BMV head Peter Lacy abruptly resigns a month before planned departure

The man in charge of the Indiana BMV has abruptly resigned a month earlier than expected. 

Gov. Eric Holcomb had previously announced that BMV Commissioner Peter Lacy would step down on May 27, but those plans were cut short Wednesday without any explanation or formal announcement. 

"Peter Lacy notified the governor of his resignation effective immediately," said Erin Murphy, a spokeswoman for Gov. Eric Holcomb, in an emailed response to IndyStar's inquiries about Lacy's sudden exit. 

She would not provide a reason for the earlier-than-expected departure. Nor would a spokesperson for the Indiana State Personnel Department. Lacy did not respond to a phone message from IndyStar. 

Murphy said Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner Joe Hoage, who had previously been announced as Lacy's replacement, will begin transitioning to the BMV immediately. Hoage will continue to oversee the labor department until an interim commissioner is named, Murphy said. 

Lacy joined the BMV as chief of staff in 2015. His hiring was part of an overhaul of senior leadership after the agency overcharged millions of motorists for driver's licenses, vehicle registrations and other fees. 

Holcomb appointed Lacy to the BMV's top post in 2017. As commissioner, he oversaw about 125 branches across the state and more than 1,600 employees.

The state announced his resignation April 12, saying his last day would be May 27. A news release noted that Lacy maintained an average branch visit time of less than 20 minutes and a customer satisfaction rating of more than 98%.

In the release, Holcomb praised Lacy for delivering "outstanding service to Hoosiers."

Call IndyStar reporter Kaitlin Lange at 317-432-9270 or email her at kaitlin.lange@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kaitlin_lange.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @IndyStarTony.