Buckingham Cos. founder and CEO named Indiana Secretary of Commerce

Indianapolis Star

Gov. Eric Holcomb has appointed Bradley B. Chambers — the founder, president and CEO of Indianapolis-based commercial real estate firm Buckingham Cos. — as Indiana's new secretary of commerce, the state announced Monday.

Chambers will begin his tenure as commerce secretary on July 6. He also will serve as head of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the state's lead economic development agency. He will enter into a two-year contract with the IEDC board to lead the organization, the governor's office said.

Chambers is expected to reduce his day-to-day involvement with Buckingham while he serves as secretary of commerce, the governor's office said in the news release.

To avoid a conflict of interest, Buckingham, developer and owner of projects such as the mixed-used development CityWay in downtown Indianapolis, will not be eligible for state of Indiana incentives during Chambers’ tenure with the state. Chambers has led the company since 1984.

“There is no one more qualified to lead our economic development efforts than someone who’s been a leader in the business for 35 years," Holcomb said in the release. "Not only has Brad created, grown and expanded his business from the ground up, he’s been focused on how his work contributes to making Indiana the best place to invest, work, and live for his entire career."

Bradley Chambers, founder of Buckingham Companies, has been appointed as Indiana's new Secretary of Commerce. He will also serve as the head of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Chambers' appointment to the roles comes as the state revs up its Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, a $500-million program to promote strategic investments to improve quality of life, retain and attract labor, and encourage growth. The state launched the initiative in May.

He replaces Jim Schellinger, who abruptly resigned as secretary of commerce in March. Jim Staton, IEDC senior vice president and chief business development officer, has served as secretary of commerce in the interim.

“I’m honored to serve the state of Indiana and give back to a home that has given so much to me over the years," Chambers said in the release. "I’m very excited for the opportunity to strengthen statewide entrepreneurship and help drive Indiana’s overall business climate to the next level. I’m nothing short of impressed with Governor Holcomb’s leadership and ideas for the state and look forward to being part of the team."

Contact IndyStar reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com or call 317-617-2690. Follow her on Twitter: @allyburris.