Lawrence Mayor Appoints Deputy Chief of Staff

Lawrence Mayor Appoints Deputy Chief of Staff

Elia James Sanchez elevated to Deputy Chief of Staff, to expand strategic 

initiatives, including Minority and Woman-Owned business focus

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LAWRENCE, INDIANA - Mayor Steve Collier has appointed City of Lawrence resident, Ms. Elia James Sanchez, as his Deputy Chief of Staff. Elia is the current Director of Crime Prevention, where she has served for 15 months. During her tenure, Elia has led and established partnerships to serve vulnerable populations and create positive interactions with the community and the police department. Elia has brought a wealth of experience, resources and expertise to her assignment here at LPD and to the City of Lawrence, overall. Elia is a proven leader. She brings people together to facilitate change. She is an exceptionally competent, compassionate and committed public servant who has been working in public safety for over a decade. 

Elia came to the Lawrence Police Department from her previous position as the Director of the Indiana Commission for Hispanic/Latino Affairs. She also previously served at the City of Indianapolis Emergency Management Agency as their Strategic Initiatives Manager, and as a Marion County Probation Officer. Elia was an Adjunct Professor of Latino Studies at Indiana University/Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Saint Mary’s College and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from IUPUI. 

Elia also served as an advisor to three different mayors, Steve Collier Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Joe Hogsett, Mayor of Indianapolis, and former Mayor of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard, as a member of the Indianapolis Latino Advisory Council. Elia currently serves as a board member on the Friends of Lawrence Police Foundation, Marian University’s Latino Leadership Initiative, Laundry & More, and the Fort Ben Placemaking Council. Elia is a graduate of the Senator Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. She was recognized in 2013 by the Department of Public Safety for all her exemplary work receiving an award known as the Department of Public Safety Excellence in Government Award. In 2018, Elia received a Congressional Recognition for her service to the City of Indianapolis presented by Congressman Andre Carson. Elia was recognized in 2018 by the IUPUI Latino Studies Program for her work in the Latino community. 

As Deputy Chief of Staff Elia will continue to lead Crime Prevention efforts for the Lawrence Police Department. Elia will assist the Mayor in managing projects and special initiatives. She will direct the Minority and Women Owned Business Initiative, which includes the planning, developing, and development of standards for long-term success of the program. Elia will continue to serve as a strategic liaison with the Lawrence community.