The Crown Point-based Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority hired a new controller and director of economic development.

Courtney Kvachkoff is the organization’s new controller. AJ Bytnar will serve as director of economic development.

“I am thrilled that AJ and Courtney are joining us,” said Sherri Ziller, RDA president and CEO, in a press release. “Both are eminently qualified for their roles and will be instrumental in ensuring that our efforts to bring transformational change to Northwest Indiana and drive growth in the Transit Development Districts will be successful.”

As director of economic development, Bytnar will be responsible for guiding the Transit Development Districts. He will work to create connected communities that attract investment and improve quality of life for Northwest Indiana residents. As controller, Kvachkoff will oversee RDA finances, including the financial and accounting details for the Transit Development Districts.

Bytnar brings over 15 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, zoning and redevelopment to his new role. During his tenure as executive director of redevelopment for the City of Gary, he worked on initiatives such as the creation of the Transit Development Districts, Broadway Lofts, Alliance Steel and Hard Rock Casino. At the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, Bytnar worked with developers, housing providers and community leaders to implement projects. While in the City of Fishers, he coordinated mixed-use developments and fostered public-private partnerships.

Bytnar earned a bachelor’s degree in property management, with a minor in urban planning, and a master's Certificate in Real Estate Development from Ball State University. He recently completed his MBA from Indiana University Northwest.

Kvachkoff brings nearly a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, tax preparation and financial analysis to the RDA, along with leadership in team coordination and community initiatives. Prior to joining the RDA, she worked as staff accountant at Indianapolis-based Onebridge. Before that, she was with the Indianapolis office of Ernst and Young. During her time at Onebridge, Kvachkoff directed the service team, a group established to help the business connect, volunteer and donate to nonprofit organizations throughout the Indianapolis area.

Kvachkoff earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer and an MBA from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne.

Bytnar and Kvachkoff have started serving in their new roles at the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.