Financial consulting executive Bedel tapped as IEDC president

Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb has tapped the longtime CEO of an Indianapolis financial consulting firm to become president of the state’s economic development organization.

Elaine Bedel has been CEO and owner of Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. since 1989. She’s also the author of a personal finance book and a frequent speaker at national business events. 

"Elaine's bold leadership and extensive experience as the owner of her own financial consulting company will be great assets to promote Indiana's positive business climate and jobs-magnet reputation," Holcomb said in a written statement. 

Architect Jim Schellinger previously was president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., a quasi-private state agency that doles out tax incentives and provides other services to attract and retain companies to Indiana. Schellinger will become Indiana’s commerce secretary in Holcomb’s administration. 

"I look forward to working alongside Elaine and Secretary Schellinger as we continue to grow the state's economy and take Indiana to the next level,” Holcomb said in the statement.

Previously, Bedel was the director of personal finance planning at Coopers & Lybrand. She is a graduate of Hanover College and has an MBA from Butler University.  

Holcomb also announced Thursday that Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness will become commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Holcomb said since McGuinness’ took office in 2012, he has “Implemented innovative infrastructure and economic development projects that transformed the city’s downtown.”

The governor-elect also hired retired Goodwill Industries Foundation of Central Indiana CEO Jim McClelland for a new position that he created in the governor’s office: executive director for substance abuse prevention and treatment. 

McClelland will coordinate strategy to help with drug abuse and prevention issues across Indiana’s state agencies—which Holcomb said is a priority for his administration.