Ruhl Named Head of Indiana OMB

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CHICAGO — Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has tapped budget director Chris Ruhl as head of the state's Office of Management and Budget.

Outgoing OMB director Ryan Kitchell is leaving the post next month to join Clarian Health as vice president and treasurer.

Ruhl takes over the job after serving as budget director for three years and as OMB general counsel prior to that.

Before joining state government in 2005, Ruhl practiced state and local tax law at Baker & Daniels LLP.

Adam Horst, currently deputy director of the state budget agency, will become the new director.

"Indiana's sound fiscal footing and budget reserves are the envy of almost every other state in the nation, and much of the credit goes to these two young men," Daniels said in a statement. "Hoosier taxpayers can count on Chris, Adam, and their team to continue safeguarding every tax dollar and squeezing maximum performance from every corner of state government."

The OMB director oversees the State Budget Agency, the Department of Government Efficiency and Financial Planning, the Indiana Department of Revenue, the Department of Local Government Finance, the Indiana Finance Authority, the State Board of Accounts, and Indiana's pension funds.

The state does not issue general obligation debt.

Kitchell has held several top finance positions since shortly after Daniels' election in 2004.

Under his tenure, the state won a coveted triple-A rating.

Kitchell oversaw the $3.8 billion lease of the Indiana Toll Road, helped build a $1.3 billion reserve fund, and crafted financing for the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where the Indianapolis Colts play.

The move becomes effective Sept. 17.

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