FORT WAYNE, IN, September 1, 2025 – The board of directors of the Center for Independent and Effective Government recently voted to hire Nathan Gotsch as the new executive director of Independent Indiana, the statewide initiative focused on empowering independent leaders and restoring competitive elections to the state.

Gotsch brings a track record of independent leadership and community organizing to the role. In 2022, he ran for Congress as an independent in Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, earning the highest percentage of votes of any independent candidate running in states with straight-ticket voting that year.

After the election, Gotsch continued looking for ways to make an impact. When a suburban Fort Wayne high school's principal canceled the spring play under pressure from a small group of anti-LGBTQ parents, he stepped in to independently produce the show. The production garnered national attention, including a front-page feature in The Washington Post.

In his role as Indiana state director for Business for America, Gotsch spearheaded the creation of the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics, a coalition of Hoosier businesses committed to improving voter registration and participation.

Gotsch is also the founder of Centerton Group, a consulting firm that provides small businesses and nonprofit organizations with marketing and communications, content strategy, and media and event production services.

“Indiana’s future depends on leaders who are willing to put service above partisanship,” Gotsch said. “I’m honored to lead Independent Indiana and help create the resources and opportunities that will allow more Hoosiers to step forward as independent voices in their communities.”

The Center for Independent and Effective Government is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to boosting civic participation, raising public awareness, and supporting reforms that give independents a fair chance to compete in Indiana elections.

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