State's top records watchdog leaving for education department
Indiana’s top public records watchdog is leaving her post to take a job with the state Department of Education.
Public Access Counselor Heather Willis Neal, who Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed to a four-year term in 2007, accepted a new role as deputy chief of staff for State Superintendent Tony Bennett.
The Indiana University Law School graduate previously served as executive director of the School Choice Indiana nonprofit from 2005-2007. Her last official day as public access counselor is Friday.
“I’m disappointed to be leaving, as I enjoyed my time there, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Dr. Bennett,” Neal said.
Between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009, Neal and her assistant handled 2,270 phone and e-mail inquiries and issued more than 225 official opinions, according to state records. Neal didn’t know when a successor would be named and said she would help out as needed during the transition, although she wouldn’t be writing any formal opinions.
Daniels spokesman Brad Rateike said the administration was looking to fill the position quickly, but didn’t have a timeline for when a replacement would be named.
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