Gov-elect Holcomb keeping Bonaventura in child services post, names general counsel

Indiana Republican Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb has reappointed Mary Beth Bonaventura as director of the Indiana Department of Child Services and has selected his general counsel.

Holcomb announced the reappointment of the former Lake County juvenile court judge Wednesday to lead Indiana's child protection efforts, a post she has held for four years.

"Judge Bonaventura is widely respected for her bold service in the Department of Child Services and I am proud to have her on our team," Holcomb said in a statement announcing the reappointment. "Her relentless passion for child advocacy will serve Hoosier families and children well for years to come."

Gov. Mike Pence appointed Bonaventura as DCS head in January 2013. Bonaventura began working in 1982 as a magistrate judge in Lake Superior Juvenile Court. She was appointed judge in Lake Superior Court in 1993. She also established and served as the executive advisor for the Court Appointed Special Advocate program.

Holcomb also named Joe Heerens as his general counsel. Heerens has served as general counsel of the Indianapolis Airport Authority since 2010 and was an assistant general counsel for Gov. Mitch Daniels. Heerens also worked for Marsh Supermarkets.