Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today named Jim Atterholt as his Chief of Staff, effective Monday, May 19. Atterholt brings extensive state government experience to the position, having served two terms as a state representative and led two state agencies. He currently chairs the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
“Jim Atterholt’s experience in state government and in the Indiana General Assembly, along with his reputation for integrity make him uniquely qualified to serve as my Chief of Staff,” said Governor Pence. “We look forward to having him join our team, and know he will serve the people of Indiana well.”
Atterholt was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in June of 2009 and was named chairman in October 5, 2010. He was reappointed in March 2013 for a full term by Governor Pence. Prior to joining the Commission, he was the State Insurance Commissioner for more than four years, where he also served as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.
Atterholt has dedicated much of his life to public service. He was elected and served two terms as a member of the Indiana General Assembly from 1998 to 2002. As a state representative, he served on the House Commerce, Economic Development and Technology Committee. Atterholt also was a member of the Environmental Affairs Committee, as well as the Labor Committee. Before returning to public service as the State Insurance Commissioner, Atterholt worked as Director of Government Affairs for AT&T-Indiana from 2003 to 2004.
A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Atterholt received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1986. He has also worked as Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C., and later as District Director in Indiana for a member of the United States Congress. He also serves on the board of directors of the Saint Florian Center for at-risk children.
“It has been a blessing to observe the positive tone Governor Pence and his team have set for Indiana and their commitment to servant leadership,” said Atterholt. “The Governor has a heart for all Hoosiers and a well-deserved reputation for showing kindness to even those who may disagree. I am honored to serve in this new role.”
Atterholt and his wife Brenda have three children and reside in Indianapolis.
Contact Information:
Name: Kara Brooks
Phone: 317-232-1622
Email: kbrooks@gov.in.gov
This additional information can be found on Jim Atterholt's LinkedIn profile:
Chairman
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Serve as a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and its Committee on Natural Gas
Commissioner
Indiana Department of Insurance
Served as a member of the Governor's Cabinet and represented Indiana as a member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
State Representative
Indiana General Assembly
Served on the Environmental Affairs Committee, the Labor Committee, and the House Commerce, Economic Development, and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over all utility-related legislation
Chief of Staff/District Director
Fifth Congressional District
Washington DC and Indianapolis. Served first in the DC office and later in the Indiana district office in various roles including Chief of Staff and District Director
Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and History
Activities and Societies: Member of Beta Theta Pi Fraturnity