The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), the organization driving major infrastructure and economic growth initiatives across the Region, has welcomed a new controller with deep roots in the community and a strong background in finance.
Courtney Kvachkoff, a Crown Point native, stepped into the role in December and is already making an impact overseeing the financial mechanisms behind transformative regional projects. She brings nearly a decade of experience in accounting, tax, and financial operations from her time at Ernst & Young and Onebridge.
However, for Kvachkoff, this move is about more than career growth – it's a return to where it all began.
"I'm born and raised in Crown Point," Kvachkoff said. "I went to Crown Point High School, played all kinds of sports, and always knew I'd come back."
As controller, Kvachkoff manages the Northwest Indiana RDA's financial operations, including oversight of revenue from Transit Development Districts (TDDs), a key initiative tied to infrastructure projects like the $933 million West Lake Corridor and $649 million South Shore Line Double Track.
These districts capture increases in local income and property taxes to fund development around train stations in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties.
"The money collected in a place like Hammond or Munster stays in that community – it doesn't go somewhere else," Kvachkoff said.
This investment into the Region is exactly why Kvachoff and her colleagues do what they do.
"Our team goes into the cities asking, 'What do you want to build?' We're helping communities be in the driver's seat for their own development,” said Kvachoff.
The Hammond TDD alone is projected to generate more than $25 million in local funding over the next decade, supporting housing and commercial development surrounding the new station. The resulting funds flow through the Northwest Indiana RDA and are directed back to the municipalities where the growth occurs.
Northwest Indiana RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller praised Kvachkoff's addition to the team.
"Courtney brings not only strong financial expertise but a genuine passion for Northwest Indiana,” Ziller said. “Her understanding of both the technical aspects and community impact of our work makes her an ideal fit as we expand our development initiatives."
Established in 2005, the Northwest Indiana RDA has been instrumental in attracting more than $3 billion in investment to the Region through various economic development projects.
Kvachkoff holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. Joseph's College and an MBA from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne. She is also deeply engaged outside of work, coaching volleyball at Ignite Volleyball Club and playing in local sports leagues.
"I laugh because I give myself no free time, but I love it and wouldn't have it any other way,” Kvachkoff said.
For Kvachkoff, returning home and serving the Region that shaped her is both a personal and professional milestone. Her immediate focus will include financial oversight of the Miller TDD in Gary and the ongoing Michigan City development corridor.
"I love this area," Kvachkoff said. "It's one thing to build up a place you move to, but I've been here all along. I’m excited to see where we're headed – not just for our generation, but for the ones after us."
To learn more about the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, visit in.gov/rda.
