Indiana Chamber Taps IURC Commissioner David Ober As New VP Of Taxation

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has hired former state legislator and current Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) Commissioner David Ober to join its lobbying team. Ober starts his new position as vice president of taxation and public finance in late June.

The Indiana Chamber is the largest, broad-based business advocacy group in the state, representing businesses of all types and sizes throughout Indiana. Organization president and CEO Kevin Brinegar offers praise for Ober.

“David is one of the most intellectually curious and thorough individuals I’ve ever come across in the public policy and rulemaking arena. Couple that with his firsthand knowledge of the General Assembly and experience with state fiscal matters and he is an ideal fit for this role,” he remarks.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him on board to lead our efforts to further enhance the state’s business tax climate.”

Ober is one of the state’s five IURC commissioners; collectively they hear cases and render decisions in the public interest regarding utility practices.

Prior to his IURC appointment by Gov. Eric Holcomb, Ober served House District 82 in the Indiana House of Representatives representing Allen, Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble and Whitley counties from 2012 to 2018.

Throughout his tenure in state government, Ober held a variety of leadership positions including assistant majority whip for the House Republican Caucus and chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee. He also was a member of the top fiscal body, the House Ways and Means Committee.

“The Indiana Chamber leadership and public policy team has some of the best minds working to shape the future of commerce and the economic environment in our state,” Ober says. “I am looking forward to expanding on the great work already being done, and I’m eager to continue building the Chamber’s reputation with policymakers and stakeholders.”

Ober holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond and a master’s degree in business administration from Ball State University.

A native of Albion in Noble County, he and his wife, Maggie, currently reside in Zionsville.

Ober will replace long-time Indiana Chamber executive Bill Waltz, who retires mid-July.