The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) recently appointed the following individuals as members of its Board of Directors.
Stan Klotz is the President of the Marshall County Commission, representing District 1. His dedication to Marshall County continues with his roles as the President of the County Planning Commission and Vice Chair of the Drainage Board. He previously served as the President of the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals, as well as a Bremen Public Schools Board Member.
Dr. Natalie Tucker is the Vice President and Dean of Marian University’s Ancilla College. A lifelong Hoosier, she previously served as the college’s Dean of Academics, as well as Agriculture Department Head and Assistant Professor. Tucker brings deep experience in academics, student support, and community engagement, with prior roles at Purdue University as an Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development Educator.
Matthew Wesaw is the longest-serving Chairman of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council. A retired Michigan State Police Trooper and former Director of Government Relations for the Troopers Association, he has dedicated his career to public service and Native American advocacy. In 2013, he became the first Native American to serve in a Michigan Governor’s cabinet as Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Wesaw also leads the Board of Trustees at Great Lakes Christian College.
“We are honored to welcome Natalie, Matthew, and Stan to the board,” said Pete McCown, Chair of the Regional Partnership Board. “Each brings a wealth of experience, deep regional ties, and a strong commitment to education, leadership, and community service. Their collective insights will strengthen our work and advance our mission across northern Indiana and beyond. I look forward to the impact we will make together.”
Susan Ford was named Co-Vice Chair of the Board, sharing the title with South Bend Regional Chamber’s President and CEO Jeff Rea. Ford is Managing Partner at Quarterline & Rock. With a background spanning operational leadership, executive consulting, and global talent strategy, she brings a wealth of experience from previous roles at Russell Reynolds Associates and Citi. First named to the Regional Partnership Board in 2022, she also advises INVANTI, and mentors women navigating career transitions and growth.
“Susan’s steadfast commitment to this region and her passion for cultivating meaningful, inclusive growth make her an exceptional choice for Vice-Chair,” said Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of the Regional Partnership. “Her global perspective, combined with deep local engagement, continues to elevate our work and challenge us to think bigger. She is truly a Midwest Maverick.”
The Regional Partnership catalyzes economic growth across the South Bend – Elkhart region by improving wages and livability to attract and grow the best industries and workers. This is the shared vision of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership’s Board of Directors, who provide strategic leadership to the organization.
The slate of Board members currently serving on the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership’s Board of Directors is listed below:
*Denotes Executive Committee
