Former Democratic Legislator Goes To Work For Ellspermann

Former legislator Peggy Welch, a Democrat, accepted a nomination from Republican Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann on Monday to become her director of intergovernmental relations.

Welch assumes office July 7 and will serve as the lieutenant governor’s liaison to city, town and county elected officials. She will serve as a member of Ellspermann’s management team.

“I am so pleased that Peggy Welch has accepted this important position in our office,” Ellspermann said in a press release. “I met Peggy when we served in the Legislature, and I developed a great respect for her commitment to serve the people of Indiana.”

Welch is currently the executive director of the Indiana Device Manufacturers Council and previously served as a registered nurse at IU Health Bloomington Hospital for 18 years.

Welch’s government service background includes time spent as the first director of the Monroe County Probation Department, a staff member of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, and as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. She was first elected to the House in 1998 and served the state in this position for 14 years.

During her time as a legislator, Welch served on the Ways and Means, Public Health, Government Reduction, and State Budget Committees and was considered to be one of the most conservative democrats in her caucus.

“In both her professional life and her numerous community activities, Peggy has been a model of servant leadership that is so important for our administration,” Ellspermann said in a statement.  “As a legislator for 14 years, she also learned the value of maintaining communications and partnerships among all levels of government.”

“I thank Lt. Gov. Ellspermann for this opportunity to work with local government leaders to enhance partnerships and collaboration with State government,” Welch said in a press release. “The agencies of the Lt. Gov.’s office offer many valuable programs that I am eager to help promote throughout the state.”

Jacob Rund is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.