The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership recently appointed three new members to its board of directors and a new co-vice chair.
The new board members include Stan Klotz of Marshall County Commission, Dr. Natalie Tucker of Marian University's Ancilla College and Mattthew Wesaw of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council. Susan Ford was named co-vice chair of the board, sharing the title with Jeff Rea, South Bend Regional Chamber president and CEO.
Klotz is president of the Marshall County Commission, representing District 1. He serves as County Planning Commission president and Drainage Board vice chair. He previously served as Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals president and Bremen Public Schools board member.
Tucker is 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 previously served at Purdue University as extension director and 4-H youth development educator.
Wesaw is a retired Michigan State police trooper and Troopers Association director of government relations. A Native American, Wesaw served in a Michigan Governor’s cabinet as Michigan Department of Civil Rights executive director. Wesaw also leads the Great Lakes Christian College board of trustees.
“We are honored to welcome Natalie, Matthew and Stan to the board,” said Pete McCown, Regional Partnership board chair, in a press release. “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.”
Ford is managing partner at Quarterline & Rock. With a background spanning operational leadership, executive consulting and global talent strategy, she brings 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,” Bethany Hartley, Regional Partnership president and CEO, said. “Her global perspective, combined with deep local engagement, continues to elevate our work and challenge us to think bigger.”
