On May 13th, Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that Whitney Ertel will serve as the new executive director of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (GWC).
“Whitney will be a great asset to the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Whitney’s skills in leadership, strategy and communications will drive greater coordination throughout the state as we grow the talent pipeline to meet the current and future needs of Indiana businesses. With Whitney as the new executive director and Ryan Kitchell as the newly appointed GWC chair, the cabinet will seize the opportunity to build upon our progress and reinvigorate our strategic efforts.”
Most recently Ertel served as the chief business officer and chief communications officer for the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) where she helped drive strategic agency initiatives, enhanced partner collaboration and oversaw the agency’s marketing and communications efforts. Before her role with DWD, Ertel worked for international public relations consulting firms in New York, San Francisco and London. She also spent nearly six years working for IU Health as the director of public relations and social media.
“The Governor’s mission of providing all Hoosiers with opportunities to find stable, well-paid and meaningful work is crystal clear,” said Ertel. “I look forward to supporting the Governor, working with cabinet chair Ryan Kitchell and collaborating with all of our partners throughout the state as we continue to make that vision a reality.”
Ertel earned her undergraduate degree from Ball State University. She serves on the WFYI board of directors. Ertel will begin her new role May 31.
The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet was formed in 2018. The cabinet is tasked with strengthening the Indiana economy by aligning state and federal resources to develop talent-driven training and education programs that provide Hoosiers the skills and tools necessary to secure great jobs and meet the demands of current and future employers.