Dr. Luis A. Palacio, P.E. Appointed to IndyPL Board of Trustees

On April 18, 2023, the Marion County Board of Commissioners appointed Luis A. Palacio, P.E., Ph.D. to The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees.

Dr. Palacio is a leader, biophysicist, developer and licensed Professional Engineer. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez and Purdue Fort Wayne in addition to a master’s degree and Ph.D. in physics from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Dr. Palacio is a proven servant leader that values integrity, equity, inclusive diversity, curiosity, innovation and excellence. In his current role as executive director and CEO of the Diversity & Innovation Institute (DNOVA Institute), he is responsible for overall operations, educational programs, development of technology, scientific research and business development for the organization.

In addition to these executive obligations, Dr. Palacio is an active community member who is driven to expand access and opportunity for all. He is the founder of six STEM talent development programs that serve over 1,000 youths per year and has impacted over 14,000 individuals through education and workforce development programs. He also serves as vice president of SHPE’s board of directors, is a member of Marian University’s E.S. Witchger School of Engineering board of visitors, serves on the Indiana Academy of Science’s (IAS) DEI Committee, is the vice-chair of IAS’s Physics Section, the prior chair of IAS’s Engineering Section and is an Indiana Afterschool Network Public Policy Committee member. Dr. Palacio is deeply involved in the Latino community as a member of the Indiana Latino Institute’s Leadership Circle and regularly participates in networking and education-sharing events hosted by the Indiana Latino Round Table, the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Community Education Coalition’s Latino Education Outreach Program and more.

“I believe in the transformative power of education and IndyPL plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to key resources, such as literature and culture, while also serving as a place for the Marion County community to congregate to share and debate ideas,” said Dr. Palacio. “I am looking forward to contributing to the evolution of IndyPL, its spaces and resources to accommodate new technologies and adapt to patrons’ needs.”

In his free time, Dr. Palacio enjoys spending time with his family, visiting parks, traveling, learning about other cultures and languages and developing innovative ideas. He is also bi-lingual, fluent in English and Spanish.

He will fill the position on the IndyPL Board of Trustees formerly held by Curtis Bigsbee and is looking forward to making a positive impact on the Marion County community in this role. Dr. Palacio’s term will run through December 31, 2026.

Library Board meetings, which are open to the public, are scheduled on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. For a Library Board meeting schedule and to learn more about Library trustees, click here.