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STAKEHOLDERS
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Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Chairman
Executive Committee
Downtown Economic Development Committee |
Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel is chairman and co-founder of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE).
Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel was sworn in for a second term on January 1, 2008.
Mayor Weinzapfel’s main priority is to give the people of Evansville more input in their government. Through the Mayor's Traveling City Hall Program, Weinzapfel takes city department heads to a different neighborhood each month in order to meet with citizens one-on-one, providing citizens with greater access to local officials. Another important goal of the Weinzapfel Administration is to revitalize the City’s older neighborhoods. The Front Door Pride program, designed to help reverse decades of decline and neglect in neighborhoods, focuses on improving and cleaning up derelict housing units in certain districts within the City. In addition to these important programs, Mayor Weinzapfel also recognizes the importance of education to our community’s survival. In 2004, Weinzapfel assembled the City’s smartest, most dynamic people and formed the Evansville Education Roundtable. The Roundtable focuses on two goals: helping all children finish high school and raising the number of high school graduates pursuing higher education. In addition to being chairman of GAGE, Weinzapfel is taking a regional approach to attracting new business and investment with the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana. This group brings together the economic development efforts of Vanderburgh, Posey, Gibson and Warrick counties to provide more job opportunities for the Tri-State area. Prior to being elected Mayor, Weinzapfel served two terms as State Representative for District 76.
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Daniel C. Bugher, Vice-Chairman
Executive Committee
Administrative Committee, Chair |
Daniel Bugher is the Vice President of Information Technology at Vectren Corporation. Vectren, headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is an energy and applied technology holding company with $3.4billion in assets. Dan is responsible for strategic planning, project implementation, and on-going systems support of all technology solutions for Vectren’s corporate and energy delivery operations. Dan is a graduate of Butler University and has an MBA from University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining Vectren via its pre-merger firm Indiana Energy in 1998 in Indianapolis, Dan was a services solution executive with IBM Corporation. At IBM, Dan worked with many healthcare firms around the country helping to design and enable projects focused on information integration and delivery to healthcare’s broad constituency. Dan is a member of Society of Information Management and the Evansville Information Executives Group. He is on the Student Advisory Counseling Services of Southwest Indiana board and a member of the University of Southern Indiana Business School advisory group. Dan has been a board member of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana and a founding member of the Evansville Downtown Digital coalition. Dan and his wife Randee have two sons, Danny and Conor, who attend Castle High School and Castle Jr High respectively. Among other hobbies and interests, Dan is active in coaching baseball in the Newburgh Jr. Baseball organization. Dan and his family moved to Southwest Indiana in 2000 and have enjoyed becoming part of this vibrant and growing area.
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Dan Arens, Treasurer
Executive Committee
Entrepreneurship Committee, Chair |
Dan received his Bachelor and Master degrees from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. At Purdue he was inducted into the membership of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national leadership and scholarship fraternity. He is the retired Chairman of Keller, Schroeder & Associates, Inc. an information technology and consulting firm based in Evansville. Dan has also been an investor in several local start-ups. His decades of consulting experiences have been in industries such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, wholesale distribution, and services. Having helped found KSA after seven years of systems and general consulting, Dan actively developed and maintained many small and mid-sized business consulting clients over the years. His management consulting experience with hundreds of companies and management expertise at KSA has crossed all the functional areas of management including marketing, accounting, administration, and operations. Dan’s current community activities include: Downtown Rotary member; Youth First board and executive committee membership; Student Aid and Counseling Services president; Crossroads Christian Church elder board; Growth Alliance of Greater Evansville, board member, treasurer, and executive committee member; Kennel Club board member, and co-founder of the Midwest Venture Club. Dan also serves as a judge in business case competitions for Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Evansville. Dan enjoys reading, swimming, walking, watercolor painting, photography, woodworking, and writing.
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HC Bud Farmer
Rural Economic Development Committee |
Bud Farmer was appointed to the Commission by Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1997. The former president of the Evansville Concrete Co., Farmer is a graduate of the University of Evansville where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. Prior to that, he attended Indiana University, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. A 30-year veteran of Southwestern Indiana's concrete industry, Farmer was inducted into the Indiana Ready Mix Hall of Fame in 1990. Farmer's lifelong commitment to civic activities in Evansville and southwest Indiana is reflected in his numerous civic memberships. He is a director of the Deaconess Hospital Foundation Corp., serves as a director of the Evansville Rescue Mission and is a past president of the Evansville Rotary. A resident of Evansville, Farmer is also a director of the Evansville Industrial Foundation and a member of the Evansville Airport Board.
