New Parks Director named in Valparaiso
Tristan Leonhard has been named Parks Director for Valparaiso by Mayor Jon Costas, according to a release.
Leonhard, who joined the department in 2023, most recently served as Acting Director and previously as Assistant Director for the parks. Since joining Valpo Parks, Leonhard has played a key role in advancing major initiatives, including the $10 million Parks RePLAY initiative and the development of Valpo REC, which is transforming the 16-acre former McGill factory site into a multi-generational recreation and enrichment center near downtown, the release said.
Leonhard holds both a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in sports administration from Valparaiso University.
Valparaiso park amphitheater renamed in 10-year partnership
Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso will now be known as the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater, a release said.
Valpo Parks recently announced 1st Source Bank as the official amphitheater naming rights partner, securing the naming rights for a 10-year period, reinforcing the long-standing commitment and relationship between 1st Source Bank and the Valparaiso community, the release said.
The partnership ensures that the amphitheater at Central Park Plaza and downtown Valparaiso remain a vibrant hub for culture, entertainment and community events for the next decade, the release said.
Gary Schools appoints security director
The Gary Community School Corp. recently announced the appointment of Gregory L. Fayson as the district’s new Director of Security.
With more than 24 years of service in law enforcement, Fayson, who recently retired from the Gary Police Department, brings experience in crisis response, youth advocacy, mental health awareness and community partnership to the district’s leadership team, according to a release.
As Director of Security, Fayson will oversee district-wide safety protocols, emergency preparedness and security personnel coordination while working closely with school leaders, local law enforcement and community stakeholders, the release said.
Chair elected for NWI Influential Women Association
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association recently elected Aida Abuelizam, Director of Customer Experience and Technology Engagement at NiSource, as Chair of the NWIIWA Board of Directors.
Abuelizam has been an active NWIIWA member, currently serving as co-chair of the organization’s mentorship program, a release said. In her current position with NiSource, she drives enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen customer-centricity and accelerate digital transformation. She holds an MBA from Indiana University Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Physician joins Franciscan in Crown Point
Family medicine physician Dr. Julie Mora is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point.
Mora earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, a release said. She completed her residency in family medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In addition to English, Mora is also fluent in Spanish.
She is accepting new patients for in-person visits at the Franciscan Physician Network Crown Point Health Center at Franciscan Point, located at 12800 Mississippi Parkway. Virtual visits are also available. Call 219-663-7000.
Mrvan announces conversations schedule
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, has announced his Community Conversations to be held in Chesterton and St. John on March 9.
According to a release, meetings are set for 2-3 p.m. at Chesterton Town Hall, Community Room, 726 Broadway, Chesterton; and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the VFW Auxiliary Post 717, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John.
Franciscan Michigan City plans suicide prevention course
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting a free suicide prevention course in March.
The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, a release said.
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting the course from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 31, at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, 301 W. Homer St.
The course is free, but registration is required by March 24. To register and for more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org.
CLH honors employees with awards
CLH, CPAs & Consultants of Michigan City recently named the 12 recipients of its 2025 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award, a yearlong employee recognition program designed to celebrate team members, according to a release.
The R.I.K.I. Spotlight program encourages employees to model CLH’s principles — Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge and Innovation. Throughout the year, CLH staff members are invited each month to nominate one colleague who demonstrates the firm’s core values. The 2025 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award winners are: Seth Bedwell, Senior Accountant; Mackenzie McVay, Administrative Team; Sharon Staback, Administrative Team; Audrey Klibinski, Administrative Team; Kayla Gentry, Staff Accountant; Audrey Byers, Administrative Team; Edward Simokaitis, Manager; Adam Lange, Staff Accountant; Reid Schroeder, Staff Accountant; Alexia Perez, Manager; Ryin Ott, Staff Accountant; and Seth Stemper, Staff Accountant.
Local voice added to state nominating commission
Gov. Mike Braun recently announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions.
Locally, Heather Delgado, of Barnes and Thornburg, was appointed to Judicial Nominating Commission for the Superior Court of Lake County, a release said
