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Timothy Rushenberg

Indiana Energy Association

21 years of experience
Energy, Oil & Gas Law, Tax Law
District of Columbia, Indiana

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Biography

Combining legal expertise with the ability to lead change and business enhancement efforts, I have streamlined operations within the public and private sectors. I have applied Six Sigma improvement tools to modernize antiquated government systems and propel business development efforts in government, the private sector, and trade associations. I have ensured regulatory compliance for manufacturers, electric and natural gas utilities, local and state government, as well as the U.S. Air Force.

I apply excellence in analysis to identify gaps in business performance and prepare strategic and marketing plans to strengthen systems and employee engagement. Recognizing the critical role of information technology, I have led a variety of projects to upgrade both internal and internet systems, speeding transaction processing, and providing more timely and accurate data to support decision-making.

Often called upon to testify before state legislative bodies, I have provided comprehensive interpretation of laws as well as recommendations on new laws and rules, budget allocations, and changes in policy. Consensus-building and advocating for evidence-supported policy initiatives is a skill I have learned and applied in the military, government, business, and at trade associations.

Practice Areas

Energy, Oil & Gas Law: Utilities

Tax Law: Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning

Fees

Not Currently Accepting Clients

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

District of Columbia: District of Columbia Bar
Since 2004

Indiana
Since 2002

Languages

English: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Vice President: Indiana Energy Association; 2014 - Current; The Indiana Energy Association is a trade association located in Indianapolis. Our membership is made up of 14 Indiana investor owned natural gas and electric utilities and one public charitable trust natural gas utility. The primary role of the Association is to advocate, communicate and promote energy policies to improve the economy and quality of life in Indiana. We work with Indiana public officials, regulators and our customers every day to meet that goal.

Vice President, Government Affairs & Tax Policy: Indiana Manufacturers Association; 2013 - 2014; Formed in 1901, the Indiana Manufacturers Association is the second oldest manufacturers association in the country and the only trade association in Indiana that exclusively focuses on manufacturing. The Indiana Manufacturers Association is dedicated to advocating for a business climate that creates, protects and promotes quality manufacturing jobs in Indiana. Selected Accomplishments: Defeat of controversial synthetic natural gas (SNG) plant saving manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2013, served as manufacturing industry’s primary lobbyist in opposition to controversial Rockport synthetic natural gas (SNG) legislation, potentially saving $400M for industrial ratepayers. Adoption of legislation establishing opt-out of state’s energy efficiency program for industrial customers. In 2014, worked with the manufacturers and utility industry to successfully pass legislation that allowed industrial customers to opt-out from participating in their electric utility’s energy efficiency and conservation programs. Saved manufacturing industry over $1 billion during life of program in rising electric utility and program costs. Chief spokesman and advocate for tax and energy reform on behalf of manufacturing community. Advocated for property tax and other relief potentially reaching $800 million in savings for manufacturers and other businesses. Responsible for content and publication of quarterly online newsletter on federal and state tax matters, TaxTalk. Served as panelist on “Sales and Use Tax” at a Tax Simplification and Competitiveness Conference convened by the Administration of then-Governor Mike Pence. Responsible for content and publication of online energy newsletter published twice per year, Energy Update.

President: SRI, Inc.; 2010 - 2012; Provided real estate transaction services to 93 county governments in four states, including real-estate liquidation, property tax sales, property tax billing, and foreclosure processing. Increased clients and developed on-line auction site. Led team of 21 and P&L. Selected Accomplishments: Expanded foreclosure sales. Developed sales plan, targeting the county sheriffs across Indiana. Closed 5300 sales in two years and expanded client list from 18 to 33 counties statewide. Led major internet system upgrade. Identified and contracted with software provider, upgrading existing system and adding new features such as e-payment, cloud computing, and Google maps. Secured first-ever Internet county tax sale in Indiana and added additional new business. Guide marketing plan development, leading to new business. The company had not prepared a marketing plan in its 22 year history. The collaterals, website, and brand were out of date. Led redesign of logo, website, and all hand out materials. Created National Marketing Plan targeting new business through contract sales staff. Attended national conferences to gain visibility. Became first vendor in Indiana and Florida to offer electronic property tax billing. Seeing opportunity to provide customized services based upon changes to state law, established consulting services division to promote e-government solutions.

