Lawyers, lawmaker, former AG join Rokita transition team

Indiana Attorney General-elect Todd Rokita has announced the members of his transition team, working with longtime lawyers, politicians and a former attorney general as he prepares to take the helm of the Office of the Attorney General in January.

Rokita – a former Indiana Congressman and secretary of state – announced this week that Brent C. Embrey of Embrey & Embrey in Carmel will serve as chair of his transition team. Daniel F. Evans Jr., former president and CEO of IU Health, will chair the team’s executive committee.

Other members of the executive team include:

• Peter Drumm
• Greg Garrison
• Larry Hopkins
• Indiana State Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem
• Tom John
• David Miller
• Michael Schopmeyer
• Jamie Weber
• Tom Wheeler
• Former Indiana AG Greg Zoeller

“Each member of this transition team is a state leader in their own right,” Rokita said in a statement. “They know the office and care about Hoosiers. This is a real working group, and I am proud of each one and thankful for them stepping up to offer their talents to the people of this great state.”

Now leading Rokita’s transition team, Embrey previously served as chief of staff to former Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter, overseeing the office’s work on issues including trade regulations, antitrust enforcement, litigation, licensed professions, legislative affairs and office operations. Rokita described Embrey as the “architect of the country’s strongest Do Not Call program,” adding that he “directed enforcement efforts against more than 200 violators of the law.”

In his own statement, Embrey said Rokita “has the intellect and the integrity that will make him a standout attorney general. I am pleased to offer what I can to get him off to a strong start.”

Evans, chair of the executive team, is currently the executive chairman of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. Additionally, he is the vice chair of the Indiana Drug Abuse Commission and chair of the Healthy Hoosiers Foundation.

Evans served as CEO of IU Health for 13 years until his retirement in 2016. He is a lawyer and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“I’ve known Todd virtually his entire professional life and I’d say he is uniquely qualified to be the attorney general in these challenging times,” Evans said in a statement. “His experience as secretary of state and a member of Congress equips him to bring meaningful policy expertise and representation of the state together to improve the lives of Hoosiers.”

Among the other members of the executive team, Drumm is a lawyer and businessman practicing with Benadum, Cecil and Drumm in Muncie. He previously worked as a deputy attorney general under Indiana AG Theodor Sendak.

Garrison prosecuted homicides and capital cases for 25 years and is also known for his former conservative talk radio show. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and “has had long-standing professional relationships with several OAG administrations.”

Hopkins has served as an adviser and consultant to multiple elected officials and worked under AG Carter as chief administrative officer. His career includes experience in personnel performance, regulatory policy and project management in crisis and routine environments.

Houchin was also a member of Rokita’s campaign team, serving as his campaign chairwoman and overseeing his successful bids at both the Indiana Republican Convention in the summer and the general election in November, where Rokita secured more votes than any other statewide candidate in Hoosier history. In her work as a state senator, Houchin has authored multiple bills specific to the OAG.

John practices law at Ice Miller LLP, where he is a partner in the public affairs group and a co-leader of the public infrastructure practice. Rokita described him as having “detailed experience working with the OAG from the viewpoint of industries and individual constituents who widely utilize the office.”

Miller has worked for three Indiana attorneys general over the last 50 years. He began as a law clerk and worked his way up to chief counsel, legislative director and special adviser to the AG.

Schopmeyer is a partner in the Evansville firm Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, where he practices business, construction, environmental and property law. He also has experience working with the OAG through his time with the State Board of Accounts.

Like Houchin, Weber worked on the Rokita campaign, serving as finance director. Rokita described Weber as an “experienced political leader and veteran transition team member” with experience in policy analysis, organization leadership, community outreach and event planning.

Wheeler is a member of Frost Brown Todd, serving as a principal in the government services and appellate practice groups and heading up the regulatory and administrative law practice. He has experience representing governmental entities at the local, state and federal levels and also has experience with the same law, rules and procedures overseen by the OAG.

Lastly, Zoeller served as Indiana attorney general from 2009-2017, focusing on consumer protection, public health and public safety. He now serves as chair of the World Trade Center Indianapolis.

“I could not be more pleased with this team of professionals and the diverse experiences they bring to the table,” Rokita said. “I am grateful to have their support and expertise as we transition and prepare to take office in January.”

Prior to his November win over Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel, Rokita defeated three candidates, including incumbent Indiana AG Curtis Hill, for the GOP nomination. The AG-elect said the current OAG has provided “positive cooperation” in the transition.

“I am eager to hit the ground running and continue working hard as a public servant for the people of this great state,” he said.

Individuals interested in working for Rokita’s OAG can send letters of interest and resumes to [email protected].