The head of the Northwest Indiana Forum announced his resignation today from the regional economic development agency.

Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Galbiati announced that he will stay on to assist in the transition at the Northwest Indiana Forum, working on specific issues while “pursuing other business opportunities.”

"In my five years at the Forum, we have been able to build a strong, vigorous organization which can aggressively support the interests of business here in Northwest Indiana," said Galbiati, who formerly served on the Valparaiso City Council.

Former NIPSCO President Mark Maassel will step in as the interim president and CEO at the Forum while a search to replace Galbiati is conducted. Maassel is a former chair of the forum and is currently working at the Schererville office of Krieg DeVault, an Indianapolis-based business law firm.

"Vince took an organization needing to refine its mission and purpose and worked long hours to build the Forum into a vibrant regional institution," added Mike Baird, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Forum. "Today, the Forum is seen as a place where the business leaders across the region gather to address critical issues and work with many diverse groups to move the region forward. Our economic development and environmental partnerships are well established and effective."

The Northwest Indiana Forum is a non-profit regional economic development organization serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Starke counties. Its corporate members represent more than $40 billion in commerce for Northwest Indiana. The Forum is funded by membership contributions and grants.

Posted 1/20/2010