Holcomb unconcerned about departures; says he’s happy for outgoing staff

Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb (left) and Gov. Eric Holcomb sit at a Sept. 12, 2024 event. (From Gov. Eric Holcomb’s official Flickr)

Term-limited Gov. Eric Holcomb — who will leave office in January — knows people are leaving his administration. But he’s not worried about it.

“I’ve been through this season three times,” he told reporters last week. He previously worked in Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration and was lieutenant governor under former Gov. Mike Pence.

“I would say concern is not the right word in this case, but awareness is, certainly, daily,” he said.

Holcomb said he appreciated those who have “devoted their lives” and spent decades working for the state.

“But I certainly understand when the folks who come to this (governor’s) office specifically, and to the administration in very high levels, they’re doing it on a temporary basis many times, and that’s understood at the outset,” he continued.

Turnover among gubernatorial appointees, especially at higher positions, can increase in the waning days of an administration. That’s because the new governor often replaces them. The turnover can be less if the next governor is from the same political party, but cabinet posts still often change.

Holcomb’s office has announced several high-level departures since March, when he completed his final legislative session.

Indiana School for the Deaf Superintendent David Geeslin announced last week that he planned to retire next June, after the current academic year. He spent 33 years at the school across several roles.
Indiana Gaming Commission leader Greg Small — the state’s top gambling regulator — left this week after announcing his plans to step down in early September. Small spent three years in the role and nine at the agency in total. He joined Philadelphia-based sports betting platform Fliff as its legal and government head, according to his LinkedIn.
Integrated Public Safety Commission Executive Director Kelly Dignin retired in August after working 28 years for the state, initially as a dispatcher and training officer, according to a news release.
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Superintendent James Durst similarly announced his retirement in May, after 33 years at the school. He’ll leave at the end of this month.
In April, Budget Director Zac Jackson stepped down from his post and an interim director was appointed.

“I’m proud and I’m happy for folks who are maybe finding greener pastures in their next life,” Holcomb said.

For employees seeking new employment, rather than retirement, he said: “I’ve told everyone, I want to help you find your next job. I will help, and then we will adjust.”