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Summary
John is a partner in Taft’s Public Affairs Strategies Group. He joined Taft following nearly two decades of senior-level roles at the state and federal levels. Collaborative and consensus-seeking by nature, John has distinguished himself across all levels of government as a problem-solver with a strong record of achievement. John now represents clients to find similar success at the local, state, and federal levels.
Prior to joining Taft, John was Deputy Chief of Staff for Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb for nearly eight years, leading all state legislative and federal affairs, intergovernmental affairs, and strategic communications while serving as the primary liaison to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Starting in 2017, John worked closely with the Governor, legislative leadership, and all executive branch agencies to craft creative and bold solutions to some of the state’s most pressing public policy challenges in economic development, K-12, energy, health care, higher education, telecommunications, transportation, and more.
Earlier in the administration, John was Senior Operations Director for state agencies representing at the time nearly 40% of the state government’s workforce and over 30% of state agency appropriations. These agencies included the Indiana Department of Child Services, Department of Correction, and various public safety agencies, including the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, Department of Homeland Security, and Indiana State Police. This work involved regular connectivity with agency heads and key staff to drive improved outcomes and set budgets, as well as administrative and legislative priorities.
John has traveled extensively across the country as an active participant in the National Governors Association (NGA) and Republican Governors Association (RGA), forging strong relationships with other state governors’ offices, senior staff, and key NGA and RGA leadership. Over all eight years, he also supported the Governor in Washington, D.C., alongside the state’s federal representative when meeting with federal cabinet agencies or at the White House.
Prior to his role in the Office of the Governor, John spent nearly a decade living and working in Washington, D.C., in the United States Congress. Getting his start as an intern for U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar, John went on to serve multiple Members of Congress in senior roles such as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, General Counsel, and Legislative Counsel. In his policy roles, John worked closely with the committees his members served on, including the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, House Energy & Commerce, and House Committee on Agriculture. John concluded his time on Capitol Hill as Chief of Staff, where he directed all policy, political, and office operations.
John received his Bachelor of Arts from Denison University, with a double major in political science and history, and his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Indiana.
John remains active in the community as a board member of the Indiana Sports Corporation, past chair of the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children, and an appointed member of the Indiana Code Revision Commission.
He is married with two daughters and currently resides in Indianapolis.
All Service Areas
All Practices
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law (2009)
J.D. – National Security Law Certificate
- Denison University (2004)
B.A. – Double major in Political Science and History
Admissions
- State - Indiana
News
Taft Adds Accomplished Partner to Growing Public Affairs Strategies Group
Professional Affiliations
- Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children
Past Chair
- Indiana Society of Washington, D.C.
Past Board Member
- Indiana State Bar Association
Member
- Indianapolis Bar Association
Member
Community Involvement
- Indiana Sports Corporation
Board Member