INDIANA — Following a comprehensive national talent search, the Indiana Supreme Court has announced a permanent leadership structure for its central administrative operations.
Aaron Hood has been officially appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). Joining him at the helm of the agency is Kathryn Dolan, who has been named Deputy CAO.
The high-level selection process was spearheaded by Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush. In a joint statement alongside her fellow justices, Rush expressed immense confidence that the newly minted executive team will champion public transparency, operational innovation, and seamless intergovernmental collaboration.
A Proven Leader Takes the Helm
Hood is a familiar face within the state’s judicial framework, having served as the interim CAO since January. His permanent promotion comes on the heels of a decade of direct experience with the court system, most recently serving dual roles as the judiciary’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Beyond the court system, Hood boasts a diverse leadership resume spanning city, county, state, and national levels. His previous public service includes tenure with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Association of Government Accountants, and the State Judicial Branch Finance and HR Officers.
“Aaron is a proven leader,” Chief Justice Rush stated. “My colleagues and I know that his commitment to the courts, financial stewardship, and integrity will maintain our service-oriented culture.”
Reflecting on his permanent appointment, Hood noted that his strategic focus will center on bolstering public trust in the state’s legal system.
“I am focused on strengthening public confidence in the judicial branch and ensuring our operations continue to run smoothly with clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” Hood said.
Veteran Communicator Steps into Deputy Role
Supporting Hood in managing the daily complexities of the state’s judicial network is Kathryn Dolan, who brings 18 years of specialized court experience to the role of Deputy CAO.
Dolan previously served as the Court’s Chief Public Information Officer, establishing herself as a leading voice in judicial transparency. She is a past president of the National Conference of Court Public Information Officers and a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the National Center for State Courts.
“I’m dedicated to maintaining consistent policies, communicating effectively, and helping guide daily operations,” Dolan remarked regarding her new executive responsibilities.
The OJA serves as the operational backbone of Indiana’s legal system. Operating under the direct authority of the Chief Justice, the office is responsible for keeping the statewide court system running smoothly, managing everything from trial court technology and human resources to education and state data collection.
The OJA Network by the numbers:
• 240+ Active staff members (Lawyers, tech experts, and administrators)
• 600 Judicial officers supported statewide
• 18,000 licensed Indiana attorneys served
By cementing Hood and Dolan into these permanent roles, the Indiana Supreme Court aims to streamline administrative support for judges, clerks, and legal professionals across all 92 Hoosier counties.
