Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) named Ryan J. Heater to lead its government relations team. Heater will serve as the association’s vice president of government relations beginning Sept. 25.

Heater will lead the association’s state and federal governmental relations efforts, which include lobbying, political action and grassroots initiatives.

 “Ryan is a respected government relations professional,” said John Cassady, CEO of IEC. “His Indiana rural roots and his grasp of the energy industry and the legislative process will be an asset to our member cooperatives as they meet the challenges facing our industry and work to improve the overall economic health and quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Heater was most recently chief of staff of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. He also served as the policy and legislative director in the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office for three lieutenant governors – Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. His professional background also includes positions in the Indiana Cable Telecommunications Association and Indiana House of Representatives.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve Hoosiers throughout my career,” said Heater. “I am excited for this opportunity to support IEC and our REMC communities across Indiana.”

Heater is a native of Star City, Ind., and is a graduate of Purdue University and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He also served six years in the Indiana Army National Guard.