Heather Ennis is President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, a privately held nonprofit organization focused on creating economic development opportunities for the seven-county region. With more than 130 members, the Forum works to create a positive business climate promoting investment, quality job creation and retention in harmony with the environment and critical components of a sustainable regional economy. Funded by membership contributions and grants, Forum membership translates into a direct investment in the region’s future.
In her 9 years with the Forum, Heather has worked to build a coalition of regional partners focused on transforming the Northwest Indiana economic landscape; focusing on key performance indicators of population growth, increase in capital investment and per capita income growth. She is a registered lobbyist and has spent hundreds of hours advocating for economic development tools.
Previously as President of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, she led an organization committed to improving the quality of life and breadth of economic opportunity within the five lakefront municipalities of Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Dune Acres and Porter.
Ennis is more than just a community leader, she serves as a catalytic voice for her constituents on a state and regional level as a member of the Indiana Economic Development Association Board and Legislative Committee, Metro Chambers Coalition, Indiana Vision 2025+, Indiana Defense Task Force, Indiana Chamber Workforce Advisory Council, 21st Century Talent Region Partner, Northwest Medical Board, Autonomous Vehicle Challenge Committee, Unity Way of Northwest Indiana Board, Porter County Community Foundation Grant Committee and Champion of Ignite the Region.
Ennis credits her husband and son as the source of her passion for local community building and regional economic development. After working nationally for several years, she made a firm commitment to raise her family in Northwest Indiana – a region she is doing her part to strengthen for the next generation.