Crane steps down as head of state’s Department of Administration

Lesley Crane is stepping down as commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration to join the private sector.

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday that Crane would be leaving her position Aug. 13. He appointed her in 2018. She did not immediately respond to IBJ’s request for comment on Monday morning.

“As commissioner, Lesley has been dedicated to delivering gold standard service while maintaining her fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer,” Holcomb said in a written statement. “While at IDOA, she has become an advocate for businesses owned by minority women and veterans in the state’s procurement and contracting process to create equal opportunity for all. I appreciate her commitment to good government service and serving all Hoosiers.”

During her time as commissioner, IDOA increased participation from minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, modernized the procurement process and maintained the lowest number of fleets for state government. Crane also managed several high-profile capital projects, including the Indiana Veteran’s Center and the NeuroDiagnostic Institute and Advanced Treatment Center.

Crane’s departure marks a 14-year career in government service. Prior to being appointed as IDOA commissioner, she served as former Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma’s chief of staff for five years and worked as his chief counsel for six years before that. She was part of IBJ’s 2016 Forty Under 40 class.

Holcomb has not named Crane’s replacement.