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Patrick E. Jackson
Administrative Committee |
Patrick E. Jackson joined the Welborn Baptist Foundation in January 2000 as a Program Officer. Prior to joining the Foundation, he spent fifteen years with the City of Evansville, including three years with the City’s Department of Metropolitan Development and twelve years as Executive Assistant to Mayor Frank F. McDonald II. He has served on the board of a number of not-for-profit organizations including the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, the Raintree Girl Scout Council, and the United Way of Southwestern Indiana. He currently serves as a member of the Board of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville and is a board member and Treasurer of the Student Aid and Counseling Service, Inc. He is also a Co-Chair of the Program Committee of the Early Childhood Development Coalition. He is a native of Evansville, Indiana, a graduate of Evansville Day School and a graduate of Purdue University with a B.A. in Political Science.
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Ronald Keeping
Property Advancement Committee, Chair |
Ronald Keeping serves as the Director of Economic Development and Market Research for Vectren Corporation, which oversees the Corporation’s efforts to attract companies interested in locating or expanding in Southwestern Indiana. The department strives to create a dynamic business environment that promotes business growth and expansion. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Evansville, Ronald has previously held positions with SIGECO as Director of Economic Development and as Manager for Area and Industrial Development. Ronald also participates in many important community organizations which include the Rotary Club of Evansville, Wesselman Nature Society, Indy Partnership Advisory Council, Regional Workforce Board, and the Evansville Industrial Foundation. In his free time, Ronald likes to garden and travel.
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David Matthews
Property Advancement Committee |
David Matthews MAI CRE SRA is the principle of David Matthews Associates, a real estate appraisal and counseling firm serving the tri-state since 1980. In 1968, he graduated with a major in real estate from the University of Tennessee. Since then, David has been actively involved in the appraisal profession serving as president of the state and local chapters of the Appraisal Institute and as a national director and chair of many national committees. He has provided valuation and counseling services in a twelve states and testified as an expert witness dozens of times. Currently, David serves on the local boards of the Raintree Girl Scouts Council chairing the Property Committee, WNIN local public radio and TV stations chairing the Strategic Plan Committee, the Service Corporation of the Evansville Area Association of Realtors chairing the Computer Committee, Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and GAGE. His clients include corporations, developers, investors, local, state and national government agencies, law, engineering and accounting firms and individuals. Many not-for-profit organizations have sought his advice on real estate and land economic issues in the greater Evansville area on a pro-bono basis. Twice he has been a delegate representing the U.S. real estate appraisal profession on visits to Russia, Latvia, Taiwan and China. The Real Estate Counselors Group of America recently elected David as national president. David enjoys many hobbies including golf, travel, jazz drumming, videography and reading. He and his wife, Stephanie, selected Evansville as the ideal place to live, work and raise a family in 1976 after having lived and worked in the Southeastern, Northeastern and Midwestern sections of the US
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Mark Rozewski
Administration Committee |
Mark Rozewski serves as the Treasurer and Vice President for Business Affairs for the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Mark is primarily responsible for overseeing University departments responsible for all of the business functions which include Accounting/Finance, Business Office, Computing, Facilities Planning, Construction and Operations, Security, Budgeting, Internal Audit, and Foundation Accounting. During his tenure at USI, Mark has spearheaded some important projects and campaigns which include the development of a Campus Master Plan, design and construction of a multimillion dollar series of improvements across the USI Campus, securing a re-affirmation of Moody’s A2 rating on the University’s student fee debt, and an A3 rating on auxiliary debt. In addition these important professional achievements, Mark also serves on the board of the Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. and the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System, Inc.
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Troy Tornatta
Executive Committee
Nominating Committee
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Troy Tornatta, a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, was elected as a Vanderburgh County Commissioner in 2006. Previously Mr. Tornatta served as a Vanderburgh County Councilman from 2001 to 2006. As Commissioner, one of Mr. Tornatta’s main focuses is to improve the economy of Vanderburgh County by acquiring quality companies with high quality paying jobs and benefits in addition to promoting regional economic development efforts. Also in avid businessman, Mr. Tornatta has worked in the tire business for twenty-five years and is currently the Vice President of Tornatta Tire.
