Donald P. Fesko
Governor’s Appointment and Chairman of the Board
Donald Fesko, OD, MBA, FACHE is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana. A doctor of optometry, Fesko also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Purdue University and a Masters in Business Administration from Indiana University Northwest. He was named a Modern Healthcare Up & Comer in 2008, designated as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in 2009 and was the recipient of the group’s Robert S. Hudgens Award honoring the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year in 2012. Fesko is active on numerous boards and councils including the Community Cancer Research Foundation Board, the Indiana University School of Medicine Advisory Council, the Hospice of the Calumet Area Board and the Community Care Physician Network Board.
Randolph Palmateer
Lake County Appointment and Vice-Chairman of the Board
Randolph Palmateer is Business Manager of the Northwestern Indiana Building Trades Council. He is a 24-year veteran of the Northwest Indiana construction industry, joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697 as an apprentice in 1997. He holds multiple industry certifications and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Ivy Tech Community College. Palmateer is active on numerous boards and commissions, including South Shore Promotions, the Challenger Learning Center at Purdue Calumet, the Saint John Police Commission, and the Lake County Economic Alliance.
Chris Campbell
Governor's Appointment and Treasurer
Chris Campbell, is an executive at Centier Bank. He is president of the bank holding company and a member of Centier’s Board of Directors. Chris Campbell, is President at Centier Bank. He is CEO of the bank holding company and a member of Centier’s Board of Directors. He serves on several nonprofit boards including Chairman of the EF Wildermuth Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to helping people with eyesight issues. He holds an undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University and an MBA from Valparaiso University.
Milton Reed
East Chicago Appointment
Milton Reed Jr. is Principal of Global Consulting Solutions. Reed is an economic development and organizational cost reduction specialist with over 20 years of experience in business and economics. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University and is a six sigma certified Engagement Manager for strategic, technical and efficiency oriented projects. He has worked for many years leading senior managers and directors in large-scale projects from engineering concept, contractual agreement, compliance and vertical integration. Reed is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, enthusiastic supporter of “The Region” and community volunteer.
Todd Elliot
Porter County Appointment
Todd Elliot is the Porter County appointment to the RDA Board of Directors.
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Anne Taylor
Hammond Appointment
As Executive Director of Planning and Development for the City of Hammond, Anne Taylor oversees the departments of Economic Development, Community Development and City Planning. These departments all work closely together to ensure that new developments move forward smoothly and successfully, whether it’s an expansion into Hammond or a relocation from another city or state. Anne and her team, under the savvy leadership of Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr., strive to find creative avenues to help support and assist developers build the best business they can in Hammond. Helping companies and organizations plant deep roots and grow in Hammond is Anne’s goal. Anne arrived in Northwest Indiana in 2005, after many years working in Chicago, Seattle and Boston. She received a B.A in the Classics from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and uses that degree in writing the narratives of NWI businesses and the City of Hammond through grants, press releases and reports. In her free time, Anne enjoys spending quality time with her family, reengaging with nature whenever possible, visiting walkable cities and then returning home with many ideas for her community.
Alesia Pritchett
Gary Appointment
Alesia Y. Pritchett, CPA, is the Executive Director of Business Services/Grant Management for the School City of Hammond. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN and MBA from Indiana University Northwest. With over 35 years of experience, she has provided expert financial guidance to school districts and businesses, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, state regulations, and optimizing financial strategies. She is a former member of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. Her philosophy is embracing the adage that it takes all of us working together to bring about change. She is compassionate and believes that if you put God first, then whatever you undertake will be successful.
Jason Gilliana
Governor's Appointment and Porter County TDD Appointee
Jason Gilliana is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. He is the Managing Member of Gilliana Pools and Whiteco Pool Solutions LLC. A Qualifier and Commercial Construction License holder in several states and local municipalities throughout the country, Jason has more than 25 years of experience in Residential and Commercial Real estate development. He is current a Board Member of the Porter County Redevelopment Commission and a past Board Member of the Porter County Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Dewey Pearman
Governor's Appointment and Lake County TDD Appointee
Dewey Pearman has served as the Executive Director of the Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana since 1995. In his role at the CAF, Dewey oversees the operations of the Foundation and advocates to impact policies that affect the professional construction and maintenance industry in Northwest Indiana. Prior to joining the CAF, Mr. Pearman was Vice President of Operations and Governmental Affairs for the Northwest Indiana Forum, Inc., a regional Northwest Indiana economic development organization.
John Carr
Governor's Appointment and LaPorte County TDD Appointee
John is a seasoned leader in the construction industry and community development. As the Senior Business Representative for the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters in Northwest Indiana, John brings over two decades of experience and dedication to his craft. As a member of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) board of directors, the LaPorte County Economic Development Board, and serving as President of the LaPorte County Regional Sewer District, John plays a vital role in shaping the future of his community. Additionally, his involvement in the LaPorte County Plan Commission and the LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals underscores his dedication to thoughtful and sustainable growth.