What would be your top priority as Indiana treasurer?

My top priority is making Indiana’s financial strength work for Hoosiers. Taxpayer dollars should be managed responsibly and used in ways that make improvements in people’s lives that they can actually feel.

Indiana holds nearly $4 billion in state reserves, yet working families are forced to choose between groceries and prescriptions, rent and youth sports. As State Treasurer, I will expand low-interest financing pools for county units and local public works through the Indiana Bond Bank. We can help cities and towns repair aging water systems, modernize public safety networks, and upgrade critical community facilities without forcing local councils to raise property taxes on homeowners.

I’m glad Treasurer Elliott finally took action to provide upfront financing for storm-hit communities through the Bond Bank, but communities shouldn’t have to wait until a crisis to see Indiana’s financial strength put to work.

As Treasurer, I’ll make it clear where taxpayer dollars are invested and how they are performing, putting our financial tools to work for communities, and making disciplined decisions that strengthen Indiana for the long term. Fiscal responsibility shouldn’t just look good on a balance sheet. It should create financial stability and opportunity that Hoosiers can actually feel.

What qualifies you to serve as state treasurer?

With extensive experience as a healthcare executive practicing operational leadership, financial stewardship, and governance, I managed multi-million-dollar operational budgets under strict regulatory and compliance standards, eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring every dollar makes an impact.

As an executive in the public health industry, I’ve gained a unique perspective on financial stewardship. Public health teaches us that decisions don’t happen in isolation. Where we invest, where we cut, and how we allocate resources can have ripple effects across communities and for generations. I bring that systems-level thinking to every decision I make.

Managing the state treasury requires executive discipline, risk management, and sound stewardship over public assets. As Treasurer, I will bring my experience in corporate compliance, healthcare operations, and public health to manage state investments responsibly and ensure Indiana’s public funds are safeguarded and working for our future.

As chair of the board that oversees Indiana529 plans, how would you try to get more families signed up to save for post-high school expenses?

Indiana529 plans are powerful financial tools, but too many working families either don’t know these programs exist or assume they’re only for wealthier households and traditional four-year colleges.

I want families to know these accounts can also help pay for trade schools, registered apprenticeships, and community colleges.

I will take a hands-on approach by traveling across Indiana and partnering with union training centers, local employers, vocational high schools, and community organizations to reach families where they are.

We will expand practical, plain-language outreach that helps families understand how to open an account and learn about Indiana’s 20% state tax credit for contributions.

The Treasurer should be an active advocate for these programs, making sure every Hoosier family knows what tools are available to help them build a more secure future.

What role do you see the state treasurer’s office playing in protecting Indianapolis ratepayers in the wake of BlackRock’s purchase of AES?

I share the serious concerns raised across central Indiana regarding the proposed acquisition of AES. When private equity conglomerates take over essential public utilities, the risk that short-term shareholder returns take priority over household affordability increases dramatically.

While the State Treasurer does not set utility rates, the office holds real leverage to protect Hoosiers from rising costs:

• Expanding Affordable Public Financing: As chair of the Indiana Bond Bank, I will work to expand low-interest financing tools for community energy and municipal utility infrastructure. Giving local entities access to low-cost capital allows cities and towns to make necessary system improvements independently, reducing reliance on private equity buyouts that pass high borrowing costs onto ratepayers.
• Advocating for Ratepayer Transparency: I will partner with consumer advocates and state leaders to demand complete financial transparency around deals that affect monthly utility bills. Large-scale corporate acquisitions and data center expansions must not saddle working families with hidden costs or subsidize corporate profits.

Hoosiers deserve an active financial steward who will stand up for consumer interests, demand accountability, and ensure essential public infrastructure remains reliable and affordable.