Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced Michael Paul Watkins, the deputy director of the Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC), as the new executive director. Watkins will replace Executive Director Kelly Dignin who is set to retire Aug. 16.
“Michael’s background and experience with public safety at the state, local and federal levels will support the current trajectory of IPSC,” Gov. Holcomb said. “As deputy director, he has played a critical role in providing efficient and effective communication tools that best support the needs of emergency responders.”
Watkins was named deputy director of IPSC in 2023. Prior to his role, he served as the field service and support supervisor for the agency and before that he was the training and outreach supervisor for IPSC.
Earlier in his career, Watkins was the 911 director for Johnson County Public Safety Communications and the fire and EMS dispatch coordinator for the Greenwood Fire Department.
“I look forward to continuing to assist our First Responders protect the citizens of Indiana with reliable, interoperable communications.”
Watkins began his role on Aug. 17.