David Adams has informed Governor Eric J. Holcomb that he is stepping down from his role as the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Gov. Holcomb announced his appointment of Richard Paulk, currently the agency’s chief administrative officer, as the new commissioner.
“Richard’s strategic and financial background in several industries is the right fit as we continue DWD’s service to Hoosiers, whether it is helping them to obtain education and training or finding a job. He will continue to be a great partner with like-minded entities inside and outside of government,” said Gov. Holcomb. “David helped shine a light on how we better need to connect to the business community and helped shepherd our efforts through the legislative budget process.”
At the governor’s request, Adams will become an at-large board member of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, continuing to support the state’s workforce efforts.
Paulk joined DWD as the chief administrative officer in January and has been responsible for day-to-day agency operations. He has decades of experience in the private sector, specializing in finance and operations for industries as diverse as Chicago Rising, a redevelopment organization that restores commercial and residential buildings and provides employment opportunities for ex-offenders, and Motorola and Sears, earlier in his career.
Paulk earned his bachelor of arts degree from Harvard University and a master of business administration, finance and accounting from the University of Michigan.
Paulk will take over the commissioner role on May 15.