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Gov. Braun Announces Appointments to Indiana State Workforce Development Board
Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced appointments to Indiana’s State Workforce Development Board (SWDB), strengthening the public workforce system under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
“Indiana’s workforce is our greatest asset,” said Gov. Braun. “By bringing together employers, educators, and community leaders, these boards help ensure Hoosiers have the skills needed to succeed and that our economy continues to grow.”
The SWDB is a business-led entity that guides workforce strategy at the state level. It aligns workforce programs with economic demand, employer needs, career pathway expansion, and service delivery coordination across education, training, and employment systems.
“This State Workforce Development Board sets strategic direction for our public workforce system, turning workforce strategy into action,” said Mike Smith, Interim Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “These appointments are vital to coordination among partners, prioritization of resources, and connections for Hoosier to opportunities in their communities.”
Board appointment terms expiring March 31, 2029:
“Indiana’s workforce is our greatest asset,” said Gov. Braun. “By bringing together employers, educators, and community leaders, these boards help ensure Hoosiers have the skills needed to succeed and that our economy continues to grow.”
The SWDB is a business-led entity that guides workforce strategy at the state level. It aligns workforce programs with economic demand, employer needs, career pathway expansion, and service delivery coordination across education, training, and employment systems.
“This State Workforce Development Board sets strategic direction for our public workforce system, turning workforce strategy into action,” said Mike Smith, Interim Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “These appointments are vital to coordination among partners, prioritization of resources, and connections for Hoosier to opportunities in their communities.”
Board appointment terms expiring March 31, 2029:
- Mike Smith – Interim Commissioner, Indiana Department of Workforce Development (State of Indiana)
- Lara Pastore – Associate Chief, Talent Development, Indiana Department of Workforce Development (State of Indiana)
- Theresa Koleszar – Director, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Family and Social Services Administration (State of Indiana)
- Mary K. Ferdon – Mayor, City of Columbus (Bartholomew County)
- Jeannine Gray – County Commissioner, Hancock County (Hancock County)
- Penny Callaway – Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations, Indiana Wesleyan University (Hamilton County)
- Darrek Davis – Executive Director, Indiana State Pipe Trades Association (Parke County)
- Brent Fye – Training Director, North-Central Indiana Electrical Training Alliance (Howard County)
- Rebecca Schroeder – President, Whiteshire Hamroc LLC (Noble County)
- Tony Vespa – Founder, Vespa Group (Hamilton County)
- Makenzie Coulter – Global VP of Human Resources, FLANDERS Inc. (Vanderburgh County)
- Laura Starks – Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer, Union Health (Vigo County)
- Paul Perkins – President, Amatrol, Inc. (Clark County)
- Brenda Reetz – Chief Executive Officer, Greene County General Hospital (Greene County)
- Chuck Goodrich – Chief Executive Officer, Gaylor Electric, Inc. (Hamilton County)
- Sarah Harrison – Chief Executive Officer, INvets (Marion County)
- Rob Keisling – External Affairs Manager, Indiana Michigan Power (Delaware County)
- Natalie Carroll – Indiana State Director, National Federation of Independent Business/SWDB Chair (Marion County)
- Gov. Mike Braun
- State Sen. Jeff Raatz, Senate District 27 (appointed by Senate leadership)
- State Rep. Bob Behning, House District 91 (appointed by House leadership)