John Okeson makes major move from Guv's office back to Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne native and former Indiana Clerk of the Supreme and Appellate Courts H. John Okeson is moving back to Fort Wayne after serving as a top aide to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Jr..  Mr. Okeson has been Governor Daniels' chief legislative liason. 

Mr. Okeson is a graduate of IPFW and the Indiana University School of Law.  He had been an attorney with the Fort Wayne office of Baker & Daniels. Mr. Okeson served two terms in the statewide post of Clerk. He was elected in 1990 and re-elected in 1994.  He was the first Allen County native to be elected to a state government post since Bill Salin was elected Secretary of State in 1968.

Changes in state law have since removed the office of Clerk of Courts as an elected post.

Mr. Okeson has been mentioned in the past as a potential candidate for Mayor in the last three mayoral election cycles as has current State Auditor and former State Treasurer Tim Berry.

John Okeson's brother, Paul, had served two years as Chief Deputy to Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita.  It was announced that Paul Okeson would depart his post at the beginning of the month.

The editor of Fort Wayne Observed also knows the Brothers Okeson as triathlon participants.

Both Okeson brothers have been well-regarded in state government.  Paul Okeson even earned praise from Jen Wagner, the Communications Director of the Indiana Democratic Party and the editor of the weblog, Taking Down Words.  Ms. Wagner wrote:

For the record, and in her professional capacity, the blogmistress would like to thank outgoing chief of staff Paul Okeson for always being responsive and easy to work with.) 

Comments

[Craig Ladwig]

I know Mr. Okeson as a patient, kind and talented coach of Upwards Girls Basketball, which to my mind is better mayoral training than working for Parkview Hospital (let's buy in bulk and mandate CPR proficiency). It is a career-stopper, however, to behave in such a way that a Democrat would describe one as "easy to work with." We are trying to get a bit of separation, as Coach Okeson aptly taught his offenses.

[Sam Talarico, Jr.]

Craig, we agree on something. John Okeson taught my little girl in Upward as well and did a fantastic job!