Brad Chambers is Indiana’s new secretary of commerce.
Chambers is founder, president, and CEO of Indianapolis-based Buckingham Companies. He starts his new role July 6. Chambers also will lead the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
“There is no one more qualified to lead our economic development efforts than someone who’s been a leader in the business for 35 years,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Not only has Brad created, grown and expanded his business from the ground up, he’s been focused on how his work contributes to making Indiana the best place to invest, work, and live for his entire career.”
Chambers has extensive experience in property management and land development. He has worked in the field since 1984.
Chambers, an Indiana native, said he is honored to serve and give back to his home state.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to strengthen statewide entrepreneurship and help drive Indiana’s overall business climate to the next level,” he said.
Chambers is founder and board member of Buckingham Foundation Inc., a member of the National Multi Housing Council and Young Presidents Organization. He previously has served on the boards of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Chambers also is past vice chair of the Urban Land Institute of Indiana and a former member of the Indiana State Office Commission, the Apartment Association of Indiana, and the Indianapolis Police Department Civilian Merit Board.
Chambers chairs the Indiana State Fair Commission and will remain in that role through this year’s Indiana State Fair.
Chambers will work under a two-year contract with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. board to lead the IEDC and will reduce his day-to-day involvement with Buckingham while he serves as secretary of commerce.
Buckingham Companies will not be eligible for state of Indiana incentives during Chambers’ tenure with the state.
Holcomb announced March 8 Jim Staton, senior vice president and chief business development officer at the IEDC, would serve as the state’s interim commerce secretary, following the March 3 resignation of Jim Schellinger.
