
Leadership Profile: Jahnae Erpenbach
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Manager YWCA OF NORTHWEST INDIANA MISSION: To eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. YWCA has been at the forefront of the most critical social movements for more than 160 years — from women’s empowerment and civil…

Leadership Profile: Rich Zeigler
Vice President of Development HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MISSION: To build strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Alongside volunteers, Habitat homeowners build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local…

Leadership Profile: Rich Ruden
Assistant General Manager, Vice President of Finance GARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION: To promote and protect the interest of businesses that contribute to the quality of life in Gary Indiana. The Chamber of Commerce works to cultivate a world-class environment, which provides economic opportunity and prosperity for the people of…

Leadership Profile: Michael Montgomery
Vice President of Gaming Operations ARTHOUSE: A SOCIAL KITCHEN MISSION: To create a space that positively reflects the city of Gary and provides a platform for economic and artistic activity in the downtown area. The ArtHouse site will evolve continuously through the work of partner organizations and creative individuals. ArtHouse…

Leadership Profile: Christi Hardesty
Director of Marketing HUMANE INDIANA MISSION: To fight the big fight to end suffering for all animals. Along with millions of supporters, the Humane Society takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries. With their affiliates, they rescue and care for thousands of animals…

Leadership Profile: Sonja Dactelides
Sonja Dactelides, Director of Human Resources DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS MISSION: To empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them. DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and…

Leadership Profile: Eric Pack
Eric Pack, Director of Facilities & Marine BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA PATHWAY TO ADVENTURE COUNCIL MISSION: To train youth in responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational and career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. The Boys Scouts of America is…

Leadership Profile: Tom Gutierrez
Director of Table Games BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER NORTHWEST INDIANA MISSION: To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize the full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Boys and Girls Club exist to prove every kid has what it takes, assuring success is…

Leadership Profile: Pat Winkfield
Director of Security URBAN LEAGUE OF NORTHWEST INDIANA MISSION: To promote, encourage and enhance services and improve social, educational, and economic conditions of African Americans and other minority groups in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties. The National Urban League works to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and the guarantee of…

Leadership Profile: John Erb
Director of Food and Beverage MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA MISSION: To deliver meals to those in need with the support of community volunteers. For many Americans, Meals on Wheels means the difference between remaining in their own homes and needing to relocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious…

Leadership Profile: Christina Deleon
Director of Slots BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER NORTHWEST INDIANA MISSION: To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize the full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Boys and Girls Club exist to prove every kid has what it takes, assuring success is within…

Leadership Profile: Zach Little
Director of Administration AFRICAN AMERICAN ACHIEVERS MISSION: To assist young, African-American males take control of their lives in a positive manner, with an opportunity to improve academic achievement. And, to strengthen skills in subject areas where some degree of difficulty has been detected, enabling success.