Ex-Hamilton Co. sheriff to head up ISP

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gov.-elect Mike Pence has selected former Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter as the next Indiana State Police superintendent.

The appointment was among several announced Wednesday.

At the announcement, the governor-elect was asked if he would support gun control measures in reaction to the Newtown massacre. Pence said he will continue to defend gun rights.

"This is not about access to guns," he said.  "It's about access to schools and I think we need to stay focused on making sure that our kids in school are secure."

Carter said he will need to study the issues before he takes a position on new gun control measures.

Carter retired from ISP in 2002 after 18 years, then served two terms as Hamilton County sheriff. Under his leadership, the department became only the second in the state to earn national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation in Law Enforcement, according to the Pence administration. Carter has since worked in the private sector providing public safety solutions to municipalities throughout the state.

The current director of the Department of Natural Resources, Rob Carter, will keep his position. He has led the agency since 2006 and has been instrumental in speeding up its environmental permitting process, the Pence administration said in a news release.

Jeff Cardwell, entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit People Helping People, will join Pence's cabinet as the executive director of the Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. Cardwell will resign from his seat on the City County Council.

Dax Norton will lead the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. He has been the executive director of the Boone County Economic Development Corp. since 2008 and previously led economic development for Blackford County and downtown Greensburg.

Zac Jackson will serve as deputy budget director, joining OMB Director Chris Atkins who will also serve as budget director. Jackson has worked in the state Budget Agency for eight years.

Other hires announced Wednesday:

• Ryan Streeter, senior economic policy director.
• Christy Denault, communications director.
• Kara Brooks, press secretary.