Gov. Holcomb Announces New Commissioner for the Department of Administration

Replaces Leslie Crane

                                      (File)

INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced that he has selected Dr. Rebecca Holwerda as the new commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). 

“Rebecca is detail oriented and understands what it takes to deliver good government service,” said Gov. Holcomb. “During her tenure in my office, she brought common sense solutions to complex issues and is committed to serving state agencies, the vender community and creating robust engagement with minority-,women- and veteran-owned businesses.”

Dr. Holwerda has five years of experience as the senior policy and operations director for Gov. Holcomb overseeing the economic development and regulatory portfolio for the state of Indiana. Previously she was the regional director for U.S. Senator Dan Coats serving 22 counties in northwest Indiana. Before entering public service, she worked in senior healthcare and as the international network director for Joshua Project and Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse, non-for-profits that focused on humanitarian work in third-world countries.

She earned an undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado and her doctorate in education from Creighton University.

The Department of Administration provides support services to other agencies by centrally managing activities relating to state purchasing. The agency also assists minority-,women- and veteran-owned businesses interested in state contracts.

Dr. Holwerda replaces Lesley Crane, who is stepping down on August 13. Holwerda begins her tenure as commissioner on August 14.