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Chief of Staff
Office of the Governor
Joshua Kelley is a 39-year-old chief of staff for the governor of the state of Indiana. But that is not what he singles out as the most significant accomplishment of his career. That would be helping his boss, Mike Braun, win the 2018 Republican primary for U.S. Senate. With Kelley leading the campaign, that path to victory required defeating two sitting congressmen. Braun would go on to defeat the incumbent in the general election. “What truly distinguishes Joshua is his combination of tactical excellence and strategic vision that has helped me immeasurably throughout my time in public service,” Braun said. Now, as chief of staff, Kelley is responsible for carrying out the newly elected governor’s agenda. He also oversees all the cabinet secretaries. What’s the secret to such success? “I have learned that I can’t do everything,” Kelley said. “It is important to ask for help from your colleagues before you become overwhelmed, and [to] surround yourself with great people.”
Getting here: Kelley said he spent nearly a decade as a political consultant working on various campaigns around the country. He met Braun and was asked to run his Senate race before the Jasper business entrepreneur later offered Kelley the role of chief of staff. Kelley then led Braun’s successful campaign for governor, a decisive double-digit victory.
First job: youth soccer referee
Givebacks: Monroe County GOP executive director, collegiate soccer referee
Influential person: Mike Gentry, a mentor and best friend. “Mike hired me to work on legislative campaigns in 2009 and has taught me everything I know about politics and much more about leadership, business and life,” Kelley said.
Meaningful moment: “Gov. Braun recently ordered the amendment of a state policy impacting families who need therapy for their children with autism. The change made by the governor will have a very positive impact on families and help secure the program for many years into future.”•
Check out more Forty Under 40 honorees.
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