The highest level of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s administration is getting a shake-up, with Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann leaving to be replaced by a former state Republican Party chairman.
Pence announced Tuesday that Ellspermann would leave the state’s No. 2 office and that he’s nominating Eric Holcomb as her replacement.
Ellspermann a native of Ferdinand says she has applied for the open position of president of Ivy Tech Community College and that she’ll soon be stepping down after an orderly transition.
Holcomb’s nomination must be confirmed by the Republican-dominated Legislature for him to take office.The afternoon event comes a day after Holcomb ended his 11-month campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Dan Coats.
Once Holcomb dropped out, speculation began that he was being recruited by Pence to replace Ellspermann as he prepares for this year’s race against Democrat John Gregg.
Holcomb served once as the Indiana Republican Party Chairman and was also an aide for Sen. Dan Coats and former Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Indiana’s outgoing lieutenant governor says she hasn’t been assured that she’ll be selected as the new president of Ivy Tech Community College. She says that the Ivy Tech job would allow her to influence the state’s workforce training and economic development.
Ellspermann says the selection of a new president is a decision that will be made by the Ivy Tech board of trustees and that it will do so in its own time. The Ivy Tech trustees are all appointed by the governor. Current Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder announced in September he would retire this year after nearly a decade leading the 90,000-student system.
Ellspermann also said she recognizes Holcomb’s work in the public service sector that will translate well if he takes on the role of Lt. Governor.
