The Northwest Indiana Forum announced the appointment of several new members to its Managing Board of Directors, bringing a diverse range of experience and leadership to the organization.
Joining the board are Ken Coleman of Stevens Engineers & Constructors; Mitch Gaffigan of Purdue Federal Credit Union; Christine Livingston of Indiana Dunes Tourism; Aaron McDermott of Latitude Commercial; Randy Palmateer of the NWI Building and Construction Trades; Chancellor Aco Sikoski of Ivy Tech; and Lyndie Walton-Littell of Continental Electric. Each brings valuable experience in areas including economic development, finance, education, skilled trades, commercial development, and tourism.
The new board members will help support the Forum’s mission to IGNITE and lead future focused ideas and conversations to drive economic development in harmony with the environment. Their leadership and insight will play an important role in shaping strategic priorities and strengthening the organization’s work throughout Northwest Indiana.
About the New Board Members
Ken Coleman
Coleman serves as Business Development Manager and Project Manager at Stevens Engineers & Constructors. He brings experience in opportunity identification, client development, and outreach, along with a strong commitment to advancing the organization’s mission and membership.
Mitch Gaffigan
Gaffigan is Account Vice President at Purdue Federal Credit Union, specializing in depository, treasury management, and lending solutions for government, education, transit, and nonprofit sectors. He is recognized for his leadership, relationship management, and community involvement.
Christine Livingston
Livingston is President and CEO of Indiana Dunes Tourism, with extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry. She leads strategic marketing efforts that attract visitors and drive economic impact across Porter County.
Aaron McDermott
McDermott is President of Latitude Commercial, representing owners, developers, and tenants throughout Northwest Indiana. His expertise includes corporate relocation, site selection, acquisitions, leasing, and real estate consulting.
Randy Palmateer
Palmateer serves as Business Manager of the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, advancing economic development, workplace safety, and workforce training. He also supports union growth and advocates for policies benefiting working families.
Aco Sikoski
Sikoski is Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus, where he champions workforce development and prepares the next generation of regional leaders.
Lyndie Walton-Littell
Walton-Littell is Vice President at Continental Electric Company Inc., bringing extensive industry experience and a strong track record of leadership and operational expertise.
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding leaders to our already wonderful Managing Board of Directors,” said Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. “Each brings fresh perspectives, diverse expertise, and a shared commitment to our region. We’re enthusiastic about the new ideas and energy they will bring as we continue to grow our impact across the region.”
They join a strong group of returning board members who continue to provide leadership and guidance for the organization’s work across the region.
The Northwest Indiana’s full Managing Board Members include: Rick Calinski of NIPSCO; Ken Coleman of Stevens Engineers & Constructors; Dave Bareham of Enbridge; Alisha Berglund of Berglund Construction; Jennifer Brooks of Urschel; Joe Coar of Tonn & Blank Construction; Tom Dakich of Transform Indiana; Lisa Daugherty of the Center of Workforce Innovations; Sara DeYoung of Jasper County Economic Development; Dan Doherty of Northwest Health; Erica Dombey of the RDC; John Freyek of Horizon Bank; Mitch Gaffigan of Purdue Federal Credit Union; Greg Gordon of Centier Bank; Phil Greiner of Old National Bank; William “Bill” Gustafson of Horseshoe Casino; William “Bill” Hasse of Hasse Construction; Brian Hittinger of Krieg DeVault; Chancellor Kenneth “Chris” Holford of Purdue University Northwest; Clarence Hulse of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City; Chancellor Arrick Jackson of Indiana University Northwest; Anthony Kazakevicius of the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad; Christine Livingston of Indiana Dunes Tourism; Aaron McDermott of Latitude Commercial; Justin Mount of Indiana American Water; Pete Novak of the Northwest Indiana Regional Airport Authority; Tony Oss of Larson-Danielson; Dewey Pearman of the Construction Advancement Foundation; Helen Pennington of BCG Platinion; Glenn Peterson of SEH; Rex Richards of the Valparaiso Chamber and VEDC; Jill Ritchie of bp; Gil Rynberk of Wintrust; Chancellor Aco Sikoski of Ivy Tech Community College; Henry Sparks of Carmeuse; Phil Taillon of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority; Raeann Trakas of Cleveland-Cliffs; Lori Tubbs of Lori Tubbs Development Consulting; Matt Vessely of 1st Source Bank; and Lyndie Walton-Littell of Continental Electric Company.
Ex-officio members include Emily Albaugh of KIRPC; Heather Ennis of the Northwest Indiana Forum; Lorri Feldt of the Indiana Small Business Development Center; Mike Noland of NICTD; Nathan Origer of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission; Randy Palmateer of the NWI Building & Construction Trades Council; Jody Peacock of Ports of Indiana; Matt Saltanovitz of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Ty Warner of NIRPC; and Sherri Ziller of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
By bringing together leaders from across industries, the Northwest Indiana Forum continues to foster collaboration, advance regional initiatives, and support efforts that promote long-term economic growth and opportunity across the region. The Forum looks forward to working alongside these leaders to build a stronger future for generations to come in Northwest Indiana.
