Robb Greene

Class of 1999

Posted on July 17, 2023

After graduating from Heritage in 1999, Robb Greene went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He got a flavor for politics right out of college by working as a campaign staffer and consultant, spending 12 years working for candidates and organizations at the state, local and federal levels. Robb took a break from politics to work in the Indianapolis tech startup world for several years on the founding team of ClusterTruck – a one-of-a-kind tech company and delivery-only restaurant with a street food-inspired menu.

Attending Heritage impacted Robb in a few ways. Robb said that in high school, he never would have envisioned his life now, “but I can see that my interests even then leaned towards the humanities--civics, history, etc. And it's funny that the only book I remember being required to read was ‘None Dare Call It Treason,’ so I'd say looking back it makes a lot more sense.” Robb also looks back fondly on two HCS teachers – Dave Watt and Dan Ambrose. “We shared a love for history, government, civics, and baseball. And while I was wildly mediocre at all four, they should at least get credit that I wound up getting elected to something,” he said. Robb was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2022. He represents House District 47, which includes portions of Johnson and Shelby counties.

Robb became interested in public office when his firstborn son, RG, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It completely reoriented his family. “As a parent, when you learn your child is on the spectrum you realize how little control you have in the situation, so you find yourself falling back on what is familiar to you. I knew public policy and saw a real need for someone to advocate on behalf of special needs families in Indiana.” Robb stated that while 80% of people with a disability are out of the workforce, 85% of individuals on the spectrum are without a job. “That's an unconscionable statistic in 2023. I view whatever time I'm given in this position as a calling to not only draw attention to this issue, but to move the needle on it,” Robb said.

As part of his advocacy, Robb filed House Bill 1559 (later inserted into House Bill 1454), which focuses on workforce development aid to members of the autistic and intellectually and developmentally disabled community. This bill leverages a tax credit model to incentivize Indiana businesses to diversify their workforce by hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Hoosiers with disabilities are valued community members and can be a great asset to any workforce,” Robb said. “This law adds an incentive for employers to fill positions with ready and willing workers who should not be overlooked.”

During the session held in February, Robb took the floor to present the bill and had to be vulnerable. “As a freshman legislator, this was the first time many of my colleagues had heard me speak on an issue. It was a fairly raw, vulnerable occasion that was less about public policy than it was simply a father sharing his heart.” The bill was passed and will become law on January 1, 2024.

Robb lives in Shelby County with his wife, Erin ad their three children, RG, Flora, and Lucy. Together they have built their lives around a small farmstead, aspiring to lead a simpler way of life.