PNW alumni leading change in regional community leadership organizations
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) plays a pivotal role in supporting local communities throughout Northwest Indiana (NWI) by preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to make impactful change as working professionals and community leaders.
The tradition of creating socially conscious leaders is an important part of PNW students’ college experience. Service-learning projects, hands-on labs, student-led organizations and community service projects provide students a connection between academic excellence and community service.
“PNW graduates are part of the growing number of leaders making an impact in Northwest Indiana,” says Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement. “The Regional Development Authority, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Regional Health Systems, Center of Workforce Innovations and Urban League of Northwest Indiana are just a few of the regional community leadership organizations that are headed by PNW alumni. These alumni have taken on leadership roles that drive meaningful change and will help shape the future of Northwest Indiana.”
PNW graduates are part of the growing number of leaders making an impact in Northwest Indiana.
Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement
Philip Taillon and Sherri Ziller are just two of the PNW alumni playing key roles in shaping the future of Northwest Indiana. Their interconnected roles highlight the ways in which PNW alumni are contributing to the region’s development and growth.
Philip Taillon, BS ’97, Chief Executive Officer, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA)
Philip Taillon
Philip Taillon earned a bachelor’s degree in Management from PNW.
Growing up in Hammond, Taillon spent the majority of his life and career in the area and credits his success to his connection to the area. He chose to attend PNW so he could balance the related goals of attending class full-time and working. Although he began as a Marketing major, he later switched to Management, a choice that would eventually take him to a leadership role in a regional community leadership organization.
“I had so many great professors who were so passionate about what they were teaching that it really affected me,” he says. “In addition to academic knowledge, I learned a lot of life skills and by the time I graduated, I was a completely different individual.”
After graduation, Taillon began a decade-long career in banking, working at a local bank where he developed his skills in community engagement and business development. His work with the Hesseville Business Association introduced him to the mayor of Hammond, Thomas McDermott Jr., BS ’96, and eventually led to a role in city government. Over the course of 16 years, he served in several positions, including director of economic development, executive director of planning and finally, chief of staff where he focused on community development, city policy and tourism efforts.
When the opportunity at the SSCVA opened up, Taillon realized it was the perfect opportunity to do what he was most passionate about on a larger scale. “This type of opportunity doesn’t come around often and I’m committed to making the most of it,” he says. “This is a chance to market not just one city, but the entire county and region.”
In addition to academic knowledge, I learned a lot of life skills and by the time I graduated, I was a completely different individual.
In his current role at the SSCVA, Taillon is involved in developing strategies to promote local businesses, attractions and events; enhancing the tourism experience; fostering collaboration between local stakeholders; and growing the local economy.
“We’re constantly looking for new ideas and initiatives that can make this area more attractive to younger people,” says Taillon. “Our goal is to create an environment in this region that draws people in and keeps them here.”
The combination of education and a strong connection to the community helped shape Taillon into the leader he has become and demonstrates the impact this PNW alumnus continues to have in shaping Northwest Indiana’s future.
“Staying local and understanding the region’s history, culture and people gives me a leg up in this job,” says Taillon. “It’s about using that knowledge to represent an area I know very well. I think PNW was the perfect choice to help me move in the right direction.”
Sherri Ziller, BS ’08, MSED ’12, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
Sherri Ziller
Sherri Ziller earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Education from PNW.
Ziller began work right out of high school but soon realized she needed a college degree to enhance her career opportunities. After earning an associate’s degree in computer science from another college and gaining practical experience in the technology field, she decided to earn her bachelor’s degree from PNW.
“PNW was not a hard choice,” says Ziller. “I knew graduates from PNW who had great experiences there and after looking at the course offerings, I felt it was the best fit for me.” She initially changed her major several times before deciding on political science. Her decision to study political science proved crucial to her career path and was influenced by the job she had then started at the Regional Development Authority (RDA).
Her degree in Political Science laid the foundation for her career in public service and leadership, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. A class project on political campaigns deepened her understanding of civic engagement while a class taught by Thomas McDermott, Jr., the mayor of Hammond, gave her insight into NWI’s political landscape – knowledge she uses in her current role.
PNW plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s workforce by providing quality education that meets the demands of employers looking for skilled talent.
“The training I received in political science helped in understanding the theory behind the decision-making process in my role at the RDA,” says Ziller. “It’s one thing to work in the field, but another thing to understand the political, economic and social forces that shape the decisions you’re making.”
Ziller was one of the first employees at the RDA, an organization that provides leadership, direction and secures funding for regional issues affecting Lake and Porter counties in Northwest Indiana. She served as chief operating officer for nearly 11 years before stepping into the role of CEO. In her position, she works closely with elected officials, businesses and nonprofits to create regional development opportunities that foster economic growth and regional development improvements.
“PNW plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s workforce by providing quality education that meets the demands of employers looking for skilled talent,” says Ziller. “The RDA is working to ensure the factors important to both graduates and businesses, like job opportunities, housing, safety and amenities, are prioritized. It’s about creating a complete ecosystem that supports sustainable development and a high quality of life for everyone.”
Ziller currently serves on the PNW Alumni Advisory Board.