Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana announces new board members

Gary, IN — Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana announces the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2020.

Joining the Board of Directors are Chris Chyung, Kristin Marlow-Kellemen and Rich Zeigler. “All three of our newest Board members embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to strengthen communities in Lake County, Indiana, ” Dawn Michaels, Executive Director.

Chris Chyung was elected in 2018 to represent District 15 in the Indiana House of Representatives. He serves on the House Financial Institutions, Veterans Affairs & Public Safety and Roads & Transportation committees and the Ranking Member of the Local Government committee. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Representative Chyung volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana’s Restore in Gary.

Kristin Marlow-Kellemen is the Executive Director of the Red Cross Northwest Chapter and longtime Habitat volunteer and former Project Director with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana who worked to open the ReStore in Merrillville, In. Kristin is a Northwest Indiana native and is excited to serve as the Treasurer on Habitat’s volunteer Board.

Rich Zeigler is the Vice President of Development for Spectacle Entertainment. In this position, he oversees projects at the Majestic Star Casino while working alongside Hard Rock International in the design and construction of the Hard Rock Casino – Northern Indiana project. Rich is from New Jersey, where he began his career as a civil and geotechnical engineer before moving into shopping center development, horse racing and casino gaming. He is looking forward to working with Habitat to build homes and improve local communities.

Longtime Habitat volunteer and newly appointed Board President, Lee Anderson remarked, “It is an honor to serve alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers working so hard to show God’s love to Lake County one house and one partner family at a time!” Lee is born and raised in Kentucky, graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Now retired from ArcelorMittal, Lee also serves as an Elder at Suncrest Church. He and wife Elizabeth enjoy volunteering and continuing Lee’s father’s dedication to helping to provide decent, affordable housing to Partner Families.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana call 219-923- 7265 or visit NWIHabitat.org

The slate of board members for 2020 is below;
Lee Anderson, President of the Board
Julie Mintz, Vice President
Kristin Marlow-Kellemen, Treasurer
Melanie Dunajeski, Secretary
Chris Bengston
Jami Bradshaw
Keith Bruxvoort
Danna Carter
Chris Chyung
Linda Cobb
Rosanna Fowler
Stephanie Madison
Laura Rice
Rich Shields
Jackie Stewart
Carol Swisher
Shirley Williams
Rich Zeigler

About Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana is the leading organization that provides permanent, affordable housing to income-qualified families in Lake County Indiana. By serving qualified homeowners with an affordable mortgage, we help families achieve housing stability and improve their living conditions. HFHNWI’s operating expenses are funded in part by our two ReStores’ located in Gary and Merrillville through the sales of gently used and new home furnishings and materials. This enables the financial contributions of our donors to go directly toward serving families. HFHNWI leverages our resources with community partners, collaborators and volunteers to keep our housing affordable. HFHNWI was formed in July of 1986 by Reverend Dick Rogers and has served over 110 families and continue to work toward our vision; where everyone has a decent place to live.