FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Braun Names David Adams as Secretary of Commerce
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 5, 2024 – Governor-elect Mike Braun announced his intent to appoint David Adams as Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce to lead Indiana’s job creation and business growth initiatives today. 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,” said Governor-elect Braun. “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,” said Adams. “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.
About Governor-elect Mike Braun:
Governor-elect Mike Braun of Jasper, Indiana, is a homegrown entrepreneur who has spent his life creating opportunities and getting results for Hoosiers. Mike believes deeply that personal freedom and opportunity will create a pathway to prosperity for all Hoosiers. As Indiana’s 52nd Governor, Mike Braun is developing a team to help him build an administration that puts Hoosiers in the driver’s seat and limits government to its proper role.
Mike Braun is a Main Street job creator, husband to Maureen (48 years), father of four and proud grandfather of seven. When Mike is not hard at work for the people of Indiana, he enjoys spending time on his tree farms where he also focuses on his passion for conservation.
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Media Contact: Brad Rateike, bradrateike@brauntransition.com
