Public Policy Institute Names Interim Director

Koehler will begin in her new role in May.

The Indiana University Public Policy Institute has named Kathy Koehler interim director. She will begin her in new role in May, succeeding Mark Lawrance, who resigned last month.

Koehler is no stranger to IUPUI. She earned her master’s degree at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She also served as interim director of SPEA’s Executive Education program in 2013.

"Kathy has spent her entire career helping state government, nonprofit, and education sectors evaluate what is needed to achieve their goals," said SPEA Dean John Graham. "She brings a great appreciation of the Institute’s research and knows how to pull the right people together to support the organization’s resources and key initiatives."

Koehler is the founder of Koehler Partners, which offers training, project management, program evaluation, team building and program improvement services to government, nonprofit, and private organizations. The university says in her new role, Koehler will lead a team of policy analysts, administrative staff, and undergraduate and graduate assistants. 

"The Institute provides a unique forum for collaboration and meaningful conversations among government, nonprofits, businesses, faculty, policy analysts, and students." said Koehler. "As a longtime member of the SPEA Alumni Board, I am excited to create new pathways for the public and students to contribute to and benefit from the Institute’s work."

Koehler has previously worked for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, the Indiana State Budget Agency, the Indiana Election Commission and the Indiana Department of Education.