Landis, of Indianapolis, grew up in Goshen and is founder and president of Marketrends Inc., a marketing and communications firm, and co-founder and managing partner of American Grassroots LLC, a mass telecommunications notification and grassroots communications firm.
Landis will serve until Jan. 1, 2004, completing the term of Camie Swanson-Hull, who resigned effective Nov. 1. Landis is a Republican, and his appointment fulfills the governor's responsibility to politcally balance the commission.
"Larry Landis has considerable experience related to public service and has worked with businesses that are regulated," O'Bannon said. "That will be of great benefit to the Utility Regulatory Commission and to consumers. He can help the commission focus on making Indiana an attractive place to do business and create jobs, which can advance our economic development efforts."
Landis previously worked for several advertising firms, including six years at Handley & Miller Inc. He also worked for PALLM Inc., a software company; as an assistant to the mayor of Indianapolis; and as press secretary for Governor Otis Bowen's first gubernatorial campaign. He earned a bachelor's degree cum laude from Wabash College.
"I am honored that Governor O'Bannon has chosen me to serve on the commission," Landis said. "I hope that I can play a small role in helping make Indiana the kind of place where businesses want to locate and individuals want to live."
Landis has been active in the Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men and has served on committees of the Wabash College Campaign for Leadership. While an undergraduate at Wabash, Landis majored in political science and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi.
The IURC regulates more than 700 telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, sewer and steam utilities.