Ind. Code § 20-19-7-2.5

Sec. 2.5. As used in this chapter, "public official" means an elected or appointed official in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the state government or a political subdivision, and includes an individual acting on behalf of a public employer, whether temporarily or permanently, including, but not limited to, members of boards, committees, commissions, authorities, and other instrumentalities of the state or a political subdivision.