PORTAGE — Jill E. Ritchie, Forum Board Chair, announced Mark T. Maassel’s resignation from the Northwest Indiana Forum to assume the position of Vice President of the Indiana Energy Association (energy trade group) on October 16, 2013. Maassel has served as President and CEO of the regional economic development organization for the last three years.

Ritchie stated, “While we are sad to see Mark leave the Forum, the Board, members and staff wish him the best in his new position. We are forever grateful for his leadership and commitment to the organization and to Northwest Indiana. While some may say we are losing a leader, Northwest Indiana has a friend who can carry the positive message about our region throughout our state.”

The Forum will conduct business as usual in the interim while developing a process to fill the executive position. The organizational mission and vision remains the same: to act as the regional voice for the business community and a catalyst for initiatives which promote economic development and create and retain quality jobs.