Tavonna Harris Askew to Become Indiana Legal Services CEO
The nonprofit organization will welcome its new leader starting November 9, 2026, following the tenure of Jon Laramore.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you trust that local non-profits prioritize community impact when choosing their executive leadership?
Tavonna Harris Askew will assume the role of CEO at Indianapolis-based Indiana Legal Services on November 9, 2026. She succeeds Jon Laramore, who has led the organization since 2015.
Why it matters
This leadership transition marks a significant shift for the organization, which serves as a major provider of legal assistance throughout Indiana. The appointment brings in a professional with extensive experience in both public health administration and executive leadership.
Askew brings 25 years of legal and executive leadership experience, including a 15-year tenure at the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. She previously managed a $4 million budget and supported 75,000 employees while at Cummins Inc.
The players
Tavonna Harris Askew
She is an experienced executive and legal professional who previously held leadership roles at the Suburban Health Organization and Cummins Inc.
Jon Laramore
He is the outgoing leader of Indiana Legal Services who has served in the position since 2015.
Indiana Legal Services Inc.
This is a statewide nonprofit organization headquartered in Indianapolis that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents.
The details
The Board of Directors selected Askew to guide the organization after a career that includes executive roles at the Suburban Health Organization and Cummins Inc. Askew also began her legal journey at Indiana Legal Services in 2001 and currently leads the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Timeline
Askew began her legal career at Indiana Legal Services in 2001.
Jon Laramore began his leadership of Indiana Legal Services in 2015.
Askew received the Maurer School of Law Distinguished Service Award in October 2026.
Askew becomes the CEO of Indiana Legal Services on November 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition aligns with broader trends of recruiting high-level executive talent into the non-profit legal aid sector to manage expanding statewide operations. The move positions Indiana Legal Services to leverage Askew's deep background in public health systems as it navigates the competitive landscape of legal advocacy.
Clients of the organization can expect a change in executive leadership, though the mission to provide statewide civil legal aid remains ongoing. The appointment may influence future outreach strategies given Askew's background in public-sector hospital administration.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new CEO with diverse professional experience often indicates a move toward modernizing organizational efficiency. Residents and stakeholders should monitor the new administration for updates on how the organization will prioritize case services under its incoming leader.
What happens next
Tavonna Harris Askew will officially take over as CEO on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on leadership shifts in the city, visit Indianapolis People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison Courier.
Live Poll
Do you trust that local non-profits prioritize community impact when choosing their executive leadership?
