Governor Pence Names Executive Director for Gaming Commission, Department of Financial Institutions Head

Governor Mike Pence today named Sara Gonso Tait as Executive Director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, effective June 1, 2015, after current Executive Director Ernest Yelton announced his retirement. She currently serves as General Counsel at the Indiana Gaming Commission.

“Sara Gonso Tait has served the people of Indiana well during her time at the Indiana Gaming Commission, and her dedication and experience within the Commission make her the perfect candidate for Executive Director,” said Governor Pence. “I know she will continue to serve Hoosiers with professionalism and distinction in her new role.”

Previously, Tait worked as Director of License Control and a staff attorney for the Indiana Gaming Commission, and as a contract attorney for Lewis Wagner, LLP. Tait also currently serves as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem at Kids Voice. She earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University and her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

The Governor today also named Tim Berry as Director of the Department of Financial Institutions, effective June 8, 2015. He fills the position previously held by Dennis Basset, who was recently named Public Finance Director of the Indiana Finance Authority.

“Tim Berry’s experience in public service and knowledge of state government make him a qualified candidate for Director of the Department of Financial Institutions,” said Governor Pence. “I am honored to appoint him, and I know he will serve the people of Indiana with dedication and integrity.”

Berry most recently served as State Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. Previously, he served as Auditor of State, where he managed all controls on accounting, payments and payroll transactions for the state. He also successfully worked with all other state agencies to implement the first fully-integrated financial system in Indiana state government history.  Prior to his role as Auditor of State, Berry served as Treasurer of State for seven years.  Berry received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and his MBA from Indiana University in Fort Wayne.