Engage Northwest Indiana - Valparaiso
Speaker / Moderator
Speaker
David Rosenberg
Bio
David Rosenberg has served as Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana and a member of Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s cabinet since his appointment in August 2023. In his role, Sec. Rosenberg leads the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), guiding the strategy and growth of the state’s economy and its related economic development efforts. Rosenberg joined the IEDC in August 2021. Prior to becoming secretary of commerce, he served as the IEDC’s chief operating officer and chief of staff.
As chief operating officer and chief of staff for the IEDC, Rosenberg oversaw the agency’s operations, cultural and young professional development team, as well as several strategic IEDC initiatives, including the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), and the LEAP Innovation and Research District in Boone County. Rosenberg helped build and lead the IEDC’s 100+ person international team that, under the leadership of Gov. Holcomb, has achieved unprecedented success for Indiana’s economy. This includes record-breaking committed capital from companies at $28.7 billion in 2023 and securing historic economic funding from the state legislature.
Rosenberg is a proven leader within the state, boasting an impressive track record that includes a significant role as Deputy Chief of Staff under Mayor Greg Ballard where he oversaw the management of substantial development projects worth billions of dollars, optimizing operations across the enterprise, and represented the city in both the City-County Council and within the Statehouse.
His previous experience also extended to the education sector, where he served as the Operations Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, the largest school district in the state. Rosenberg spearheaded the reorganization and modernization of transportation services, effectively directed the management of over 9 million square feet of real estate assets, and also led the sale and development of the Bottleworks District.
Rosenberg also served previously as a consultant for a versatile, multi-client firm, advising and advocating for clients across various levels of government. His areas of focus included K-12 education, facility financing, and operations enhancement. He currently serves on boards for Visit Indy and KIPP Indy Public Schools.
Rosenberg was recently recognized as one of Howey Politics Indiana’s Power 50 and one of Indiana’s 250 Most Influential Leaders by Indiana Business Journal (IBJ). He is also a recipient of the IBJ’s ‘Forty under 40’ recognition. He is a graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and resides in Zionsville with his wife, Ali, and their children Will, Lily and Jack.
Moderator
Gerry Dick
Bio
In June 2000, broadcast news veteran Gerry Dick and technology entrepreneur Scott A. Jones formed Grow INdiana Media Ventures, LLC, a media company created to deliver Indiana business news and information through multiple media sources. Mr. Dick is president and managing editor of Inside INdiana Business, a division of IBJ Media.
GIMV properties include the EMMY-award-winning Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana’s most-watched local business television program; InsideIndianaBusiness.com; Inside INdiana Business Radio, The INside Edge Morning Briefing and Midday e-newsletters and a variety of interactive and mobile media products.
Mr. Dick is also a frequent keynote speaker and moderator on issues related to the Indiana economy and serves as a business analyst for CBS4 & FOX 59 (Indianapolis) and 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis).
Mr. Dick's broadcast news background includes 14 years as a principal reporter and field anchor at WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis. While at WRTV, he reported on issues facing communities throughout Indiana and neighboring states. His work received an Emmy nomination for a 1993 series on Indiana companies doing business along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has also held reporter and anchor positions at television stations in Fort Wayne and Terre Haute.
Prior to the creation of Grow INdiana Media Ventures, Mr. Dick served as senior vice president of the Indianapolis Economic Development Corporation, where he was responsible for a broad range of initiatives, including marketing, communications, advertising and media relations.
Mr. Dick has three times been presented with the state’s top honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash, by Governors Kernan, Daniels and Pence. He has also received Ernst and Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award and been recognized by the Small Business Administration as its Journalist of the Year. Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick has received an EMMY five times for best interview/discussion program/series or special.
Mr. Dick is a native Hoosier, born and raised in the Vermillion County community of Clinton. He is a graduate of Indiana State University, which has recognized his professional accomplishments with its Distinguished Alumni Award.
He is a member of the board of directors of The International Center and past board member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Board of Advisors at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the Dean’s Executive Council at the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University and is a founding member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Indiana University School of Informatics. Mr. Dick also serves as chairman of the Scholarship Selection Committee for Vectren Corporation and is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.
Mr. Dick is married to the former Roz Redman of Dana, Indiana. Roz and Gerry are residents of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis and have three children.
Panelists
Panelist
Tom Dakich
Bio
Tom Dakich’s nearly 40 years practicing law have centered on developing global tech and data-center companies, closing almost $1 billion in sales and mergers. Tom’s development and construction expertise includes public-private partnerships, labor relations, government negotiations and tax incentives.
