INDIANA – Today, Brad Chambers filed his formal paperwork with the Indiana Secretary of State to establish his campaign committee for Governor of Indiana. This is the first step in the formal process of running for Governor.
“As Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce, the last two years, I have witnessed firsthand how important leadership, vision, urgency, and aspiration are to the future of Indiana,” said Brad Chambers. “I am running for Governor because I want Hoosiers of today and Hoosiers of tomorrow to believe that Indiana offers an opportunity for an excellent life. I am ambitious in my vision for Indiana, and I look forward to talking with Hoosiers about the best way to continue making our state the envy of many.”
Brad Chambers, a Hoosier-born and raised business entrepreneur, recently concluded a historic two-year term as the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana. Under Brad’s leadership, the IEDC secured over $33 billion of committed capital investments during his tenure, including an unprecedented $22.2 billion last year alone with average wages 30% higher than any time in IEDC history. His creation of and focus on an ambitious 5E vision for Indiana’s economic future is transforming the Indiana economy. These breakthroughs included Indiana’s first-ever industry investments in microelectronics, and electric vehicles, and the largest life sciences investment in state history.
For nearly 40 years, Brad Chambers has been a leader in the investment, development, and management of investment-grade real estate nationwide. As the founder, President, and CEO of Indianapolis-based Buckingham Companies, Chambers has led the strategic direction of the company’s various integrated divisions since he started the company as a student at Indiana University in 1984. With a focus on midwestern values, creativity, and community involvement, Buckingham has grown from its first rental property purchase to the development and acquisition of a real estate portfolio exceeding $3 billion.
In addition to his role at Buckingham Companies, Chambers was appointed Secretary of Commerce for the State of Indiana by Governor Eric Holcomb, serving as a member of Governor Holcomb’s cabinet. In his two years as Secretary of Commerce, Chambers led the strategy and growth of the state’s economy resulting in an unprecedented $33 billion in committed capital expenditures along with record wage increases. Chambers laid out an ambitious vision for Indiana’s economic growth that led to the attraction of new industries including semiconductor and electric vehicle battery manufacturing and the largest life sciences investment in state history. Chambers’ leadership resulted in increased momentum around entrepreneurship, record legislative funding support, and the LEAP Innovation district, a best-in-class location for innovation and research anchoring a new state-sponsored hard tech corridor.
Chambers also serves as a founder and board member of the Buckingham Foundation Inc., a philanthropic organization focused on making a positive impact on communities within the mission areas of affordable housing, community and economic development, arts and culture, and childhood hunger. Chambers currently serves on the board of the Indiana International Center and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Chambers previously served as Chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission and on the boards of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., National Multi-Housing Council, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He also previously served as vice chair of the Urban Land Institute of Indiana and as a member of the Indiana State Office Building Commission, the Apartment Association of Indiana, the Indianapolis Police Department Civilian Merit Board, and trustee of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Chambers received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He and his wife, Carol, are parents to their son, Nick.
