The Indiana Commission for Higher Education consists of fourteen members appointed by the Governor. The Governor directly appoints twelve members, nine representing a Congressional District and three at-large members, to serve terms of four years. In addition, the 1990 legislature added a student and a faculty representative who are appointed by the Governor for terms of two years, with support from a nominating committee.
Dan Peterson (Chair)
Represents District 9 until June 30, 2024
Dan Peterson is Vice President, Industry & Government Affairs, for Cook Group, Inc., based in Bloomington, Indiana. Since joining Cook Group in 1989, Dan has held a variety of leadership roles in the areas of operations, finance/accounting, and human resources. His current responsibilities involve industry, government, and external affairs, with a focus on healthcare delivery, education, and workforce development. Dan sits on many boards including the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute (IBRI); BioCrossroads; Indiana Health Industry Forum; Bloomington Economic Development Corp.; and Indiana University Health South Central Region. Mr. Peterson holds a B.S. in Biology (1984) and an MBA in Finance (1989), both from Indiana University. Since 1963, Cook Group medical companies have been committed to creating innovative medical solutions that benefit millions of patients worldwide.
Nancy Jordan (Vice Chair)
Represents District 3 until June 30, 2026
In January 2020, Nancy Jordan joined Bulldog Consulting Services, providing executive expertise for the insurance industry and other business clients. Prior to joining Bulldog, Nancy stepped down from her role as Senior Vice President at Lincoln Financial Group to serve on Indiana Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission. At Lincoln, she served as SVP, Head of Individual Annuity Operations, responsible for the care of over 1 million annuity contracts and $130 billion in assets. She was a member of the company’s Corporate Leadership Group and site leader for the Fort Wayne operations. She served on the Lincoln Financial Foundation grant committee and also as the founding Executive Chair of Lincoln’s People with Disabilities Business Resource Group, leading Lincoln to 4 consecutive 100% scores on the Disability Equity Index Benchmarking. Active in community affairs, Jordan serves on the Indiana State Museum Foundation Board and the AWS Foundation Board. Her service includes the boards of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and she is past President of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board. Jordan holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University Fort Wayne and was named Outstanding Alumni by The Doermer School of Business. She is a CPA, and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and held FINRA registrations Series 6, 26, and 27.
Dr. Chad Lochmiller (Secretary)
Faculty Representative until June 30, 2025
Chad Lochmiller, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Indiana University and currently chairs the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. In addition, he serves as Associate Director for Policy and Advocacy with the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), a national consortium of more than 100 research-intensive universities. His research examines education policy issues that are relevant to both K-12 and higher education. For example, he has evaluated career ladder programs in community colleges, studied participation in dual enrollment and dual credit programs, assessed the structure of workforce training activities, and examined workforce issues for classroom teachers and education professionals. He has also studied funding practices and allocation formulas for K-12 schools. His current research is focused on the continuous improvement of educational programs. Professionally, Lochmiller has served as a delegate to the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, a member of the National Faculty for Improvement Science with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a fellow with the Big10 Academic Alliance’s Departmental Executive Officer’s Program, and has been deeply involved in accreditation activities related to the Council for the Advancement of Educator Preparation. He is a past recipient of the UCEA Jack A. Culbertson Early Career Award and his published work has appeared in Educational Administration Quarterly, Journal of Educational Administration, and other outlets. Lochmiller earned his Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Washington in 2010. He is married with two children and resides in Bloomington, Indiana.
Mike Alley
At Large Member until June 30, 2027
Mike is Chairman and owner of Patriot Investments, LLC, through which he maintains investment interests in multiple early-stage companies and real estate investments, and also conducts an array of strategic planning consulting and advisory services. Mike formed Patriot Investments in 2002 following his retirement from Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana where he served as President and CEO beginning in 1989. Mike previously served as Chairman and CEO of Integra Bank Corporation in Evansville (2008-2011) and as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Revenue (2012-2015) at the request of Governor Mitch Daniels and reappointment by Governor Mike Pence. During his tenure as Commissioner, Mike led the transformation of the Department to focus on quality and accuracy through multiple technology and cultural enhancements. Mike is active on multiple corporate boards including AAA Hoosier Motor Club, Banterra Bank Corporation, Community Physicians Network, Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates, Scubaba, LLC, and BioStorage Technologies, Inc., and serves on several non-profit boards including the Indianapolis Zoo. Mike earned his Bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in accounting in 1978 from Indiana State University.
