James Basinger
Chief of Staff
James Basinger, with 35 years in corrections and currently serving as the Chief of Staff for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), is recognized for his innovative leadership and focus on cost-saving strategies. His approach to corrections emphasizes integrating technology and implementing operational efficiencies that reduce expenses while enhancing security and rehabilitative outcomes.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in business administration, Basinger is skilled in both strategic and fiscal management, effectively using data-driven approaches to optimize IDOC’s resources. He has a proven track record of introducing reforms that cut operational costs without compromising safety, leveraging his 25 of years of military experience in combat arms both active and reserve components in the U.S. Marine Corps, Army and National Guard bolster emergency readiness and resourcefulness.
Basinger’s leadership extends nationally, where he collaborates with other correctional agencies to incorporate best practices and identify emerging trends, ensuring that IDOC remains on the forefront of cost-effective and humane correctional management. His relationships with county sheriffs, legislators, and other external stakeholders further support IDOC’s mission, building community partnerships that maximize public safety while minimizing taxpayer burden.
Mission
We promote public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful reentry.
Vision
As the model of best correctional practices, we strive to return productive citizens to our communities and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity and Professionalism.
Kevin Orme
Executive Director of Construction Services
Executive Director Kevin Orme began his career with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) in 1990 at the Putnamville Correctional Facility as a correctional officer. Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including in investigations, emergency squads, and safety management, eventually serving as a correctional sergeant, fire chief, safety manager, and physical plant director. In his current role as Executive Director of Construction Services, Mr. Orme continues to contribute his extensive expertise to IDOC operations.
A recipient of the Governor’s Meritorious Service Award, Indiana Sheriffs Public Servant of the Year, and other local and state honors, Mr. Orme’s dedication to public service is evident. Prior to joining IDOC, he served in the United States Army and the Indiana National Guard. He holds numerous professional certifications, including Master Firefighter and nationally credentialed Fire Officer, and has served as a fire chief in his community for over 25 years.
Construction Service Division's Responsibilities
- ADA Programs
ADA Programs
ADA (American Disabilities Act) Compliance ensures IDOC facilities, programs, and services are accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. We uphold ADA standards through assessments, accessibility improvements, and staff training. Collaborating with other areas, we work to remove barriers and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, fostering a dignified, respectful, and accommodating environment for all.
- Technology Services
Technology Services
Technology Services Division (TSD) empowers the incarcerated population by providing secure, innovative technological solutions that enable access to educational resources, communication tools, and entertainment options. This division ensures that technology is a bridge to rehabilitation, skill-building, and connection to the outside world while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance. By managing and maintaining technology platforms, our team facilitates a modernized correctional experience that supports personal growth and well-being.
- Facility Regional Directors
Regional Facility Directors
Regional Facility Directors of Construction Services oversee the planning, execution, and maintenance of construction projects within their regions. They ensure facilities are safe, functional, and compliant with operational standards. By managing new construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements, they help create secure, efficient environments that support both staff and the incarcerated population.
- Facility Maintenance
Facility Maintenance
Facility Maintenance ensures IDOC facilities remain safe, functional, and well-maintained by managing building, equipment, and system upkeep. The team handles routine maintenance and urgent repairs, creating efficient environments that support staff and the incarcerated population.
- Fire Risk Management
Fire Risk Management
Fire Risk Management enhances facility safety through fire prevention, preparedness, and response. The team identifies hazards, conducts inspections, and provides fire safety training to staff and incarcerated individuals, protecting lives, property, and operations.
- Fleet Management
Fleet Management
Fleet Management oversees IDOC's vehicle procurement, maintenance, and operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation. From staff commutes to secure inmate transport, the division plays a key role in logistics and operational efficiency.
- Risk Mannagement
Risk Management
Risk Management identifies and mitigates risks to maintain the safety, security, and operational integrity of IDOC. The team develops strategies to reduce liability, safeguard resources, and ensure compliance, protecting staff, the incarcerated population, and the agency’s mission.
Cherie Olson
Chief Financial Officer
Cherie Olson serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). With over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance, her career includes roles as IDOC’s Controller, as well as positions in the airline industry, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the City of Indianapolis, and in both professional services and manufacturing. Cherie has also worked with startup companies across multiple industries.
In her current role, Cherie leads the IDOC Finance Department, overseeing central office finance, facility finance, payroll, procurement, and grants. She works closely with IDOC leadership and the State of Indiana to ensure fiscal responsibility while supporting day-to-day operations, employees, and public safety. Cherie holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University – Indianapolis and a master’s degree in accounting and finance from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
Financial Service Division's Responsibilities
- Finance Division
Finance Division
The Finance Department oversees the financial arm of the IDOC and encompasses multiple sections including, budgeting, financial analysis & reporting, contract collaboration & analysis, procurement, asset management and grants. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the department ensures that resources are managed responsibly to meet the department's goals.
- Payroll
Payroll
The Payroll Division ensures accurate and timely compensation for Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) employees while managing financial transactions related to the incarcerated population. With team members located in correctional facilities across the state, the Division plays a critical, on-the-ground role in overseeing payroll processing, trust account management, and compliance with financial regulations. Their work promotes fairness, accuracy, and accountability in every facility — supporting both staff and incarcerated individuals through dependable financial operations.
