Merrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. has named Spencer Summers as economic development manager.

In this role, Summers will work to cultivate relationships with site selectors, investors and industry leaders to advance sustainable economic growth and enhance regional competitiveness. Summers will also aim to expand business opportunities throughout the area.

Before joining NIPSCO, Summers served as the economic development director at the Northwest Indiana Forum. He also served as facility and league director at The Courts of Northwest Indiana in Valparaiso.

Summers earned an MBA degree with a concentration in information systems from Purdue University Northwest, following a double major in business management and human resources.

“In my role at the Northwest Indiana Forum, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the NIPSCO team and see firsthand how reliable energy infrastructure serves as the foundation for business attraction, expansion and long-term regional growth,” Summers said in a press release. “I’m looking forward to representing NIPSCO and helping drive business growth and new investment across Northern Indiana to make our communities even stronger.”

Summers was recognized as one of the NWI Times’ 20 Under 40 honorees in 2024. He received the 2025 Business Excellence Rising Star Award from the Crossroads Chamber for his leadership and promise as a future leader in Northwest Indiana.

“We’re proud to welcome Spencer to our team,” Rick Calinski, NIPSCO director of public affairs and economic development, said. “His dedication to forging strategic partnerships and driving sustainable economic growth across Northern Indiana reflects NIPSCO’s commitment to strengthening communities while delivering safe, reliable energy to the customers we serve.”