Northwest Indiana Forum Announces Erik Nelson as Operations Director

The Northwest Indiana Forum is pleased to announce the appointment of Erik Nelson as Operations Director. In this role, Nelson will drive execution of key organizational priorities, support alignment and accountability across the leadership team, and strengthen communication, coordination, and operational effectiveness throughout the organization.

Nelson brings a diverse background in economic development, workforce development, marketing, sales, and event management, with experience spanning professional and collegiate athletics as well as public-private economic development initiatives.

Nelson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Sport Management with a minor in Marketing from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, in June 2017. In 2023, he completed the prestigious Indiana Economic Development Course Certification through Ball State University, further enhancing his expertise in community and economic development.

Before joining the Northwest Indiana Forum, Nelson spent five years with the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP). Beginning as Workforce Development Coordinator and later advancing to Business Development Manager, he played a key role in strengthening workforce pipelines and supporting economic growth across La Porte County.

During his tenure at LEAP, Nelson led workforce development initiatives in partnership with local school corporations, higher education institutions, and the business community. He also managed strategic economic development projects and served as the primary point of contact for business attraction and expansion efforts. In that capacity, he worked closely with companies, municipalities, utilities, developers, and community stakeholders to facilitate infrastructure improvements and advance projects from planning through completion.

As Operations Director, Nelson will leverage his expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and economic development to help advance the Forum’s mission of fostering regional collaboration and driving economic growth across Northwest Indiana.

"Erik's leadership, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team," said Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. "From our very first conversation, it was clear that he has a genuine passion for Northwest Indiana and a strong commitment to helping communities and businesses thrive. His experience, relationship-building skills, and ability to bring people together around shared goals will be tremendous assets to our organization. We are excited to welcome Erik to the Forum and look forward to the impact he will have on our team, our members, and the continued growth of our region.”