Future of Energy Summit

Suzanne Jaworowski is the Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources for the State of Indiana, appointed by Governor Mike Braun. Secretary Jaworowski brings extensive experience in energy policy as a leader in the private sector and the U.S. Department of Energy.

As the Secretary of Energy, Jaworowski will provide leadership to navigate Indiana’s energy challenges and improve accessibility. Consistent with Gov. Braun’s agenda, the Administration is focused on ensuring the state has enough affordable and reliable energy sources to sustain current residents and attract new development.

Jaworowski most recently served as Executive Director of Stakeholder Services at MISO Energy, overseeing stakeholder relations and client services. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Policy & Communications in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy during the first Trump administration.  While at DOE, Ms. Jaworowski lead the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, as chairperson for the 65-country, government-to-government initiative on safeguards, security and development for nuclear energy.   She later went on to work at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.  

Before her federal service, Jaworowski directed communications and government relations at Hallador Energy and founded Ryder Research Consulting, where she advised energy companies, utilities, and industry associations.

Bethany Hartley serves as the President and CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, overseeing economic development efforts across 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Under her leadership, the organization focuses on advancing regional economic opportunities through collaboration, communication, and convening. The Regional Partnership has been instrumental in securing major funding, including $95 million from Indiana’s READI program, driving transformative projects in quality of place, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The Regional Partnership is on a mission to make the South Bend – Elkhart region the most prosperous region in the Midwest, prioritizing spurring job creation, executing and supporting strategic initiatives aligned with the Smart, Connected Communities 2030 regional economic development plan, and identifying and securing capital investment through collaboration.

Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and is currently a Global Executive MBA candidate at the University of Notre Dame. Her work has earned her recognition in Michiana’s 40 Under 40 (2021) and the IBJ’s 250 Most Influential Leaders in Indiana (2024). She is also a recipient of the YWCA Woman of the Year award (2024). Beyond her professional achievements, Bethany is deeply involved in civic engagement, serving on the boards of Startup Moxie Elkhart County, Memorial Hospital, the Indiana Economic Development Association, and other regional organizations. She resides in the South Bend – Elkhart region with her husband, Jim, and their dog, Molly. When they’re not discovering more about the place they call home, they can be found traveling the globe, riding bikes, and scuba diving.

Steve Baker is president and chief operation officer of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M). His team is responsible for providing electric service to approximately 600,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan. Baker oversees I&M's distribution operations, safety, customer service, communications, finance, external affairs and regulatory functions.

Baker previously served as vice president, distribution operations for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and was responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the electric distribution system for approximately 550,000 customers throughout Oklahoma.

Baker began his career as a distribution engineer in 1990 with West Texas Utilities in Abilene, Texas and held a variety of leadership positions at AEP Texas.

Baker received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University. He is a graduate of the Nuclear Reactor Technology Course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Executive Program-Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and the Texas A&M Management Development Program.

Community service and economic development within the I&M service territory are key focus areas for Baker. He serves as a member of the board of directors for the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Energy Association, Greater Fort Wayne, Inc, the Northeast Indiana Council of CEOs and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Baker is also a member of the Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering Dean's Council.