INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed an executive order creating a new cabinet-level position in state government to serve as Indiana’s chief talent and recruiting official. The secretary of career connections and talent will be the chief executive officer of the State Personnel Department and will assume oversight of that agency and its director. This new secretary will be responsible for connecting Hoosiers with employers and filling the estimated one million job openings expected over the next 10 years in Indiana.
The governor announced that he has appointed La Porte Mayor Blair Milo as the first secretary of career connections and talent.
“Our state’s unemployment rate has reached historically low levels. That means more Hoosiers are working, but it also presents talent challenges for our state’s employers, who need skilled and ready workers to keep their businesses thriving,†Gov. Holcomb said. “This new position will provide the urgent and focused attention required to position Indiana well long-term and ensure our state’s workforce is keeping pace with our economy as it grows and becomes more diverse. I can think of no one better suited than Blair Milo to lead this charge.â€
Blair Milo was elected mayor of La Porte, Indiana in 2011. Under her leadership as mayor, La Porte entered a period of economic growth, with increased job opportunities for residents, improved infrastructure, streamlined government services, and higher reported levels of happiness and quality of life. Prior to serving as La Porte Mayor, Milo served five years in active duty with the U.S. Navy and was an intern for U.S. Senator Richard Lugar in Washington D.C.
“I’m honored to join Governor Holcomb’s team to take on this important role. Connecting business leaders and employees has been at the forefront of both challenges and opportunities for all Hoosier communities as we continue to grow new numbers and types of jobs across the state,†Blair Milo said. “We want to connect Hoosiers with a job they’re passionate about, and we want our employers to know they can draw from a deep pool of talented, dedicated workers in every corner of the state. Collaborating with businesses, public officials, colleges and universities to assess, fill and preempt our workforce needs will be a critical step in taking Indiana to the next level.â€
As secretary of career connections and talent, Milo will collaborate with business, industry, trade groups and public officials to identify employment needs, identify workers and help them take advantage of training opportunities for high-demand, high-wage positions. The secretary will work in partnership with Indiana colleges, universities, and certificate and training providers to connect Hoosiers to high-demand jobs.
Beyond overseeing the state’s personnel department, she will also work closely with other state agencies to connect employers and Hoosiers with the many training programs, grants and other opportunities available through the state of Indiana.
Indiana’s first secretary of career connections and talent, Blair Milo, begins in this new role August 14.
