Skip to content

Board of Directors

Hobart Chamber Board Members

John Yelkich

State Farm Insurance
President of the Board

John Yelkich has been a State Farm agent in downtown Hobart for the last

13 years. John grew up in Hobart Township and attended Henry S. Evans

Elementary School. Upon graduation from high school, he received a

degree in sociology from Valparaiso University. John is also a past

president of the Hobart Chamber and is currently on his second tenure with

the chamber board.

Jeffrey Perz

Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, Inc.
Vice President

Jeff, a retired IT professional with 40 years of experience at NiSource, remains actively engaged in his community. He is a dedicated member of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and serves as Treasurer for Exceptional Equestrians, a Hobart-based nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Additionally, Jeff is a board member at Members Source Credit Union, contributing his expertise to its governance and strategic initiatives.

Nancy Mathena

Pulse Technology
Vice President

A proud Hobart resident for more than 31 years, I share my home with my two rescue pups, Daisy and Duke, adopted from the Hobart Humane Society and Humane Indiana. I also have one son who now resides in Kentucky.

I have served as an Account Executive with Pulse Technology for over seven years, representing the company throughout Highland, Griffith, Munster, Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Hobart, and the surrounding communities. I also support all Lake County Government offices.

I am actively involved in the community and currently serve on several committees, including the Planning Committee for the 2026 Humane Indiana Gala, as well as committees within the Highland/Griffith Chamber.

In my free time, I enjoy antiquing, fishing, and spending quality time with friends. You can often find me walking along Lake George with Daisy and Duke, taking in the scenery and enjoying the outdoors.

Shauna Craib

Craib Accounting
Treasurer

Shauna Craib brings nearly three decades of expertise in accounting, financial strategy, and business operations. As founder of Craib Accounting, she has supported clients across industries like non-profits, healthcare, construction, and e-commerce—helping them strengthen financial systems and scale with confidence.

Previously, she held executive roles including CFO of Mezame of Chicago  where she led financial oversight and strategic initiatives.  Her experience also spans multiple chambers of commerce where she has contributed to financial leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement through roles on executive boards and as a treasurer.  Now on the Hobart Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Shauna remains passionate about empowering local businesses and driving community growth.

Dee Bedella

Powers Health
Board Member

Anthony Giammanco

Gary SouthShore Railcats
Board Member
Image coming soon...

Jenny Webber

Humane Society of Hobart
Board Member
Image coming soon...

Donna Vurva

REGIONAL federal credit union
Board Member

Jenny Gunning

Peoples Bank
Board Member

Staci Phillips

Wintrust Indiana
Board Member

Experienced banking management professional with extensive expertise in implementing and achieving strategic and tactical goals for the company. Proven abilities in developing client partnerships and referral networks that lead to new business and long lasting banking relationships. Provide strong leadership, management and direction to staff, while ensuring the delivery of superior quality service and product support to all company members. 
•    38+ years of experience in the financial industry, business development, customer sales and service
•    I pride myself on being a hands-on, dynamic team director and mentor with the ability to develop strong rapport with fellow colleagues
•    Within my well-rounded skill set, I possess problem solving abilities and analytical ingenuity, and I am always determined in my endeavors to grow in any office/managerial position

Bill Stocky

FCA of Merrillville
Board Member

With 35 years of experience in the flooring industry and 20 years installing, I offer valuable insights and designs for all flooring projects, including residential and commercial applications.

With past and current board commitments from Chicago Architecture federation.

Vice president of Duneland Ski Club, and NWI Parrothead club.

Creator of the Taltree Photography club and managed several hockey teams.

Proud to be a Chamber member and ready to share knowledge, collaboration and strong community growth.

Jim Juarez

Independent Insurance Broker - Jim Juarez
Board Member
Image coming soon...

Kara Gora

Salon Kasara
Board Member
Kara Gora is a seasoned beauty industry professional and salon owner with over 20 years of experience serving clients and building relationships throughout Northwest Indiana. She is a graduate of Indiana University, where she earned degrees in Sociology, Fine Arts, and Business, providing a strong foundation in people-centered leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Following college, Kara attended and graduated from Creative Academy, where she completed her beauty education before immediately entering a professional apprenticeship program. This hands-on training allowed her to refine her technical skills, deepen her industry knowledge, and develop a strong commitment to excellence early in her career.
Throughout her 20-year career, Kara has worked in a variety of salons across Northwest Indiana, gaining a broad understanding of the beauty industry, small business operations, and exceptional client service. Her work has been recognized at a national level, as she placed among the Top Ten winners throughout North America for two consecutive years in the Intercoiffure America/Canada New Talent Contest, including a Top Three placement one of those years.
After years of professional growth and experience, Kara has found her salon home in Hobart, Indiana, where she proudly owns and operates an upscale booth rental salon. She is passionate about supporting local businesses, fostering meaningful community connections, and contributing a thoughtful, creative, and practical perspective to her role on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kara is honored to serve and looks forward to helping strengthen a vibrant and collaborative local business community.

Christina Piech

Franciscan Working Well
Board Member

Christina “Tina” Piech brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience and a strong commitment to community engagement to her role as a Board Member with the Hobart Chamber of Commerce. As an Employer Solutions Account Executive with Franciscan WorkingWell since 2023, Tina partners with employers throughout Northwest Indiana to improve workplace health, strengthen safety, and support the overall well-being of the local workforce.

 

Her work with Franciscan introduced her to deeper community involvement in Hobart, where the city’s welcoming spirit, strong relationships, and continued growth inspired her to join the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Tina is known for her creativity, passion, and ability to bring people together, values she has demonstrated in previous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Highland High School Parents Swim Club from 2015 to 2022.

 

Outside of her professional commitments, Tina enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family. She finds her greatest fulfillment in helping others and contributing to initiatives that strengthen the community she calls home

Ashley White

Roman's Roofing
Board Member

As the Director at Roman's Roofing, I bring over 15 years of professional experience and a strong accounting foundation to this leadership role. Originally from Parker, Colorado, I combine sharp financial acumen with a genuine commitment to operational excellence, helping guide the company's continued growth and success.

Holding a degree in Accounting, I have spent my career developing deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and business operations. My analytical approach and attention to detail have made me an invaluable asset in overseeing the financial health and organizational efficiency of Roman's Roofing.

Beyond my technical expertise, I am dedicated to fostering a company culture rooted in integrity, accountability, and community involvement — values that reflect Roman's Roofing's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. My leadership continues to help drive the company's mission of providing quality service while maintaining strong ties to local businesses and charitable initiatives.

With my extensive background and steady leadership, I play a key role in shaping Roman's Roofing's direction and success.

Susan Thompson

Executive Director

Executive Director - Hobart Chamber of Commerce

Illiana Indoor Billboards (Owner)
Destination Discovery Travel Agency (Co-Owner)
LegalShield (Independent Associate)
Call Me Covered(Co-Owner)


Powered By GrowthZone
Scroll To Top