Indiana University has named Shannon Kiely Heider as its next vice president for government and community relations, effective March 30.

Shannon Kiely Heider.Heider earned her undergraduate degree at IU Bloomington and her law degree from the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. Her career includes service with Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration, consulting at the Krieg DeVault law firm and more than 14 years in corporate government and business leadership at Cummins.

“Shannon is a highly respected leader with deep experience across government, law and industry,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “She understands the responsibility of a public university and will be a tremendous advocate for Indiana University at the local, state and federal levels.”

As vice president for government and community relations, Heider will lead engagement with government officials and community stakeholders and advance IU’s policy priorities in support of the IU 2030 strategic plan. She succeeds Interim Vice President for University Relations Angela Smith Jones, who will return to her prior role as associate vice president for state relations once Heider begins at IU.

“Indiana University plays a vital role in shaping the state and the nation’s future, and I am honored to return to IU to help strengthen the university’s partnerships with government and communities,” Heider said. “I look forward to advancing IU’s mission in ways that create opportunity, impact and trust across the state and beyond.”

The search process was chaired by IU Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jason Dudich, supported by the IU Executive Search team and external partners, and included input from leaders across the university.