Skip to main content

Board of Directors

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana consists of an amazing and generous group of people who support the organization with their time, knowledge, talent, experience, and philanthropy.


  • CHAIRMAN – MARTY WIELGOS

    District Manager, Sanitary District of Hammond

  • VICE CHAIRWOMAN – DODY RUSSELL

    President, Bellsom Electric

  • SECRETARY - ADAM BARON

    Director of Facilities, Horseshoe Casino

  • TREASURER – KRIS SAKELARIS

    Director, Hammond Legal Aid Clinic

  • ALEXIUS BARBER

    Public Affairs & Economic Development Manager, NIPSCO

  • MICHAEL DYE

    Root Brothers Manufacturing & Supply Co

  • ANNE GREGORY

    Director of School of Education & Counseling, Purdue University Northwest

  • STEVE KELLOGG

    Lieutenant, Hammond Indiana Police

  • KEVIN KEOUGH

    President, Keough Mechanical Corp.

  • JILL LANDERS

    Transformation & Modernization Manager, BP Whiting Refinery

  • KATHY O'DONNELL

    Franciscan Alliance

  • DEWEY PEARMAN

    Executive Director, Construction Advancement Foundation

  • BRIAN P. POPP

    Attorney, Laszlo & Popp, P.C.

  • GILBERT RYNBERK

    Northwest Indiana Market President, Wintrust Commercial Banking

  • JIM TAILLON

    Park Administrator, City of Hammond

  • KELLIE TAILLON

    Banking Center Manager, Peoples Bank

  • JENNIFER VAVREK

    Educator, School City Of Hammond, retired

  • MATTHEW WELLS

    Director of External Engagement & Partnerships, Purdue University Northwest

Emeritus Members

  • JAN RATAZZI

    Educator, Crown Point Community Schools, retired

  • HONORABLE ED SOLIDAY

    Indiana State Representative, District 4