Public Service Curriculum Vitae

Lester C. Miller

Principal, IYP Solutions: 2006 to Present.

As the founder and principal of IYP Solutions, use my over twenty-five years of diverse experience in the public policy and solution development arenas to construct innovative yet pragmatic solutions that assist my government, nonprofit, political and private sector clients in achieving their visions and goals. On behalf of the ARC of Indiana, managed a project to identify individuals with developmental disabilities who might be eligible for home services through a Medicaid waiver. Served as project manager to the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (Consolidated City of Indianapolis-Marion County) for several projects including the replacement of its 15 year old public safety radio system with a state-of-the-art, digital Project 25 system. This is a $37,000,000 project.

Executive Director, Sycamore Institute, Inc. (SI): 2005 to 2006.

As the head of this nonprofit, public policy research institute, oversaw the day to day operations including policy development, research and administration. Led the development of a new business plan after a five year hiatus for SI and our innovative, public policy development process called the chautauqua process. Directed the research on SI’s three issue focuses: improving access to health care and health insurance for the uninsured, decreasing the high school dropout rate and election law reform. Served as editor of IN-ROADS, the Sycamore Institute quarterly journal, which contains reports on each of these issues. Organized chautauquas (roundtables) comprised of leaders in the health, education, business and consumer communities to develop bold yet pragmatic solutions to the health insurance and dropout issues. Coordinated the development of “Making Hoosier Votes Count,” a forum led by former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton including leading state legislators and state and local election officials that was broadcast by WFYI-TV. Revamped the SI website.

Deputy Director, Homeland Security, Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA): 2004 to 2005.

As head of the newly created Homeland Security Branch, coordinated the state’s effort to administer federal Department of Homeland Security first responder grants. Developed the risk factor assessment that determined the allocation of federal grants to counties. Instituted a new grant process for FFY04; increased communication between SEMA and local public safety agencies; and streamlined the approval of grant requests. Cut the size of the planned staff for the branch by more than 75% for the first year eliminating the need to rent office space. Established the First Responder Grants Advisory Committee, a consortium of the major statewide public safety and local government associations, to provide meaningful input to the Homeland Security Branch on the FFY05 grant process. Analyzed the impact of federal first responder grant legislation on Indiana’s funding for Indiana’s federal liaison office. Reported to the Governor's Office and the Executive Director of SEMA.

Executive Director, Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC): 1999 – 2004.

Managed the seven person staff of the IPSC, the legislatively created governance body that implemented Project Hoosier SAFE-T (an interoperable statewide communications system for Indiana), which has become a national model and was recently awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Excellence in Communications Technology Award. Oversaw the system design and coordinated the implementation strategy with local, state and federal public safety agencies. Helped form the Midwest Public Safety Communications Consortium comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio to develop a multi-state interoperable communications system. Selected to be chair of the Governance Working Group of the National Task Force on Interoperability. The NTFI was created by the National Institute of Justice, USDOJ, to develop a guide for state and local governments that wanted to implement interoperable public safety communications system. Was invited to speak on Project Hoosier SAFE-T by the Public Safety Wireless Network, State of Tennessee, National Institute of Justice, US Department of Transportation, ITS America, National League of Cities and Council of State Governments.

Special Counsel to the Superintendent of Indiana State Police: 1997 – 2004.

Provided legal advice to the Superintendent on a wide range of issues including state and federal legislation, grant procurement and personnel matters. Significant legislative initiatives included revamping the anti-methamphetamine laws, enacting the “Move Over Law” to protect public safety officers conducting traffic stops and creating the Integrated Public Safety Commission. Formulated media relations strategies for certain issues that faced the department. Planned the three successively largest statewide, public safety summits in Indiana. Managed the implementation of Project Hoosier SAFE-T from its inception. Oversaw development of its strategic plan and request for proposals and headed the proposal evaluation team and contract negotiation team. The contract’s initial value was $82 million.

Executive Assistant to the Governor of Indiana: 1989 – 1997.

Served as personal staff to then Governor Evan Bayh. Based on the Governor’s goals, provided direction and solutions on public policy issues for over fifteen state agencies during the two terms of the Governor such as: State Emergency Management Agency; Department of Administration; Department of Personnel; Data Processing Oversight Commission; Department of Labor; Intelenet Commission; and Health Professions Bureau. Worked with each agency to develop legislative priorities and strategies and with legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure passage.

Executive Director, Indiana Data Processing Oversight Commission (DPOC): 1994 - 1995.

Managed staff of DPOC including budgeting, planning, and approving requests by all state agencies for new acquisitions of technology. Developed the first statewide technology architecture for Indiana government. Led state effort to outsource all of its information technology services, the first effort of its kind in the country. Led the effort to have state agencies develop 3-5 year information technology plans. Provided oversight on some of the largest information technology projects in the history of the State.

Special Counsel, Indiana Secretary of State: 1986 - 1989.

Provided legal counsel to then Secretary of State Evan Bayh. Handled legislative responsibilities for office including seeking passage of “motor voter legislation” and other election law reforms. Oversaw the election results and lobbying sections of the Secretary of State’s office. Served as counsel to the State Recount Commission.

Senior Legislative Analyst, Indiana Legislative Services Agency: 1981.

Drafted legislation and served as committee counsel in a variety of areas for both parties and both houses. Advised legislators and chairs of legislative committees concerning legislative issues.

Legislative Analyst, Indiana Legislative Services Agency: 1977 - 1980.

Drafted legislation for members of both parties regarding: health, welfare, mental illness, developmental disabilities, corrections and criminal law. Advised legislators and chairs of legislative committees concerning legislative issues. Served as counsel to related senate and house committees.

Research Assistant, Indiana Lawyers Commission: 1974 - 1976.

Researched corrections issues through on-site visits and legal and periodical reviews for the Commission, which was an arm of the Indiana State Bar Association. Wrote a comprehensive report on the health care system in Indiana correctional institutions that resulted in several reforms. Drafted grant application to the American Medical Association regarding health care in jails that resulted in Indiana being one of six states to receive a grant.

EDUCATION

Master in Public Administration, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1984. Concentration in economic development and public policy formation.

Juris Doctor, Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1977. Admitted to practice in Indiana and Federal Courts for Southern District of Indiana.

Bachelor of Arts, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1974.
Degree in political science.

Email: lmilleriyps@comcast.net