Commissioner: State of Indiana - Department of Local Government Finance; 2008 - 2010; A $4.5M state agency charged with overseeing the local government budget and property assessment process in Indiana. As general counsel (2007-2008), drafted standards for tax assessment and local government budget rules. Provided interpretation of statutory and administrative law to Commissioner. Issued guidance on legislation to local government officials. Managed three attorneys. Later appointed by Governor as commissioner (2008-2010). Managed five divisions, testified on legislation, and conducted presentations as required. Led team of 52 and operating budget. Selected Accomplishments: Turned around state tax billing system, minimizing annual delinquent payments. Most counties in Indiana failed to deliver property tax bills on-time for years. Set goal to achieve on-time billing, garnering support of key stakeholders and implementing process improvement effort. Delivered bills on-time for 85 of 92 counties in 2010 and 90 in 2011. Revised property assessment rule, enabling proper billing of taxes. The assessment rule governed by market trends was unclear, contradictory and not in accordance with international assessing standards. The confusion was contributing to late filing of assessment-sales ratio studies on a yearly basis. This impacted the statewide assessment-to-tax billing cycle. Revised rule and counties billed on time. Led state to all-time high census participation. Appointed to Census 2010 Steering Committee by the Governor of Indiana to ensure full participation in the Federal census. Designed promotional materials and requested all local government officials to post them in public buildings. Included a message on all property tax bills. Increased citizen participation rate from 69% to 79%, generating the 3rd highest participation in the country.

General Counsel: State of Indiana - Department of Local Government Finance; 2007 - 2008

Associate Attorney: Sanders Pianowski LLP; 2007 - 2007; Provided legal advice on business law, Medicaid, trusts and estates. Secured new clients. Defended civil cases in local courts.

Area Defense Counsel: U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps; 2006 - 2007; Area Defense Counsel (2006-2007): - Secured additional funds from base commander for office furniture upgrade - Developed mistake of fact defense for Senior Airman who entered ex-wife's on-base house and was successful in no disciplinary action taken. - Convinced members in hotly-litigated General Court-Martial for no jail for a Senior Airman who used eBay to defraud others of thousands of dollars - Won assault allegation at court for a client, then procured support of client's squadron commander for clemency - Persuaded Numbered Air Force Commander not to refer wire fraud charge by showing evidence insufficient. - Hand selected by Chief Circuit Defense Counsel to represent an Airman for mitigation of a non-judicial punishment action received while deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Served as defense counsel in seven courts-martial and administrative discharge board proceedings.

Assistant Staff Judge Advocate: U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps; 2003 - 2006; Assistant Staff Judge Advocate (2003-2006): - Led 12th Air Force's busiest military justice section - Participated in the largest public integrity investigation in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Chief of Military Justice that resulted in 11 Airmen being charged with criminal misconduct. - Scheduled preferral, referral, and trial of over 35 general, special, and summary courts and discharge boards in 12-month period. - Advised over 620 clients on legal assistance matters, including wills and civil law issues - Led thorough investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by a senior office led to that officer's removal and subsequent retirement. - Served as trial counsel on 18 courts-martial and administrative discharge boards at Davis-Monthan AFB and Minot AFB. - Served as Legal Counsel to the Aerospace and Arizona Days 2005 show that drew a crowd of 270,000 spectators, coordinated an 80-plus person airshow team and over 4,000 workers and volunteers, 25 contract and legal issues, and ensured the ethical expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Education

Valparaiso University School of Law: J.D. (2002) | Law; 1999 - 2002

Indiana University - Indiana University-South Bend: B.A. (1998) | Political Science; 1994 - 1998

Awards

Champion of Small Business Award: National Coalition for Capital; 2014; Champion of Small Business Awards recognize individuals for demonstrating leadership in supporting policies and initiatives designed to promote access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in economically distressed communities.

Leadership Award: Indiana County Auditors Association; 2010; Presented at the annual meeting of the Indiana County Auditors in Ft Wayne in recognition of tenure as commissioner of the DLGF.

The Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster): U.S. Air Force; 2007; Meritorious service as Area Defense Counsel, Central Circuit, United States Air Force Judiciary, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Capt Rushenberg represented 315 clients in a variety of adverse actions, including 7 courts-martial, 55 enlisted discharges, and 117 Article 15s/Non-Judicial Punishments. Capt Rushenberg was "the circuit's choice for complex litigation."

The Air Force Achievement Medal: U.S. Air Force; 2006; Meritorious service while assigned to Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

The Air Force Achievement Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster): U.S. Air Force; 2006; Outstanding achievement as Legal Counsel, Aerospace and Arizona Days 2005, 355th Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

The Air Force Commendation Medal: U.S. Air Force; 2005; Meritorious service in various assignments as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, 355th Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

Outstanding Contributor Award for Flight B26 - Squadron Officer School, Air University: U.S. Air Force; 2005; "We, the members of Flight B26, present this award to recognize you as the most outstanding contributor to the success of our flight. Your dedication to duty and professional attitude helped make our stay at SOS a true learning experience. Thanks for your efforts."

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