Gov. Holcomb Announces New Commissioner for the Department of Environmental Management

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced that he has selected Brian Rockensuess as the new commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

“I have no doubt that Brian will build upon the great work IDEM is already doing,” said Gov. Holcomb. “His dedication to the agency and to protecting the environment will serve all Hoosiers well.”

Rockensuess has worked at IDEM for the past eight years, including the last five as the chief of staff. In this role, he oversaw the agency’s daily operations, including governmental affairs, budget and finance, business services and contracts, information services, human resources, and communications. He also managed IDEM’s modernization efforts and has guided the agency’s legislative and rulemaking priorities. Prior to being named chief of staff, he worked as the agency’s director of governmental affairs and was the business, agricultural and legislative liaison. Prior to his service at IDEM, he worked for the Indiana State Senate.

“I want to thank Governor Holcomb for the opportunity to continue to lead the IDEM team to find creative solutions to challenges and opportunities that provide the best results for all Hoosiers,” Rockensuess said. “Together, we’ll continue to make great strides in environmental protection throughout the state while improving efficiencies within the agency.”

Rockensuess earned an undergraduate degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.

Rockensuess replaces Bruno Pigott, who stepped down on Dec. 3 to become deputy assistant administrator in the office of water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rockensuess has been acting commissioner since Pigott’s departure and begins his tenure on Dec. 13.