Chief Deputy Attorney General Lori Torres and Chief Counsel of Litigation Patricia Erdmann have been recognized with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, according to an announcement from Attorney General Todd Rokita. The honor was presented by Governor Eric Holcomb in acknowledgment of their long-standing service to Indiana.
Attorney General Rokita commented on the recognition: “Lori and Patricia have dedicated a large part of their professional careers to serving the state. They represent a major reason for our office’s continued success, and I’m honored to work alongside them every day to fight for Hoosiers. It’s to their great credit that they both received this prestigious award.”
Torres has spent her legal career in Indiana, starting with two decades in private practice before joining state government as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor under Governor Mitch Daniels. She later served in executive roles at the Indiana Department of Transportation and as Inspector General, appointed by Governor Holcomb, before becoming Chief Deputy Attorney General in 2021.
Reflecting on her career, Torres said, “I’m grateful and humbled by this recognition as I have now served three governors and Attorney General Todd Rokita. Nearly 20 years in the executive branch has given me the rare opportunity to serve both the Hoosier public and transformative leaders. My tenures as Inspector General and Chief Deputy Attorney General have allowed me to be a small part of Indiana’s success story.”
Erdmann has led litigation efforts for nearly twenty years within the Office of the Attorney General, managing some of Indiana’s most significant legal cases. Her leadership has been acknowledged by agency commissioners and other state executives.
Rokita highlighted Erdmann’s influence on staff development, noting she has helped guide hundreds of employees over her tenure.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be selected for this prestigious award,” Erdmann stated. “I was so surprised to receive it and am deeply grateful to be recognized for my legal service to our state and its citizens through the Office of Attorney General. I love what I do and am truly blessed for the opportunity to do meaningful and impactful work every day alongside an incredibly talented and inspiring team of attorneys and paralegals. This is a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Hoosiers and our office’s remarkable record of success.”
The Sagamore of the Wabash is considered Indiana’s highest civilian honor. Established in the 1940s by former Governor Ralph Gates, it is awarded by sitting governors to individuals who have made notable contributions to life in Indiana.
A headshot image featuring Attorney General Rokita is available for download.