Panelist
Angie Nelson Deuitch
Bio
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch is responsible for Michigan City’s municipal workforce of nearly 400 full-time, year-round employees and a city budget of approximately $73 million.Born and raised in Michigan City, Mayor Angie graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1995, and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University Northwest in 2010.
She has more than 25 years of management experience in the telecommunications, utility and nonprofit sectors; having built her career working for SBC Communications (now AT&T) and NiSource prior to founding her own consulting firm in 2018. That firm, I&D Squared, has been instrumental in launching workforce initiatives focused on increasing childcare capacity and assisting graduating high school seniors.
Mayor Angie’s list of priorities was formed with one overarching goal in mind: to enhance the quality of life in Michigan City. The mayor knows that providing proper support for her municipal employees allows them to increase the standard of service they deliver to our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofit organizations and visitors. And in doing so, they make Michigan City the Region’s premier place to live, work and play.
Panelist
George Douglas
Bio
George Douglas is a lifelong resident of Valparaiso.He serves as the Director of Development for the City of Valparaiso since April 2022. The new position integrates the roles of Economic Development Director and Redevelopment Director, creating a unified office dedicated to attracting and supporting business and economic development to the City of Valparaiso.
He was with Indiana Beverage for 15 years and served as a Sr. VP with a wide range of responsibilities including business development and community/governmental relations.Prior to that he was the Operations Manager for Natural Ovens Bakery in Valparaiso and worked previously for the City of Valparaiso in the planning department.
George is also a longtime community volunteer, currently serving in board positions with the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, the McMillan Family Foundation, Pines Village Retirement Communities, MAAC, and PACT. He served four years on the City Council.Two years as 5th District before being elected At-Large in 2020.He served as the Council President before stepping down from the City Council to accept the Director of Development position. He is a graduate of Purdue University. He and his wife, Julie, have raised three children in Valparaiso.
George is a partner in a downtown Valparaiso restaurant, Peddlers Pizza Pub, and obtained his real estate broker license in 2021.
Panelist
Heather Ennis
Bio
Heather Ennis is President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, a privately held nonprofit organization focused on creating economic development opportunities for the seven-county region. With more than 130 members, the Forum works to create a positive business climate promoting investment, quality job creation and retention in harmony with the environment and critical components of a sustainable regional economy. Funded by membership contributions and grants, Forum membership translates into a direct investment in the region’s future.
In her 9 years with the Forum, Heather has worked to build a coalition of regional partners focused on transforming the Northwest Indiana economic landscape; focusing on key performance indicators of population growth, increase in capital investment and per capita income growth. She is a registered lobbyist and has spent hundreds of hours advocating for economic development tools.
Previously as President of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, she led an organization committed to improving the quality of life and breadth of economic opportunity within the five lakefront municipalities of Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Dune Acres and Porter.
Ennis is more than just a community leader, she serves as a catalytic voice for her constituents on a state and regional level as a member of the Indiana Economic Development Association Board and Legislative Committee, Metro Chambers Coalition, Indiana Vision 2025+, Indiana Defense Task Force, Indiana Chamber Workforce Advisory Council, 21st Century Talent Region Partner, Northwest Medical Board, Autonomous Vehicle Challenge Committee, Unity Way of Northwest Indiana Board, Porter County Community Foundation Grant Committee and Champion of Ignite the Region.
Ennis credits her husband and son as the source of
Panelist
Robert E. Johnson, III
Bio
Robert E. Johnson III is the President/CEO and co-founder of Cimcor, Inc., an innovative cybersecurity software developer. With degrees from Purdue University, including an M.S. in Management, Robert has been at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements for over two decades. He holds multiple patents and has been a keynote speaker at international tech conferences. Robert's expertise has been recognized by his appointment to the Indiana District Export Council and his selection as one of the "250 Most Influential People in Indiana" by the Indianapolis Business Journal. His contributions to security and innovation have been commended in the Congressional Record, underlining his impact on the industry and beyond.
Panelist
Sherri Ziller
Bio
Sherri Ziller, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, is currently serving as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer as of October 2021. She had been serving as their Chief Operating Officer since 2012. The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) is recognized as a highly credible organization known for catalytic project investments and strong financial management practices. She has been with the organization since its inception in the spring of 2006 and provides leadership in the RDA’s efforts to support economic development and redevelopment throughout the Region. Sherri works with her leadership team to continually refine and implement the strategic growth plan to expand and position the RDA as a leader in regional development. Sherri works with the RDA’s partners to change Northwest Indiana’s vision for itself and moving the region toward its economic development potential. Partnered with her team, Sherri has assisted in leveraging over $1 billion since 2006 from federal, state, local, private, and other sources of funds.