FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Lana Kiesling, outgoing Fort Wayne City Clerk and current Indiana State Republican Chairwoman, shared details of her transition from local government to statewide political leadership during an interview on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee on WOWO Radio. Kiesling was elected Indiana GOP chairwoman on February 13, 2025, by the State Committee, a position she said has required balancing significant responsibilities alongside her decade-long tenure as city clerk. “I have been doing 15-, 16-hour days almost seven days a week for 11 months,” Kiesling told Blakeslee. “It’s taken its toll on me. But I did it to make sure that we completed what we had in the works.” Transitioning from City Clerk Kiesling emphasized the importance of a structured transition, ensuring continuity in the Fort Wayne City Clerk’s office while also stepping into her statewide role. “It was trying to find somebody that I knew could do the job, that had the work ethic, that had the excitement to do it, and that was all in,” she said. “Also, to transition now so that they had a year to get their name out there and to build their reputation.” She highlighted the significance of retaining the position within the Republican Party. “I spent a lot of time and work and energy getting this seat back after 44 years of it being in the Democrat hands. And I am not about to let it go,” Kiesling said. When asked whether criticism over holding both positions influenced her decision to step down as city clerk, Kiesling responded: “They’re both full-time positions, and I knew ultimately long-term I couldn’t do both. Taking the position as Indiana State Republican chairwoman is about making a bigger difference,” she said. “I have been in this role as city clerk for 10 years… What a great opportunity on the state level as the Republican chairwoman. Not only do I have the ability to make a difference in the state of Indiana, but one of 168 RNC members… I get to make a difference on the national level.” Preparing for a New City Clerk Kiesling said John Magali, who has filed to run in the upcoming caucus, will succeed her as Fort Wayne City Clerk. “As of today, no one else has filed in that caucus. My hope is that he’s an amazing guy,” she said. “He has exciting plans, wanted to do this, and has a great background. He has a passion to make sure that this position moves forward and that the departments are more successful.” The caucus is scheduled for Saturday, January 20, with Magali set to assume office immediately afterward. Reflecting on Her Tenure Looking back on her time as city clerk, Kiesling highlighted her efforts to bring a business-oriented approach to the office and improve services for Fort Wayne residents. “I think the big thing that I have brought into it is a business sense of running the city clerk’s office as a business and what we’ve been able to do for the citizens,” she said. “When I walked in this door over 10 years ago… the files were in the trash can. We didn’t have a piece of paper. The break room was empty. The refrigerator was gone. The coffee maker, the microwave was gone. That’s indicative. Today, I’m leaving it in a great position for the next administration and the next city clerk. And I walk out proud.” Kiesling also noted improvements in departments like parking enforcement, which she said are now well-funded and have processes in place for long-term success. Looking Forward Kiesling’s focus now shifts fully to her role as Indiana GOP chairwoman. “I’m very excited to see what John does going forward,” she said. “I’m excited about standing behind him and seeing what he does in the future.” The post WOWO EXCLUSIVE – Keesling Discusses Transition and Next Steps appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less