Acting Budget Director Joseph Habig will continue his deputy director duties as well. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.

By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANA — Joseph Habig, a deputy director at Indiana’s State Budget Agency, will soon serve as the agency’s acting budget director, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday, March 20.

Habig will take over for outgoing Budget Director Zac Jackson beginning April 8. Jackson announced in mid-February that he would be the city of Carmel’s chief financial officer and controller.

“Joe has proven his dedication, financial expertise and leadership qualities during some of the most unpredictable times in recent history,” Holcomb said in a news release. “He is a steward of fiscal leadership who cares deeply about the future of Indiana, which is why he is the perfect candidate to provide the continuity during the remainder of my administration.”

Eight candidates are vying to succeed Holcomb, who is term-limited. Habig, therefore, would serve at least until a newcomer takes office in January.

Holcomb said that, as acting director, Habig will work with agencies to prepare the next biennial budget, including likely fall budget hearings. Lawmakers will begin moving that legislation when the next session begins in January.

Habig will also continue to serve in his current deputy director role, according to Holcomb.

Habig has worked at the agency for more than a dozen years, according to his LinkedIn — rising from an analyst to an assistant director before reaching the deputy director and now interim director roles. He previously worked two years for Indiana’s Senate.

Habig has also served more than eight years in Indiana’s Army National Guard and is currently an infantry officer in the 1^st Battalion 151^st Infantry Regiment of the 76^th Infantry Brigade.

He earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.