The search for a new leader of the Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance is complete. Board member Chris Salatas will become president and CEO on Oct. 28.
Salatas was a board member for two terms. He also was town manager of both St. John and Cedar Lake, and a councilman in Lowell.
“(Chris') background in both federal and local government will be a great asset to the organization's economic development efforts for businesses,” said Paul Beneturski, LCEA board chair, in a press release.
The LCEA announced its executive search in June. Beneturski, a senior vice president at Old National Bank, led the campaign to find a new leader for the economic development organization.
He said in an email that Salatas' municipal experiences are what set him apart from other candidates for the job.
“All of the other candidates for the position were very qualified, and this was a difficult choice,” Beneturski said.
The LCEA was established in 2013 to help Lake County's business community expand and to attract new companies. Karen Lauerman was its fearless leader. But she passed away unexpectedly in November 2022.
“There is no comparison to Karen Lauerman as a leader,” Beneturski said. “She lived and breathed economic development in Lake County.”
But he said Salatas is ready for the challenge.
“Chris will pick up that mantle and focus on bringing new development and jobs by forming partnerships with all the cities and towns in Lake County,” Beneturski said. “LCEA has always been here to help in any capacity we can.”
Don Babcock served as interim president and CEO since early 2023. He retired as the director of economic development for the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. in 2020.
“Don did a great job in helping the LCEA in time of its need, including working with development groups, strengthening relationships with current members and bringing new members into the fold,” Beneturski said.
Babcock will focus on his job as director of economic development and community relations for Purdue University Northwest.
Gary Warfel, the LCEA board's vice chair, said the organization is working on many big and small projects. He said permanent leadership is important to the success of these endeavors.
“Chris will help guide us and bring these projects to fruition,” said Warfel, who is manager director of development for Saxon Partners.
Warfel also is confident Salatas' leadership will lead to new members.
“Chris' drive and creativity to generate new value for members will refresh and energize the efforts,” he said.
The LCEA works with 18 municipalities to create economic opportunities, including cold storage facilities, housing developments and projects receiving READI funds from the state.
Salatas said the organization's diversity attracted him to the position.
“With many varying initiatives, projects and expansions in motion, I am looking forward to helping Lake County grow and prosper,” Salatas said.
Salatas earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Northwest and a MBA from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, according to his LinkedIn profile.
