INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s new secretary of commerce said Tuesday he will continue serving as president and CEO of Fishers-based Gaylor Electric even as he assumes oversight of the state’s economic development apparatus, pledging internal procedures to prevent conflicts of interest.
New role, same company
Chuck Goodrich, who succeeded David Adams on Monday, told reporters he has separated duties between his roles in recent weeks and will keep the private-sector post while leading agencies that include the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
“Now, how we do that is we have screenings at Gaylor Electric and we have screenings at the state,” Goodrich said. “And we have people in charge of making sure that there’s no issue between the business of the state and the business of Gaylor.”
Goodrich’s decision drew immediate scrutiny because public records show Gaylor Electric currently benefits from state incentives and holds several state contracts.
What the records show
According to IEDC records, Gaylor Electric has two active tax-credit incentives that together total $1.5 million and include a commitment to add 140 jobs. The company also provides services to state facilities, including work at the Statehouse.
| Incentive | Amount | Job commitment |
|---|---|---|
| EDGTE tax credit | $1.3 million | 140 jobs |
| Hoosier Business Investment tax credit | $200,000 |
Those existing ties prompted criticism from legislators who serve on the State Budget Committee and have recently scrutinized the IEDC’s practices.
- Rep. Ed DeLaney and Sen. Fady Qaddoura, both Indianapolis Democrats, warned the arrangement risks a conflict between Goodrich’s private interests and public duties.
- Qaddoura said the dual role posed a “very serious potential conflict of interest” and criticized the agency’s self-policing approach.
- Goodrich said Gaylor will go through the same application and review processes as other companies if it seeks additional incentives.
Context and stakes
The IEDC has been under heightened legislative scrutiny after a forensic audit released last year highlighted conflicts of interest within the agency. That history adds weight to concerns about a commerce secretary who simultaneously leads a company with active incentives and state contracts.
Goodrich’s pledges of internal screenings and separated duties aim to address transparency and accountability questions, but the arrangement places responsibility on the administration and the IEDC to document safeguards and to show independent oversight. Lawmakers on budget and oversight panels are likely to press for written policies and disclosures to reduce the appearance of impropriety.
How the agency and the governor’s office implement those safeguards will matter for public trust in Indiana’s economic development decisions and for future legislative oversight measures.
— Owen Brandt, Indiana Correspondent
