The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority didn’t have to look far to find a permanent replacement for its president and CEO.

Sherri Ziller, who had been serving the post in an interim role since January, was formally approved for the post by the RDA board.

Ziller was previously chief operating officer but took over the day-to-day management of the organization following the departure of former President/CEO Bill Hanna.

“Sherri Ziller has played a pivotal role in the economic evolution of Northwest Indiana,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Sherri’s continued leadership and skillset have been critical in RDA’s growth, and she will be an asset to the vibrant future of Northwest Indiana.”

Don Fesko, chairman of the RDA board, said following an extensive search, the board determined Ziller was the right leader for the RDA. The board vote confirming Ziller was unanimous.

“She is uniquely qualified to take on this role given her track record of success with the organization, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver on the RDA’s goals of making Northwest Indiana the leading area for economic growth in Indiana,” he said.

Ziller said she was honored by the trust the board placed in her.

“I look forward to working with the board, our many partner communities, and civic and business leaders throughout Northwest Indiana to build a vibrant and prosperous future,” she said.

Ziller will continue to lead the RDA’s initiatives to expand commuter rail and surface transportation assets in Northwest Indiana, and to leverage those assets to bring economic development and private investment to the Region.  

Ziller, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, has been with the RDA since its inception in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in education, both from Purdue University Calumet.

She serves as a member of the Lake Area United Way Board of Trustees and is a member of the Southshore Leadership Society and Leadership Northwest Indiana. She resides in Crown Point with her husband, Zach, and son, Robbie.