The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Business

Charlotte has over 40 years of experience in state government working in the areas of state and federal certification and regulations and compliance. Charlotte’s career path included managing the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Program, a federally funded highway program, to ensure fair assessment of firms applying for certification to do heavy highway construction work. Charlotte has been the Civil Rights Division Chief for the Indiana Department of Transportation and Acting Deputy Commissioner, Indiana Department of Administration.

As Director, Camille guides the office’s mission to promote a culture of inclusiveness in business opportunities and economic growth, and further the sustainability of business enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, and people living with disabilities. This includes cross-collaboration between city departments and community groups, working to improve relationships with businesses through outreach and certification, and serving as an advocate for the office and those it represents.

A native to the neighboring Buckeye State of Ohio and alumni of The University of Akron; Crystal relocated to Indiana and happy to call Indianapolis home since 2013. Working closely with the Deputy Commissioner of Certification as well as other entities to help expand and move forward MWBE/VBE certification in the most innovative way possible. As an entrepreneur and former educator, Crystal has a passion for genuinely helping others and supporting more go-getters in doing their best while achieving their goals in general and especially within the space MWBE/VBE. She brings a fresh perspective, energy and unique strength to the division.

Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council is a regional affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. NMSDC and Mid-States MSDC are both non-profit member service organizations. JaRon worked on the retail side of the banking industry for 11 years prior to working in supplier diversity. JaRon’s professional career started in the banking and finance industry where he handled multiple sectors in the finance arena including team leadership, personal finances, small business lending, and mortgage lending.

Supportive Services’ goals are to recruit new DBEs into the program, then educate and assist those who get certified once they are in the program.  Sean began his career with INDOT in 2014 in EOD as a Certification Specialist where he reviewed incoming DBE applications, conducted on-site visits, and made certification recommendations.  He later became the Supportive Services Lead where he attends outreaches, actively recruits new DBEs, coordinates efforts with sister agencies, and guides DBEs with regards to INDOT processes.