Holcomb names Brown head of State Personnel Department

Gov. Eric Holcomb has selected Matthew Brown to serve as the director of the Indiana State Personnel Department, he announced Thursday.

Brown currently serves as the director of the state Office of Administrative Law Proceedings. Administrative law judges resolve disputes between government agencies and the people affected by the agencies’ decisions.

Brown began his career at SPD in 2006 and served in multiple roles until 2012. After a stint in private practice with the firm that is now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, he returned to the department in 2014 to serve as the interim director of talent acquisition and then later as employee relations counsel. From 2017-2019, he served as the deputy director of operations at department.

Brown will begin his new position on Monday. Former Personnel Department Director Britni Saunders resigned in November.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University and a law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Brown will begin his new position on Monday. Former SPD director Britni Saunders resigned from her position in November. Office of Administrative Law Proceedings deputy director and general counsel Michelle Allen will serve as the interim director of OALP.

“Matthew is a dedicated public servant who understands the inner workings of the State Personnel Department through his variety of experiences within the agency,” Holcomb said. “Under his leadership, the department will enable, develop, and inspire state employees to continue delivering great government service to Hoosiers.”