including as chairman of the Public Works Committee. He maintains his law license and Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.

Dr. Katie Jenner will continue serving as Indiana's top education official. As secretary of education, Jenner will be responsible for establishing a unified, student-centered vision across the full spectrum of education, from pre-K and K-12 to college, and will also retain her role as head of the Department of Education.

Under Dr. Jenner's leadership since 2021, Indiana has made significant strides in education, including securing the state's largest-ever investment in literacy, implementing a comprehensive teacher supply/demand marketplace, and increasing the statewide graduation rate. Her administration deployed Indiana's Graduates Prepared to Succeed initiative, which redefined how the state measures school performance and student achievement.

"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."

In alignment with Governor-elect Braun’s agenda, the administration will focus on college and career readiness, improved literacy and math outcomes, universal school choice and an increase in teacher base pay.

"I am grateful to Governor-elect Braun for the opportunity to continue serving Indiana's students, educators, and families as Secretary of Education,” Jenner said. “Over the past several years, we have made significant strides in expanding educational opportunities and ensuring our students are prepared for success in the classroom and beyond. Working together with Governor-elect Braun, our dedicated teachers, school leaders, the General Assembly and stakeholders across the state, we will build upon this progress while addressing the evolving needs of our education system. I look forward to advancing this vital mission in the years ahead."

Dr. Jenner, who holds a doctorate in education from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Indiana State University, currently leads the Department of Education and chairs the State Board of Education. She previously served as Governor Holcomb's Senior Education Advisor, vice president of K-12 Initiatives and Statewide Partnerships for Ivy Tech Community College and held various leadership positions at Madison Consolidated Schools, in addition to being a teacher.

David Adams has been appointed as Indiana’s secretary of commerce to lead Indiana's job creation and business growth initiatives. Adams, who most recently served as the state's commissioner of workforce development, brings extensive experience in economic development, innovation and business growth.

Under Adams' leadership as Workforce Development Commissioner, Indiana's workforce ranking in CNBC's "America's Top States for Business" improved from 48th to 14th. He previously served as chief innovation officer at the University of Cincinnati, where he led the development of the Cincinnati Innovation District that became Ohio's model for economic development.

"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."

A first-generation college graduate and lifelong entrepreneur, Adams was a founding member of the leadership team that grew software company i2 Technologies from $4M to $1.1B in revenue. He also led the turnaround and merger of Indiana's nearly $50B pension systems under Governor Mitch Daniels.

“Governor-elect Braun’s vision for our state’s economic future is bold and one that I look forward to supporting as Secretary of Commerce,” Adams said. “His business career gives him a unique perspective of workforce development and economic prosperity, and while we have great momentum as a state, there is more work to be done. We have an opportunity ahead of us to recruit and build a talent pipeline, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect Braun and the General Assembly to take our state to new heights.”

As the secretary of commerce, Adams will be responsible for driving economic opportunity for the state and fostering an entrepreneurial environment for innovation. Adams holds bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial engineering from the University of Louisville. He currently serves on the Purdue Research Foundation board and is a Forbes contributing writer.

Matthew Ubelhor will serve as secretary of transportation and infrastructure. Ubelhor brings 47 years of operational leadership experience, most recently serving as senior vice president of operations at White Stallion Energy.

"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. “He has a servant’s heart and understands how to do more with less at a time when stewardship of tax dollars could not be more critical.” 

A former three-term state representative, Ubelhor served in the General Assembly from 2010-2015, representing Greene, Martin, Daviess and Monroe counties. During his tenure, he served on the Ways and Means Committee and as majority whip.

In his most recent role, Ubelhor managed safety, production and cost control for 600 workers across multiple sites. His extensive background includes leadership positions at Peabody Energy, where he oversaw operations, environmental compliance and workforce safety for 700 employees.

“Fostering long-term prosperity for Hoosier families takes many forms, and I am excited to contribute to Gov.-elect Braun’s efforts to shape the future of our transportation infrastructure,” Ubelhor said. “We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us to connect Hoosiers in ways that will grow our economy and improve our quality of life.”

As the secretary of transportation and infrastructure, Ubelhor will be responsible for maintaining the state's transportation, infrastructure and broadband systems to support Indiana’s economic growth and quality of life for Hoosiers. Ubelhor will also serve as head of the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Ubelhor, a Bloomfield resident, began his career as an equipment operator before advancing through supervisory roles to senior executive positions. He graduated from Perry Central High School in 1977.

The Honorable Lisa W. Hershman has been appointed as Indiana's secretary of management and budget. Hershman brings extensive experience in both government and private sector financial management, most recently serving as chief management officer of the U.S. Department of Defense.

"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. "Her experience transforming large organizations and delivering taxpayer savings will be invaluable to our state."

As the third highest-ranking Pentagon official from 2018 to 2021, Hershman managed a $168 billion budget and achieved record-setting savings of $37 billion through operational reforms. She led the completion of the Defense Department's first unified budget, merging 28 organizational budgets while implementing a customized approach based on mission and purpose.

“I sincerely appreciate the confidence Governor-elect Mike Braun has placed in me to serve as a steward of the state’s financial resources. Through collaboration with his team and the General Assembly, we will work to drive efficiency, accountability, and innovation in state government,” Hershman said. “Together, we will work to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and that Indiana remains a national model for fiscal responsibility and effective governance.”

The secretary of management and budget serves as the chief financial officer of the state, overseeing Indiana's budget, financial management and administrative operations. Hershman will be responsible for developing the budget to realize the governor's vision, providing management of agencies in finance, technology and shared services, and serving as operational oversight across secretary verticals. Hershman will also serve as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

A Lafayette resident, Hershman previously served on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education from 2014 to 2020. In the private sector, she has held CEO positions at multiple companies, consistently achieving double-digit growth while reducing costs. She is qualified as a financial expert under SEC rules and currently serves on the board of directors for EchoStar/Dish. Hershman is also an internationally published author on business management reform.

Hershman holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Management from Clarkson University and has completed advanced programs at the Wharton School, London School of Economics, IMD/MIT and Cornell University.

Micah Beckwith and Joshua Kelly will serve as lieutenant general and chief of staff, respectively. 

Other key appointments include:

• Steve Russo, executive director of the Indiana Public Retirement System
• Holly Lambert, insurance commissioner
• Lindsay Hyer, executive director of the Professional Licensing Agency
• Thomas Fite, director of the Department of Financial Institutions
• James Michaels, superintendent of the Indiana School for the Blind
• Dr. David Geeslin, superintendent of the Indiana School for the Deaf
• Dr. Lindsay Weaver, commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health
• Steve Cox, director of the Indiana Broadband Office
• Dan Huge, chairman of the Indiana Finance Authority
• Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture
• Lloyd Arnold, commissioner of the Department of Corrections
• Alan Morrison, director of the Department of Natural Resources
• Kevin Garvey, commissioner of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Mitch Roob, secretary of the Family and Social Services Administration
• Jake Adams, department of Veterans Affairs
• Fred Glynn, executive director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs
• Brandon Clifton, Indiana Department of Administration commissioner
• Pete Miller, executive director of the Indiana Management Performance Hub
• Kent Abernathy, Indiana Department of Transportation commissioner
• Adam Krupp, director of the Department of Child Services.

The following senior staff positions have also been named:

• Jason Johnson, deputy chief Of staff, legislative affairs 
• Jessica Wedgewood, deputy chief Of staff, operations 
• Patrick Price, governor’s legal counsel.