Former Ballard deputy Huber to lead Indy Chamber

Michael Huber, former deputy for economic development under Mayor Greg Ballard, is the new president and CEO of the Indy Chamber.

"This is a coup for our consolidated group," chamber board president John Thompson said in a prepared statement Thursday afternoon. "Mike's energy, imagination and get-the-job-done approach are just what we need to make this collaboration a success."

The chamber last year merged with Develop Indy and the Indy Partnership, economic development organizations for the city and region, as well as the Business Ownership Initiative.

"We took a big step last year when we brought the four groups together as a single entity charged with increasing economic development and business growth in the Indianapolis region. Now we've got the perfect leader to help us achieve success on all fronts," Thompson said.

Huber will replace Scott Miller, who resigned this year to pursue his own business consulting practice. Huber left the mayor's office last year for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, where he has been senior director of commercial enterprise since September.

"My family and I have a passion for Indianapolis and I know—most recently from my work at the airport—that we need to have an effective and productive regional plan in order for the entire area to thrive," Huber said in a press release. His first day on the job will be Sept. 9.

Huber worked on several of Ballard's largest real estate and privatization initiatives, including the development of CityWay, redeveloping Bush Stadium and selling the city's water and sewer systems to Citizens Energy Group.

Prior to joining Ballard's administration in 2008, he was deputy commissioner for the Indiana Department of Administration.

Huber is a board member of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Stopover Inc., and a musician at St. Mary Catholic Church. He and his wife have two children and live in downtown Indianapolis.