Indiana Supreme Court announces new chief administrative officer

The Indiana Supreme Court has appointed a new chief administrative officer with a wealth of experience in judicial and state government financial operations.

In an announcement Thursday, the court announced it had selected Aaron Hood to the position, following Justin Forkner’s departure earlier this year. Hood has served as the court’s chief financial officer for more than a decade, and before that he was the Indiana Department of Transportation’s finance controller and budget director.

“Aaron is a proven leader,” Chief Justice Loretta Rush said in a press release on Thursday. “My colleagues and I know that his commitment to the courts, financial stewardship, and integrity will maintain our service-oriented culture.”

Following Forkner’s decision to step down from the Office of Judicial Administration, which includes more than 240 lawyers, licensed professionals, administrative staff and technology experts, Hood stepped in as the interim chief administration officer as Rush led a multifaceted national search to fill the position. The court announced an official job posting in March.

The court’s newly updated leadership team will ensure transparency, innovation and effective intergovernmental collaboration, according to the announcement.

“I am focused on strengthening public confidence in the judicial branch and ensuring our operations continue to run smoothly with clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” Hood said.

The court also announced Thursday that it named Kathryn Dolan, the judiciary’s long-standing chief public information officer, as deputy chief administrative officer.

“I’m dedicated to maintaining consistent policies, communicating effectively, and helping guide daily operations,” Dolan said.

Lindsey Borschel will be the court’s interim chief public information officer, said Adam Clay, a staff attorney for the court’s office of communication, education and outreach.