Browning to step down at INDOT

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Karl Browning has submitted his resignation to Governor Mitch Daniels and will step down from his position at the end of the month.

Daniels has named Michael Reed, executive director of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) since 2006, as the next commissioner. Reed will join the Department of Transportation (INDOT) on February 16 and transition with Browning for two weeks.

"Karl Browning has been spectacular in this job. I did everything I could to keep him as long as I could," said Daniels. "His legacy will live for generations through record-breaking road building that he has put in motion for Indiana."

Browning, who will return to the private sector, has been a member of the governor's cabinet since January 2005. He was the chief information officer for the state's Office of Technology (IOT) until November 2006 when the governor appointed him to lead INDOT.

At IOT, Browning centralized technology operations for the state, saving $70 million over two years, including $30 million annually. At INDOT, he has implemented a more businesslike approach that has enabled the agency to improve efficiency and effectiveness and meet the goals of the governor's Major Moves initiative.

Reed, of Cicero, led state and regional operations for GTE/Verizon over several decades. Early in his career he was the first quality director for GTE's largest subsidiary covering 13 states. He later directed annual expense and capital budgets of more than $500 million as budget and finance director for GTE's Midwestern operation.

Reed was staff operations director, directing the regional headquarters organization from 1985 to 1989 and as state general manager for Indiana, Kentucky and Texas for eight years. At the IURC, Reed has responsibility for all utility industry matters in electricity, water, sewer, natural gas, pipeline safety and consumer affairs.