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Chief of Staff, Department of Natural Resources | State of Indiana
Age: 28
Hometown: Boonville
Education: bachelor’s in political science and philosophy, Franklin College; law degree, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Family: husband, Collin; yellow labrador, Piper
Years with organization: less than 1
First job: lifeguard and swim teacher at the YMCA
Givebacks: volunteer, American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary
Something surprising: Conner played softball in college. She also coached travel softball.
Since joining the workforce, I’ve learned: “Navigating challenges, setbacks and uncertainty has taught me how to stay calm under pressure and focus on solutions.”
In 10 years … : “I see myself continuing to serve, shaping policy and driving system-level change.”
Morning person or night owl: “Night owl!”
Coffee order: latte with blonde espresso, oat milk and vanilla
Madalynn Conner serves as an adviser to the director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She oversees and directs division collaboration, manages special projects and ensures that agency priorities align with the governor’s vision for the state. “My role is to help the department run smoothly and effectively so we can better serve Hoosiers and protect Indiana’s natural resources,” she said. Conner’s accomplishments include developing a one-year streamlined strategy to set agency goals that will guide the department through the first full fiscal year under the new administration. “Every day, I get to work on something that matters. I love the challenge of solving complex problems, connecting people and ideas, and helping such a diverse agency thrive.”•
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