Northwest Indiana Forum Announces Yvonne Lopez as Executive Assistant to the CEO

The Northwest Indiana Forum is pleased to announce Yvonne Lopez as Executive Assistant to the CEO, where she will support the organization's strategic initiatives and help advance efforts that drive economic growth, regional collaboration, and long-term prosperity across Northwest Indiana. 

A lifelong Northwest Indiana resident with deep roots throughout the Region, Lopez brings a diverse professional background in executive support, communications, marketing, event management, relationship building and community engagement. In her role, she will work closely with the CEO, stakeholders and partners to support the organization's mission of creating a globally competitive economy where businesses and communities can thrive. 

"Yvonne's passion for Northwest Indiana, combined with her exceptional organizational skills, relationship-building abilities and dedication to our mission, make her a tremendous asset to the Forum," said Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. "Her deep understanding of our Region, its people and its opportunities will strengthen our work as we continue connecting business, government and community leaders to advance Northwest Indiana's economic future." 

Lopez's connection to Northwest Indiana is both personal and professional. Having lived in Gary, East Chicago, Portage and Valparaiso, she has experienced firsthand the diverse communities that make up the Region. Her family's history reflects much of Northwest Indiana's agricultural and industrial heritage. Her grandparents migrated to the area to work its farmland, while her parents came seeking opportunity in the steel industry. Her mother dedicated more than 35 years to the industry, including service at Inland Steel and the Burns Harbor plant, while her father began his career in the Gary steel mills before joining Construction and General Laborers' Union Local 81. 

Lopez earned a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Purdue University Northwest College of Business. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in executive support, communications, marketing, event management and stakeholder engagement, building a reputation for fostering meaningful relationships and helping organizations achieve their goals through collaboration and service. 

At the Forum, Lopez will play an important role in supporting executive leadership, coordinating strategic initiatives and strengthening engagement with members, investors and regional partners.