Ind. Code § 34-28-8-5

Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "public official" means an elected or appointed official in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the state or a political subdivision, as well as 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.