Dennis Bland
Represents District 7 until June 30, 2024
Dennis Bland serves as President of the Center for Leadership Development, a non-profit Indianapolis organization dedicated to preparing African American youth for academic, college, and career success. Founded in 1977, CLD offers 11 curriculum-based youth development programs that nurture over 1,200 teens and parents per year. CLD’s five core values are Character, Education, Leadership, Service and Career. Prior to joining CLD, Mr. Bland practiced law for nine years specializing in medical malpractice litigation and insurance law.
His many accomplishments include the President’s Medal of Distinction from Ball State University in 2008 in recognition of his dedication to empowering African-American youth for academic, college, and career achievement; the Distinguished Alumni Service award for Humanities from DePauw University; the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis; the Distinguished Alumni Award from Broad Ripple High School; and the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis. In addition, he was chosen as one of the “Top Forty Under 40” by the Indianapolis Business Journal in February 2004.
Mr. Bland serves on many boards, including the Tobias Center on Leadership, Indiana InternNet, Indiana University Law-Indianapolis Alumni Association, the Indiana Black Expo Economic Development Corporation, and the Indianapolis Arts Council. Mr. Bland earned a bachelor's degree in economics from DePauw University and a juris doctorate from the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.
Kathy Cabello
At Large Member until June 30, 2026
Kathy Cabello founded her own consulting firm, Cabello Associates, Inc., and served as its President and CEO for more than 20 years. She leads the firm’s efforts to provide strategic marketing and advertising solutions in the health care, banking, life sciences, and higher education industries. Prior to starting Cabello Associates, she held leadership roles at Dow chemical and Central Power & Light. Cabello also served on the board of trustees at Indiana State University for 10 years. She served as the board’s chair from 2021 to 2024. Outside of her service to Indiana State, Cabello is a member of the Fifth Third Bank board of directors. Cabello is involved with multiple philanthropic organizations. She is the program director of Project Stepping Stone of Indiana, a program that helps Indiana Latino students prepare for college, as well as a member of the executive leadership team at the American Heart Association of Indianapolis, the advisory board of the Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund, chair of the Escala Foundation, and past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners – Indianapolis. Cabello earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. She is also a graduate of the Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth University.
Michael "Jud" Fisher (Past Chair)
Represents District 6 until June 30, 2027
A Michigan native, Michael Justin (Jud) Fisher is a graduate of DePauw University and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He joined Ball Brothers Foundation in 2003 after working in administration for Old National Bancorp. In addition to his duties as president and chief operating officer of BBF, he serves on the boards of several regional and statewide organizations including the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, Delaware Advancement Corporation, and The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. He is the grandson of John W. Fisher and Janice Ball Fisher (1916-2010), the youngest daughter of BBF founder E. B. Ball. Fisher grew up in Leland, Michigan, and graduated from Leland High School. He worked in a horse stable, on charter fishing boats, in the cherry orchards, as a sailing instructor, and at several other jobs while growing up in Leelanau County. He loves to hunt, fish, sail, hike, and generally be outdoors.
Samantha Fleischaker
Student Representative until June 30, 2026
Samantha Fleischaker is currently a third-year honors student at the University of Southern Indiana studying political science and philosophy. Fleischaker currently serves as the president of USI’s Political Science Society and the attorney general for the university’s student government. In addition, Fleischaker is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, a national political science honor society, Alpha Mu Gamma, a national foreign language honor society, and the Asian Student Union. Outside of her student involvement, Fleischaker is a member of the outreach team at the Westwood Church and volunteers her time in Vanderburgh County.
Larry Garatoni
Represents District 2 until June 30, 2026
Larry Garatoni has owned and operated many businesses since his graduation from Purdue University in 1961. Most recently, Garatoni founded the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation with his wife. This foundation donated $2.5 million to Ivy Tech, which is naming its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Automation in South Bend for him and his wife. He also founded HQ Investments, a company that manages various publicly traded and private investments. Prior to this, he built and operated long-term-care facilities as a part of Health Quest Group. After selling those companies, he acquired software and internet sales companies Achieve Healthcare Technology, FurnitureFind.com, and Winesource.com. He sold these companies in 2007. Garatoni is a staunch advocate for charter schools. He founded both the Career Academy and the Success Academy charter schools in South Bend where he serves as board chair.
