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Schellinger Steps Down As Indiana Secretary Of Commerce

By Brandon Smith, IPB News | Published on in Business, Economy, Government, Politics
Jim Schellinger, center, was named the head of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2015 by then-Gov. Mike Pence, left.
Jim Schellinger, center, was named the head of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2015 by then-Gov. Mike Pence, left. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, responsible for helping get companies to locate and add more jobs in the state, will soon have a new leader.

Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger stepped down Wednesday, effective immediately.

In a letter to the IEDC Board of Directors, Schellinger said serving as Secretary of Commerce has been the “higher honor” of his life, but that it’s time for a “new day and a new leader” at the agency.

Schellinger started at the IEDC in 2015, under then-Gov. Mike Pence. The 60-year-old business leader and former Democratic candidate for governor said he believes the timing of his departure is good, arguing the “pipeline” for new jobs has never been stronger.

In a statement, Gov. Eric Holcomb called Schellinger a “great leader” and lauded IEDC’s record under his leadership. He said he’ll move quickly to name both interim and permanent successors to the position.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.