Lawmakers seek leader for ‘interesting, challenging and unique’ post

The Indiana General Assembly has begun the search for a new executive director of the Legislative Services Agency.

Jack Ross, the current executive director, will step down from the post Nov. 30. He began his tenure in 2007, having previously served as the chief counsel for the Senate Democrats for 25 sessions.

The executive director oversees the nonpartisan agency which performs several key functions for the Indiana General Assembly. In particular, the LSA drafts the bills and amendments, provides legal counsel and does a fiscal analysis of every bill introduced.

“It is an interesting, challenging and unique job,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma, R- Indianapolis, who will help select the next person to lead the LSA.

The search for a new LSA executive director is being conducted statewide as well as on a limited national level. Bosma said he is confident the search committee will get applications from a large group of qualified individuals.

Applications are due Sept. 5, and the new executive director must be able to begin work by Nov. 7.

Applicants must have a graduate degree in a relevant field and 10 years of management experience at a mid- to large-governmental agency or private entity. In addition, Bosma said, the executive director must be able to manage and challenge the “high functioning” employees who work within the LSA.

The LSA has had seven directors since it was established in the late 1960s. All of them have come from within the state of Indiana and all have been men.

The goal, Bosma said, “will be to hire the absolute highest qualified individual possible regardless of gender and minority status. Of course, we’d be thrilled if that individual breaks a glass ceiling.”

The leaders of all four caucuses in the General Assembly will review the applications and lead the interviews. The interviews are scheduled for the weeks of Sept. 10 and 17 with the final selection being made by Sept. 24.

A summary of the agency’s duties is available. Applications should be sent to: Speaker Brian C. Bosma; Chairman, Indiana Legislative Council; 200 W. Washington St., Room 3-7; Indianapolis, IN 46204.