The Economic Development Corp. Michigan City team is welcoming new board members and a shift in officers for 2025.
Four community members have joined the board, bringing a mix of expertise and experience to the board. New board members include Dr. Wendel McCollum, Aco Sikoski, Antonio Conley and Cassie Martin.
“Having a board that represents a range of industries, skills and strengths is vital to our work at the EDCMC,” said Clarence Hulse, Economic Development Corp. Michigan City executive director, in a press release. “Our board serves as a sounding board and provides a platform for discussions to ensure that we are making the strongest impact on our community.”
Dr. McCollum is the superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools and previously served as associate superintendent. He is a Michigan City native. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in secondary education and a doctorate in education in K-12 district leadership.
Sikoski is chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus. He has served in varied roles at Ivy Tech since 1997, including program chair, professor, dean and campus president. Sikoski earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering and has used his background to develop engineering programs at Ivy Tech.
Conley has a background in entrepreneurship and in the corporate world. He grew up in Michigan City and worked his way up to buyer/planner at Chicago Faucets. He also manages his own clothing store. Conley launched the Kidpreneur program to teach youth ages 6 to 18 the business skills needed to become future entrepreneurs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Martin is vice president of operations at D. Martin Enterprises, a family-owned business that provides products and services to the steel industry. A region native, she earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries and a master’s degree in marine biology.
The 2025 officers include: Seth Spencer of Sera Group as board chair, Steve Kring of Horizon Bank as vice chair and treasurer, Jessica Bailey of Sullair – A Hitachi Group Company as secretary and Bill Hackney of the Herald Dispatch as past chair.
“A strong, supportive and innovative board is the key to any good organization. I am blessed to have the very best around,” Hulse said. “So many passionate, dedicated and inspiring leaders helping to lead the future of Michigan City’s economic future.”
