Focusing on Indiana State and Local Government

President, Cook Government Advisors

Rhonda Cook, President of Cook Government Advisors, has worked in Indiana state and local government her entire career.  Starting out as a journalist and focusing on corporate communications for a farm lobbying organization, Rhonda quickly realized that public policy and legislation was a key interest.  She obtained a master's degree in public administration, interned for Ball State's legislative liaisons and went on to work for the Indiana House of Representatives.  

Later, Rhonda continued as a contract lobbyist representing various clients including health plans and township trustees.  She also worked for the county government association and headed their training program for county elected officials while lobbying specifically for the county coroners' organization.  Post law school, Rhonda worked as a bond attorney with a major law firm and assisted many Indiana local units of government with their debt financing -- including general obligation bonds, leases, revenue bonds and Tax Increment Financings.  She served in the Daniels' administration as Vice President and Counsel of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and since 2008 has been serving city and town officials with their legislative and legal assistance needs at the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns now doing business as "Aim." 

Rhonda earned a B.A. with double majors in broadcast journalism and political science as well as a J.D. from Indiana University.  She studied law at the University of Notre Dame Law School's London Programme, and earned an M.P.A. in public administration from Ball State University.  Rhonda grew up on a farm near Greenfield, Indiana in Hancock County, which she and her family still own and operate.  She currently lives in New Palestine and is active in her church, 4-H, various community organizations, and local political campaigns.  She is an avid world traveler.