Michael D. McDaniel

As the Executive Director of Governmental Affairs for Krieg DeVault LLP, Mike McDaniel provides insight to the firm’s clients concerning governmental issues. Mr. McDaniel’s extensive background in government includes having served as Indiana Republican State Chairman from 1995 to 2002, being elected for a record three terms. Mr. McDaniel was also appointed Chairman of the National Republican State Chairmen's Advisory Committee and served on the Executive Committee of the Republican National Committee. Prior to this, he served as Director of Governmental Affairs at Ball State University and Director of the Otis R. Bowen Institute for Practical Politics. Mr. McDaniel served as Executive Director of the Indiana State Election Board, having been appointed by Governor Robert Orr in 1988. He was the 1988 Campaign Manager for the Mutz for Governor Campaign, having served as Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor John Mutz between 1980 and 1988. Mr. McDaniel was Deputy Campaign manager of the successful Orr/Mutz campaigns for Governor and Lt. Governor in 1980 and 1984. From 1976 to 1980, Mr. McDaniel served as Administrative Assistant to two President Pro Tems of the Indiana State Senate. In 1975 he served as Research Director for the City-County Council of Indianapolis.  Mr. McDaniel has been involved in every session of the Indiana General Assembly since 1974 when he began his career as a graduate student intern for then State Senator John Mutz.

Mr. McDaniel has taken on numerous leadership roles throughout his life of service to the Republican Party. He has served as Precinct Committeeman, Marion County Y.R. Chairman, delegate to State Conventions, and advisor to hundreds of campaigns at all levels. He has been a delegate, alternate delegate, or delegations assistant at the last eleven Republican National Conventions, including serving as the state delegation leader at the 1996 convention in San Diego and the 2000 convention in Philadelphia. He was appointed and served as Indiana Chairman of the Indiana George W. Bush for President Campaign in 2000. He appeared for 21 years and over 1,000 shows as the Republican panelist on the statewide weekly public television program Indiana Week in Review.

Professional Associations

• Board of Trustees of Ball State University - appointed by Governor Mike Pence; twice by Governor Eric Holcomb, 2016-present
• The Hundred Club of Indianapolis
• Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana
• Ball State University Cardinal Varsity Club

Awards & Recognitions

• Sagamore of the Wabash: Governor Otis R. Bowen (1978), Governor Robert D. Orr (1981), Governor Evan Bayh (1997), and Governor Mike Pence (2016)
• Indiana Standardbred Association Special Achievement Award (2016)
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Ball State University (2008)
• 2014 Allen C. Steere Award for Professional Excellence

Education

• B.S., Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
• M.P.A., Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

Practices

• Governmental Affairs and Public Advocacy
• Municipal and Governmental Law

Industries

• Gaming
• Government