Kay Nelson, Director of Environmental Affairs, Northwest Indiana Forum has been appointed by Governor Pence as Commissioner to represent Indiana on the board of the Great Lakes Commission.
Nelson, with more than 35 years of environmental experience, has been with the Forum since 1998. During her time with the Forum, she has had significant focus upon Great Lakes issues such as the Great Lakes Compact. Under her facilitation, Indiana was the only Great Lake state to have a joint resolution of support for the Compact endorsed by private sector businesses and the environmental community. For this work, Kay was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Mitch Daniels.
The appointment from Governor Pence includes a statement that reads “I (Governor Pence) place my full faith and confidence in Kay Nelson, who demonstrated her ability, commitment and desire to join me in upholding the public trust and serving all Hoosiers”.
“Whereas I have had the opportunity and pleasure to indirectly represent the State of Indiana in many of my past endeavors, the appointment with the language it includes is quite an honor” said Nelson. In this role, Ms. Nelson will attend the Great Lakes Commission meetings and subcommittee meetings to represent the Forum members and all Hoosiers. She will be working closely with the Governor’s office and state agencies to provide input on the Commission going forward.
At the Forum, Ms. Nelson represents the business community in local, regional, state and international discussions with environmental and community stakeholders to develop an understanding and often consensus on important issues. The Forum works to create a positive business climate promoting investment and job creation in harmony with the environment.
The Great Lakes Commission is an interstate compact agency that promotes the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River. Its members include the eight Great Lakes states with associate member status for the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. Each jurisdiction appoints a delegation of three to five members comprised of senior agency officials, legislators and/or appointees of the governor or premier.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Katie R. Holderby, Director of Marketing and Communications at kholderby@nwiforum.org or 219-688-0410.