The Indiana Department of Transportation has new leadership after Commissioner Karl Browning stepped down without any public warning Wednesday.
Browning has led INDOT since 2013, and previously served as Commissioner from 2006 to 2009.
Browning submitted his resignation via email to the governor Wednesday morning, saying he was proud of his accomplishments but that it was, “time to move on.”
Governor Mike Pence quickly appointed Brandye Hendrickson to replace him. Pence notes Hendrickson – who briefly led the agency as it transitioned to Browning’s leadership in 2013 – has served as Deputy Commissioner since 2007.
“[She’s] taken on some of our most important projects and led them with great distinction and as I said, the fact that she served as interim commissioner I think just makes her uniquely qualified to step into this role and have a seamless transition,” Pence says.
The administration’s public statement makes no mention of Browning other than to note his resignation and Pence wouldn’t add much more.
“You know, we just don’t discuss personnel matters as a matter of course,” the governor says.
Pence did say he appreciates Browning’s service.