Bill Hanna, J.D.
Represents District 1 until June 30, 2025
Bill Hanna is the Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to work with key partners to transform communities through sustainable legacy investments that enhance quality of life, promote health and wellness, stimulate economic development, increase access to high-quality education, and promote broad collaboration. Hanna is the former President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). Hanna joined the RDA and the state of Indiana in 2009 and has served under the RDA board of directors and the administrations of Indiana Governors Mitch Daniels, Mike Pence, and current Governor, Eric Holcomb. Prior to his time at the RDA, Hanna was the City Manager and Deputy Mayor for the City of Valparaiso, the Economic Development Director for Valparaiso, and Vice President of the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation. His military career in the U.S. Army as an airborne qualified light infantryman (paratrooper) from 1995 to 1999 included membership in the Army’s Official Presidential Escort and service as a Sentinel (guard) and Head Trainer/Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Hanna earned his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University, his MBA from National-Louis University in Chicago, and his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Colorado Christian University.
Molly Kitchell
Represents District 4 until June 30, 2025
Molly Kitchell spent the last decade occupying several philanthropic and public service roles. Currently, Kitchell serves on the Judicial Nominating / Qualifying Commission. She was first appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels and subsequently reappointed by Govs. Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb. In this role, Kitchell is tasked with slating judicial candidates for vacancies in the Indiana Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and tax court. In 2021, she was named chair of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. In addition to her work in Indiana’s court system, Kitchell served on multiple philanthropic boards including the Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, the Indiana Real Estate Commission, the Junior League of Indianapolis board of directors, the Children’s Museum Guild, the Zionsville Parent Teacher Organization, and the Zionsville Educational Foundation’s Grant Committee. Kitchell holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.
Kent Kramer
Represents District 5 until June 30, 2025
Kent Kramer is the Chief Operating Officer of Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana. He leads a team of 5,000 employees to provide direct services to more than 3,000 low-income Hoosier families. In 2019, Kramer was elected to serve on the Goodwill International Board of Directors. He also graduated from the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program. Kramer came to Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana in 2002, originally serving as the Vice President of Retail Operations. Active in Indiana’s higher education landscape, Kramer serves on the Indiana State’s foundation board. He also is on the School of Business and Information Technology Advisory Board for Purdue University Global. Kramer earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree from Anderson University.
Pepper Mulherin
Represents District 8 until June 30, 2027
Pepper Mulherin is the Director of External Affairs at AT&T, having joined AT&T in 1995 after careers in consumer finance, insurance, and technical education recruiting. Pepper is a past president of the Rotary Club of Evansville and serves on numerous boards including The Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, Evansville Rotary Club, Southwest Indiana Chamber, Warrick Chamber of Commerce, Evansville Industrial Foundation, Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, Lawrence County Growth Council and is presently president of Vanderburgh Industrial Park, InTRAC Indiana, and
Assistant District Governor 6580. Pepper holds a Master's of Public Service Administration from the University of Evansville and holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Southern Indiana.
Tom Saunders
At Large Member until June 30, 2026
With a passion for public service and a desire to bring positive change to state government, Tom Saunders was first elected to office in 1996. Since the beginning of his tenure as State Representative of District 54, Saunders wasted no time bringing increased economic development, with the beginning of construction on interchanges along I-70, as well as new businesses like the DOT Foods distribution center, for the citizens of Henry, Rush and Wayne County. Along with economic development, Saunders has taken a stand to ensure his local schools continue to grow and improve as they educate young students—the next generation of Hoosiers. In addition, he has worked to bring an Ivy Tech campus to Downtown New Castle in order to improve the local community by bringing in additional traffic and revenue, while also providing high school graduates with more opportunities.
In 2014, he was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Conservation Alliance for his leadership in creating the Sustainable Natural Resource Task Force. They applauded him for his continued commitment to improving the quality of life for families and communities. In 2009, Saunders received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Indiana Department of the American Legion. The award is the Legion’s highest honor. Saunders' experience as Henry County Assessor and Franklin Township Trustee was recognized by House leadership, slating him as a member of the Local Government Committee. Saunders recognizes the enormous task of those working within local units of government to provide services for their constituents. As a lifelong native of east central Indiana, Saunders has shown honor, integrity, and a strong ability to represent the best interests of his constituents.