Indiana economic development chief Roob steps down

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s economic development chief is leaving for the private sector after seven years with Gov. Mitch Daniels’ cabinet.

Daniels said Thursday that Indiana Commerce Secretary Mitch Roob (rohb) is stepping down to take a job with WoundVision, a healthcare company. The governor has appointed former Eli Lilly and Co. executive Daniel J. Hasler to replace Roob.

Roob ran the state’s Family and Social Services Administration from 2005-2008 before becoming head of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. He oversaw Daniels’ problem-filled efforts to privatize the state’s social services.

Indiana and IBM remain locked in a legal battle over Daniels’ cancellation of IBM’s welfare-intake privatization contract.

Hasler retired last year after 31 years with Eli Lilly. Most recently he’s been working with IEDC to bring life sciences business to the state.