In Indiana, a new face is taking over the books. With the appointment of Joseph A. O'Connell as the INDOC's new CFO, Commissioner J. David Donahue hopes to reach “long-term strategic goals.”

“I am excited to welcome Mr. O'Connell to my team,” Donahue says

O'Connell will focus on budgeting, projections, funding management and strategic planning.

“It is an honor to join Commissioner J. David Donahue's leadership team at the Department of Correction,” says O'Connell. “I look forward to this new opportunity and joining the Indiana Department of Correction in providing improved services and cost-effective solutions.”

O'Connell has experience in state income tax planning and consulting. He has also worked with Clifton Gunderson LLP in its state tax planning and consulting practice for Indiana. With more than 10 years of state tax consulting experience, he has worked with national and regional CPA firms. Additionally, O'Connell served as a public accountant with Ernest & Young and KPMG. He also has experience in federal and state income tax.

According to Donahue, the INDOC selected O'Connell as part of the state's new budget initiative.

“The Department of Correction has the initiative to improve efficiency and control costs throughout the organization. As we continue to measure the costs associated with doing business with each of our vendors and running our correctional systems efficiently, it is important that we manage our budget effectively. We owe that to tax payers of Indiana,” Donahue says.

O'Connell has a BS in Business from Indiana University.