John Krauss ’71 was recently appointed to the Indiana State Ethics Commission by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.

“Public service has a high bar to meet in terms of integrity. The men and women who serve the citizens of Indiana must perform their duties both ethically and responsibly,” says Krauss, who majored in political science at Colorado College. “The State Ethics Commission works to assure those standards are met. I am happy to serve.”

The State Ethics Commission is made up of five members, who each serve four-year staggered terms. The commission oversees the application and enforcement of Indiana’s ethics statues for all state employees. Holcomb announced in August that he appointed Krauss to serve until July 31, 2026. Krauss also serves as a member of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. The Commission serves as a “grand jury” for the Court in attorney ethics violations. He is in his eighth year of a 10-year term.

Krauss founded and served as the director of the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, as well as the deputy mayor of Indianapolis from 1982 through 1991 He earned his J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law.

Krauss was an adjunct professor at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law-Indianapolis teaching mediation and dispute resolution for 20 years and is a professor emeritus of the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

During his time at CC, Krauss was inspired by Bob Loevy, professor emeritus of political science. Krauss enjoyed the experiential learning offered at CC, where he was taught about the practical relationship between policy theory and its realistic application by local, state, and federal government, which is partially what inspired him to pursue a career in public service.