Health and Hospital Corporation Names New General Counsel
Created on Monday, 30 January 2012 13:40
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Tavonna Harris Askew has been promoted to General Counsel for Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Askew assumed her new job responsibilities January 1, 2012, after serving the past five years as deputy general counsel and director of HIPAA compliance for the corporation.
As General Counsel, Askew serves as the corporation’s chief legal officer and a member of the executive management team. She is responsible for protecting the corporation’s legal interests, maintaining its operations within the scope established by law and providing risk management services. This involves providing legal advice on a variety of matters including the law governing health care institutions and political subdivisions for the State of Indiana and the supervision of legal staff.
“Tavonna is an extremely skilled lawyer and an effective leader. She has performed wonderfully as an important member of our legal team for the past five years. I am excited to have her as our general counsel,” said Matthew Gutwein, president and CEO, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County.
Askew received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana and in the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern districts of Indiana.
“The corporation is fortunate to have someone with the experience and understanding of public health, especially with environmental affairs and population health. Her role in overseeing our interests in Environmental Court will have a significant impact on improving housing and the quality of life in our neighborhoods. She is trusted and well respected within the corporation and throughout the community,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Public Health Department.
Before coming to Health and Hospital Corporation, Askew worked as Special Assistant Corporation Counsel and Public Access Counselor for the City of Indianapolis. She also worked as a Deputy Prosecutor in the Juvenile and Domestic Violence divisions of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The corporation has truly benefited from Mrs. Askew’s negotiation of multi-million dollar contracts including those with physicians and subcontractors. She also serves as counsel to the corporation’s board of trustees. Her non-profit experience is also an asset to our corporation,” said Gregory Porter, vice president of external affairs for Health and Hospital Corporation.
Askew’s civic activities include the Reach for Youth Board of Directors, the Legacy House Board of Directors, and the Indiana Health Advocacy Coalition. She is also a member of the Health Care Compliance Association, the Lacy Leadership Association, and a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a graduate of the 2007 Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Association, Leadership Education & Development program; Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class XXXIV; and the 2008 Diversity Leadership Academy of Greater Indianapolis. Mrs. Askew also served on the Indiana Lawyer’s Women in the Law Planning Committee, as a mentor in the YWCA Mentoring Program, and as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers and Sisters Program of Central Indiana.
Tavonna Harris Askew is married to Charles R. Askew and they have four children.
