Former State Rep. Espich lands job with Pence administration

CARMEL, Ind. (WANE) - Governor-elect Mike Pence has announced a former state legislative will serve in his office beginning in January.

Jeff Espich (R-Uniondale), a retiring state representative of Indiana's 82nd District, will serve as Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs. Espich represented Hoosiers in parts of Allen, Wells, and Grant counties.

Espich is the former head of the state's powerful Ways and Means Committee in the Indiana House of Representatives. He was also a member of the State Budget Committee.

"Jeff Espich has a record of accomplishment and integrity from his years of leadership in the Indiana General Assembly," Pence said in a statement Thursday. "His knowledge of the budget and the legislative process will make him an invaluable addition to our legislative team. We are humbled to have a man of his caliber join our administration."

Espich, a former Speaker Pro Tempore, spent four decades in the House before deciding not seek re-election this year.

"I am honored to be asked to serve as Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs within the Pence Administration," Espich said Thursday. "I look forward to serving Hoosiers in all corners of the state and helping the Gov.-elect implement his agenda to continue to lead Indiana on a path to success."

Espich is a self-employed small businessman, according to a statement. He serves on the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and director of the State Bank of Markle.