Plenary Speaker

Jim Schellinger

Indiana Secretary of Commerce

Jim Schellinger is the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana, serving as a member of Governor Eric Holcomb’s cabinet and leading the state’s domestic and international economic development agenda.

Schellinger previously served as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation under Governor Mike Pence, helping lead Indiana business growth and Hoosier job creation efforts as well as key initiatives like the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the state’s $1 Billion Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative. Schellinger was appointed to the role in August 2015 after serving two years as a member of the IEDC Board of Directors.

Prior to serving the state in his current role, Schellinger most recently served as the Chairman/CEO of CSO Architects, a 52-year-old architectural firm, where he practiced architecture since 1984. Under Schellinger’s leadership, CSO led landmark projects such as the Indianapolis International Airport, the JW Marriott, and the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Schellinger is currently a member of the Dean’s Council for IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a board member for AgriNovus Indiana, a catalyst for innovation in the food and agriculture industry. Schellinger has served on numerous civic boards including the Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board where he led the new Stadium and Convention Center taskforce and the Super Bowl Host Committee for which he served as the Chairman of the Weather Preparedness and Response Team (WPRT). Schellinger is a member of AIA as well as the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Schellinger has received numerous honors and awards. He was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash in 2003, as a Kentucky Colonel in 2009, and received the lifetime achievement award from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 2011. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. Schellinger and his wife, Laura, have three sons: Zack, John and Nick.