- Business Administration
Business Administration
The Business Administration Division oversees essential administrative functions for the Indiana Department of Correction, including contracts, procurement, budgeting, and resource allocation. With staff located across the state, the Division provides hands-on, day-to-day support to facilities, parole districts, and central office.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the Division also manages commissary operations and inventory asset management at the facility level. By streamlining operational processes and ensuring timely access to critical resources, the team plays a key role in maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting efficiency, and supporting the Department’s ability to deliver safe, secure, and well-managed correctional operations statewide.
Anna Quick
Chief Legal Officer
Anna Quick serves as Chief Legal Officer for the Indiana Department of Correction. In her role, she serves as the agency’s chief legal advisor to the Commissioner and his direct reports. She also oversees the agency’s legal, contracts, and legislative services divisions. Anna has been with the IDOC since July 2019. Prior to serving as Chief Legal officer, she was the Deputy General Counsel of Operations. Before coming to the IDOC, Anna worked as a Marion County Deputy Prosecutor for 6 years. She is a graduate of the Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and received her undergraduate degree at Loyola University Chicago.
Legal Service Division's Responsibilities
Looking for Public Records or contracts for the Indiana Department of Correction? Learn more about requesting records on our Contact page.
- General Counsel
General Counsel
General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor for IDOC, providing guidance on legal matters, policy compliance, and risk management. This role ensures that all decisions, actions, and operations align with state and federal laws while protecting the department’s legal interests. By offering expert counsel, the General Counsel supports informed decision-making and helps mitigate legal risks across all levels of the organization.
- Contract Compliance
Contract Compliance
Contract Compliance ensures that all IDOC contracts and agreements meet legal, regulatory, and organizational standards. The team monitors vendor and service provider obligations, safeguarding department resources and fostering accountability and transparency.
- Legislative Services
Legislative Services
Legislative Services connects IDOC with legislative bodies, advocating for policies that support the department’s mission. The team monitors legal developments, ensures compliance with new regulations, and strengthens relationships with policymakers to shape correctional policy effectively.
- Sex and Violent Offender Registration
Sex and Violent Offender Registration
The Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry, established under Zachary's Law, provides public information about sex and violent offenders in the state. The Indiana Department of Correction oversees the registry, offering support and training to law enforcement and other agencies. The Department also provides information to neighborhood associations upon request.
- Victim Services Division
Victim Services Division
The Victim Services Division notifies victims and witnesses about an offender’s release or community transition participation. The division offers confidential, timely updates, supports safety concerns, and provides both manual and automated notification options for registered individuals.
Traci Riggle
Director of Policy & Accreditation
Traci Riggle currently serves as the Director of Policy and Accreditation. She began her career in corrections in March 1999 as a Correctional Officer at Madison Correctional Facility. She transferred to Miami Correctional Facility in 2000 as a Correctional Counselor and, in 2005, moved to Wabash Valley Correctional Facility as a Casework Manager. After a brief time, she returned to Miami Correctional Facility, where she spent the next 23 years advancing through various roles, including Casework Manager, Correctional Team Manager, and Facility Policy/ACA Manager.
Traci is a graduate of the 2009 Leadership Academy, 2010 Experienced and Emerging Leaders (E.E.L.) program, and the 2023 Executive Leadership Program. She has also contributed to the Department by serving on multiple focus groups. Traci earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Ball State University in 1998.
Policy & Accreditation's Responsibilities
- Policy Making
Policy Making
Policy Making develops and maintains frameworks that guide IDOC operations, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment with the department’s mission. The team collaborates with stakeholders to create policies that address current needs and future challenges, supporting operational excellence and accountability.
- Accreditation
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures IDOC facilities, programs, and operations meet national and state standards through compliance with accreditation guidelines. The team prepares for audits, maintains certifications, and implements best practices to foster accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Jack Hendrix
Executive Director/Transition Coordinator, Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility
Jack Hendrix currently serves as the executive director/transition coordinator at the Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility. He began his career with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) over 38 years ago as a correctional officer at Putnamville Correctional Facility, later holding key positions at Branchville and Wabash Valley correctional facilities, as well as at IDOC Central Office, where he served as executive director of classification.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Hendrix has held numerous leadership roles and contributed to a wide range of initiatives, committees, and task forces. He was a core team member in the development and implementation of the Offender Information System and an original member of the ISF-SITCON Team.
Jack is the past president and board chair of the Indiana Criminal Justice Association (ICJA) and a founding member and current board chair of the Correctional Professional Assistance Fund of Indiana (CPAFI). He also co-led the IDOC’s HEA-1006 sentencing implementation team.
In his current role, Jack is responsible for coordinating multi-level transition teams to successfully launch the state-of-the-art Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility — ensuring it is equipped to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals, staff, and stakeholders throughout the system.
Benitta Thornton
Human Resource Director, State Personnel Department
HR Director Thornton began her state career in 2006 with the Indiana Department of Transportation. In 2008, she transitioned to the State Personnel Department, where she held various human resources positions across multiple state agencies. Prior to joining the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), Director Thornton served as the HR Director for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in HR leadership, specializing in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development.