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Marvin J. Wright
Rural Economic Development Committee, Chair |
Marvin J. Wright CPA, CFP®, is
a partner of Kemper CPA Group LLP, an accounting firm in Evansville, Indiana. Marvin is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner®. On a day to day basis, Marvin assists small and medium sized businesses in achieving their goals of greater profitability and securing wealth care solutions for their owners and other individuals. Marvin is an accomplished presenter. He has given numerous presentations dealing with financial statement analysis, management techniques, analytical tools, and retirement and estate planning. He has also taught several classes in the accounting and continuing education departments of the University of Southern Indiana. Marvin received his B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Evansville and holds his Series 7, 66 and 24 securities licenses; as well as his health and life insurance licenses. He started his career with a national accounting firm, Touche Ross & Company, and was a partner in a local practice before founding Wright Consultants, LLC in 1983.
In 2007 Wright Consultants, LLC was merged into Kemper CPA Group LLP and Marvin was made a partner in the firm.
Marvin is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s, a past president of the Southern Indiana Chapter and past chairman of the Management Advisory Services Committee of the Indiana CPA Society. He is a member of the Kentucky Society of CPA’s, the Institute of Business Appraisers, the Institute of Management Accountants, the Evansville Estate Planning Council and a past chairman of the USI Accounting Circle.
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Jerry Yezbick
Rural Economic Development Committee |
Jerry Yezbick is the Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield “Healthy Indiana Plan” (HIP), a state-sponsored low-cost health insurance program for Hoosier adults without access to health insurance through their employers. Mr. Yezbick has 30 years of Workforce Development expertise, with 20 years experience as the Director of the Regional Workforce Board, and he was a charter member with over 15 years of leadership experience on the local business incubator Board of Directors. With a BA Degree from Eastern Michigan University, Mr. Yezbick has been an educator, advocate and champion of small business and economic development in the region since 1987. His participation as a member of the Innovation Pointe Board of Directors is a natural outgrowth of his commitment to seeing Southwest Indiana grow. |
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Forrest "Woody" Youngs, PRC
Entrepreneurship Committee |
Mr. Youngs is a 1976 graduate of the University of Evansville. A lifelong resident of Evansville, IN, he has worked for PAR since 1977. Professional development includes numerous industry seminars and speaking engagements with area colleges and universities. A member of the American Marketing Association and Marketing Research Association, he holds a Professional Researcher Certification, Expert Level designation. A Past Master of Newburgh Masonic Lodge and several other Masonic organizations, he has been active with Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for over 15 years and has served as District Chairman for Scouting in our area. In addition to his duties with GAGE’s Board and Entrepreneurship Committee, he has served on various boards and committees including Child Evangelism Fellowship, TTT Christian Youth Ministries and the YMCA. Currently he serves on several church committees and is a Deacon and Bible Study Leader at North Park Baptist Church. He is actively involved with The Christian Motorcyclist Association. He and his wife Carol have been married 26 years and have one son, Matthew. Given a moment for fun, you’ll find him shooting archery or fishing. |
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Brent Beeler
Property Advancement Committee |
Chief Operating Officer, Berry Plastics Corporation
Rigid Plastics Packaging Institute member
Board Member of Institute for Global Enterprise at the University of Evansville |
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WD "Turk" Walton, Jr
Entrepreneurship Committee |
Received his education at the University of Evansville and the Indiana University School of Business. Mr. Walton professional career includes:
- Bucyrus Erie Company in Financial Statistics and Sales Analysis in both Evansville, Indiana and Milwaukee Wisconsin;
- Evansville AutoParts/EVAPAR, Evansville, Indiana, and Paducah, Kentucky as General Manager and COO;
- American Power Products, Louisville, Kentucky as President;
- The Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Small Business Development and as Chamber President;
- Citizens Realty and Insurance, Inc. as General Manager. Following mergers with Emge Realty and FC Tucker Realty, Mr. Walton served in Residential Sales Management and Home Construction and Real Estate Development for FC Tucker Emge Realty
Mr. Walton’s community service affiliations include:
- Indiana State Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Board Member;
- Indiana State Small Business Council Board Member and President;
- Keep Evansville Beautiful, Board Member and President;
- Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce, Board and Executive Board Member;
- Metropolitan Evansville Development Council, Board Member;
- Public Education Foundation, Board Member and President;
- Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, Local and State, Board Member and President
Mr. Walton has been recognized as Southwest Indiana’s Small Business Person of the Year and a “Sagamore of the Wabash”. |
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Lloyd Winnecke
Executive Committee
Downtown Economic Development Committee, Chair |
Lloyd is Vice President and Marketing Director for Fifth Third Bank in Evansville, IN. In that role, he oversees internal sales campaigns, advertising placement, manages charitable giving and serves as the public spokesperson for the bank.
