White River State Park Commission Chief Named

A communications strategist in the Holcomb administration has been named the executive director of the White River State Park Development Commission. Governor Eric Holcomb has appointed Jake Oakman to the post, succeeding Carolene Mays-Medley, who left the position in August to pursue other opportunities.

“White River State Park is one of Central Indiana’s premier destinations,” said Oakman said. “With the new TCU Amphitheater and park expansion plans, this is the perfect time to develop creative ways to enhance the White River State Park visitor experience. I’m looking forward to leading those efforts.”

He most recently has served as the director of strategic communications for the Indiana Republican State Committee. Oakman was also Holcomb’s chief speech writer and communications advisor.

Before that, Oakman worked at the Indiana Office of Tourism Development as the director of communications and media relations and helped launch tourism branding campaigns.

Oakman earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and serves as a member of the Indiana Arts Commission.