Lisa Hershman as Secretary of Management & Budget, Dr. Katie Jenner as Secretary of Education, Mike Speedy as Secretary of Business Affairs
Governor-elect Mike Braun announced Wednesday the appointment of the Honorable Lisa W. Hershman 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,” Hershman said. “Through collaboration with his team and the General Assembly, we will work to drive efficiency, accountability, and innovation in state government. 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.
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On Thursday, Braun announced Dr. Katie Jenner will continue serving as Indiana’s top education official.
As Secretary of Education, Dr. 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,” said Dr. Jenner. “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.
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On Friday, Braun announced his intent to appoint former State Representative Mike Speedy 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.