In addition to his bank work, Lloyd is an elected member of the Vanderburgh County Council, which serves as the fiscal arm of county government. He has been a member of the County Council since 2000, having served as President for three years. As a result of his Council position, he also serves as the Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee (multi-county transportation planning), on the Executive Committee of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, on the board of the Southwest Indiana Economic Development Coalition and on the Advisory Board for the Community Dental Clinic.
Lloyd is also involved in several not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves on the boards of Evansville Civic Theatre, Evansville African American Museum, United Way of Southwest Indiana and the local chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a past board member, and remains a volunteer, for the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and is a past cabinet member for the local United Way campaigns. Other past organizational involvement includes: Public Education Foundation, Parks Foundation, University of Evansville Theatre Society, the Reitz Home Museum, USI Arts and Humanities and Junior Achievement.
Lloyd is an Evansville native, a graduate of Central High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from the University of Evansville.
Lloyd and his wife Carol, an area realtor, are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Evansville. |
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Jack Rogers
Property Advancement Committee |
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Randy Kron
Rural Economic Development Committee |
Randy Kron is a 1983 graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He is the owner/operator of Kron Farms Inc., raising yellow corn, white corn and soybeans.
Randy has served as Vice President of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. since 2002. He also sits on the board of directors for Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., United Farm Family Life Insurance Co., United Farm Family Mutual Insurance Co., UFB Casualty Insurance Co., Countryway Insurance (based in Syracuse, NY), and UHL Insurance Co.
Randy is in his 4 th term as Armstrong Township Trustee/Assessor. He also serves on the INDOT I-69 Steering Committee and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council. He is a member of Salem Church of Darmstadt and is the father of two children. |
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Ed Jones
Executive Committee
Entrepreneurship Committee |
Ed Jones is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Extended Services at the University of Southern Indiana. Regional outreach is a central focus of the University mission. Ed oversees university outreach programming and partnerships including management of Extended Services, a comprehensive regional engagement division. Current targeted areas include workforce and economic development, regional and community engagement, and expanded P-12 partnerships. Operating units in the division include: the Centers for Human Resource Development, Applied Research, and Educational Partnerships; Service Learning; Continuing Education; Historic New Harmony; Historic Southern Indiana; Southern Indiana Japanese School; and Instructional Technology Services/Distance Education. The University of Southern Indiana is the higher education partner in Innovation Pointe. USI currently partners with a variety of organizations and groups to promote regional economic and workforce development, examples include: Innovation Pointe and GAGE; the Southwest Indiana WIRED Project; various STEM-related education projects with area school corporations; Tri-State Industrial Safety Council; and NWSC Crane. Prior to joining USI, Ed was an assistant dean at Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies. He received his bachelor’s degree from Brescia College and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University. He is a member of the Implementation Committee of the Southwest Indiana WIRED Project and the Board of Directors, Executive, and Entrepreneurial Committees of the Growth Alliance of Greater Evansville (GAGE). He previously served as chair and board member for the Southwest Indiana Workforce Investment Board and in leadership roles with the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications System, the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education, and the University Continuing Education Association. He is a member of the Evansville Downtown Rotary Club and the Grand Lakes Yacht Club. |
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Tom Austerman
Entrepreneurship Committee
Downtown Economic Development Committee |
Thomas Austerman has over 35 years of experience as a banker. Mr. Austerman began his commercial banking career with the Second National Bank of Richmond, Indiana in April 1971. During his 13 years with Second National Bank he, at different times, managed the mortgage, marketing and commercial lending departments and was a member of the Bank’s senior management committee. He subsequently joined The First National Bank of Danville, Indiana where he held the position of senior vice president and senior loan officer from January 1983 until December 1985. Mr. Austerman accepted a position with National City Bank of Evansville, Indiana in January of 1986. His responsibilities included marketing, strategic planning, business development, commercial lending and branch administration. From January 1996 to December 1999 Mr. Austerman served as president and chief administrative officer of National City Bank of Evansville with day to day responsibilities for the Bank’s operations. Mr. Austerman was the executive organizer and the founding president and chief executive officer of Bank of Evansville, N.A., from May 2000 to February 2005. He is the founder and currently the President and CEO of Evansville Commerce Bank. |
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