INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday announced the appointment of Indiana's first-ever chief equity, inclusion and opportunity officer.
Holcomb named Karrah A. Herring to the post. Herring will start in her new role Feb. 1 and as a member of the governor's cabinet will report directly to Holcomb.
"My goal is to better build diversity and foster an inclusive environment within state government and the services we provide so every Hoosier can take full advantage of their gifts and potential," Holcomb said. "Karrah will guide every state agency with her impressive experience at one of our state's world-renowned universities."
Herring currently serves as the director of public affairs for the University of Notre Dame, where she has worked since 2011. From 2014 through 2018, she served on Notre Dame's Human Resource's Senior Leadership Team as director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX coordinator.
Herring provided oversight and support of the university's efforts to comply with federal and state civil rights laws related to policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She also created Notre Dame's affirmative action plans, had oversight of employee disability compliance for the campus, and oversaw workplace investigations falling under Title VII and Title IX.
"I am honored to join Gov. Holcomb's administration and be named the state's first chief equity, inclusion and opportunity officer," Herring said. "This is an incredible opportunity to drive cultural change across state government workplaces and essential state services by increasing equity and inclusion."
Herring earned her undergraduate degree from Purdue University and her law degree from Valparaiso University.
In addition to the appointment of Herring, Holcomb also announced that the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is supporting the state's diversity and inclusion programs and services.
"The CenterPoint Energy Foundation has stepped up with a financial contribution for this effort because they understand getting this right is important for the long-term quality of life and growth in this state," Holcomb said. "We are grateful for their focus on fostering more understanding, respect and trust in areas of diversity and inclusion."
