David Adams

David recently served as the Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development for the state of Indiana, where he played a critical role in securing legislation and financial resources essential for implementing Governor Holcomb’s workforce agenda. Prior to becoming Commissioner, David was the first Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Cincinnati. There he spearheaded the Cincinnati Innovation District (CID), a pioneering initiative that has become a model for innovation districts across Ohio. His leadership in securing a $100M investment from JobsOhio not only accelerated talent development and placemaking but also underscored his ability to drive economic impact through strategic partnerships. David's career also includes positions such as Chief Administrative Officer at the University of Louisville and CEO of the Institute for Product Realization. As a first-generation college graduate, David is passionate about education and was a founding board member of the Enlace Academy in Indianapolis. He currently serves as a board member on the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet and the Purdue Research Foundation. He has previously served on numerous for-profit, not-for-profit and government boards.