Schellinger to Become Commerce Secretary
Governor Mike Pence tapped Jim Schellinger to lead the IEDC in July of 2015.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana Economic Development Corp. President Jim Schellinger will be secretary of commerce for the incoming Eric Holcomb administration. He will succeed Victor Smith, who the state says is returning to the private sector. Schellinger took on the IEDC position mid-last year after taking a leave of absence from Indianapolis-based CSO Architects, where he was chairman and chief executive officer. He ran for governor in 2008 as a Democrat and previously served on the IEDC board of directors.
Lieutenant Governor and Governor-elect Holcomb says "I am confident that Jim, with his experience as a business leader coupled with his accomplishments at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will further advance Indiana’s business climate. I look forward to working with him as we continue to make Indiana a state that works."
Smith was appointed to the secretary of commerce position by Governor Mike Pence in 2013. The state says companies have committed to investing close to $12.2 billion and adding more than 66,000 jobs during Smith’s tenure. Smith had committed four years to the job.
Schellinger says he is honored to have the opportunity. "In my role as President of the IEDC, I have continued to learn so much about how to support the growth of Hoosier businesses while also helping attract new companies to Indiana," he said. "Today more Hoosiers are working than ever before in our state’s history, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect Holcomb and his team in continuing Indiana’s economic momentum."
Schellinger became CEO of CSO in the late 1980s at the age of 36. He’s a native of South Bend and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
Governor-elect Eric Holcomb says no one knows the state of Indiana’s economy better than Schellinger.