Dwayne Sawyer facts for kids

Dwayne Sawyer is a politician from the state of Indiana. He was the 55th Indiana State Auditor. He is a member of the Republican Party. Mr. Sawyer left his role as State Auditor on November 26, 2013. He said he resigned for "personal and family reasons."

Mr. Sawyer was also a member of the Brownsburg, Indiana Town Council. He led the council as president from 2012 to 2013. On August 15, 2013, Governor Mike Pence chose Mr. Sawyer to be the Indiana State Auditor. He filled the spot left by Tim Berry. Mr. Berry had resigned to lead the Indiana Republican Party. Mr. Sawyer was sworn into office on August 19 by Indiana Chief Justice Brent Dickson. He became the first African-American Republican to hold a statewide office in Indiana.

Early Life and Education

Dwayne Sawyer finished high school in 1984 at Peru Senior High School in Peru, New York. He then went to Purdue University. In 1989, he earned a degree in computer technology. While at Purdue, he was part of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

Career Highlights

Before he became a politician, Mr. Sawyer worked in business. He held jobs in financial management. These jobs were at companies like Roche Diagnostics, Dow AgroSciences, and Eli Lilly and Company. Since 2010, Mr. Sawyer has worked as a Senior Software Engineer. He works for Positron Corporation. This company researches and develops nuclear cardiology technology.

Mr. Sawyer is involved in the Republican Party. He serves as the secretary for Indiana's 4th district Republican Committee. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Hendricks County Republican Party. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Leadership Forum. He also serves on the board for the Hendricks County Regional Health YMCA. In 2013, Governor Mike Pence also appointed Mr. Sawyer. He was chosen to serve on the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males.

Serving on the Brownsburg Town Council

Mr. Sawyer was chosen for the Brownsburg Town Council in December 2008. This happened after a council member resigned. He was the first African-American to hold an elected office in Hendricks County. He was sworn in on January 10, 2009. Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita introduced him at the ceremony.

Mr. Sawyer ran for reelection in 2011 without anyone running against him. He won the election in November. In January 2012, Mr. Sawyer became the President of the Brownsburg Town Council. He resigned from this role in August 2013. This was so he could become the State Auditor of Indiana.

As council President, Mr. Sawyer helped with the annexation of Brownsburg. Annexation means adding new land to a city. He voted to add 4,500 acres to the city. This doubled the size of Brownsburg for future growth. Mr. Sawyer also supported a small increase in local income taxes. This money would help expand public transportation. He encouraged the Indiana General Assembly to allow counties to vote on such tax increases.

Role as Indiana State Auditor

Governor Mike Pence appointed Mr. Sawyer as Indiana State Auditor on August 15, 2013. He officially became the 55th auditor on August 19, 2013. His time as auditor lasted a little over three months. On November 26, 2013, he sent a letter to Governor Pence. In the letter, he resigned from his position. He stated "personal reasons" for his decision.

In a written statement, Mr. Sawyer explained his resignation. He said, "Due to family and personal concerns, I have come to the conclusion that it will be in the best interests of my family and the people of Indiana whom I have been honored to serve that I resign from the office of Indiana auditor of state."

On December 16, 2013, Republican State Representative Suzanne Crouch was appointed. Governor Mike Pence chose her to replace Mr. Sawyer as Indiana State Auditor.

Personal Life

Dwayne Sawyer is married to Melissa Sawyer. They have three children. The family has lived in Brownsburg since 2001. Mr. Sawyer and his wife teach their children at home. He also enjoys playing the alto saxophone.