PCRD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Data Analyst
- GIS & Data Analyst
Andrey Zhalnin is a GIS/data analyst for the Purdue Center for Regional Development, joining the staff in 2011. Andrey uses a variety of GIS and statistical tools to analyze spatial patterns in land cover, demography, economy and natural resources data. He received his B.S. in Biology from Kharkov State University, Ukraine. He also holds an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Forestry and Natural Resources from Purdue University. His major interest now is the development of an online interactive decision support system to assist various groups and communities in regional planning.
Job Titles:
- Community and Regional Development Specialist
Annie Cruz-Porter is one of the community and regional development specialists at the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). She plans and guides the implementation of community and economic strategies intended to enhance the vitality of regions across Indiana. Annie has worked as a planner in the US and England with specialties in community development, transportation, and economic development. She spearheaded the Digital Inclusion Fellows program at PCRD which places AmeriCorps service members with public agencies across the state to work on issues relevant to digital equity access.
Annie has a PhD from the University of Sheffield in England. She has also earned a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State University and a Master's degree in Geography from the University of London. She is a member of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.
Benjamin St. Germain is a GIS Analyst for the Purdue Center for Regional Development, joining the staff in 2015. Benjamin uses a variety of data collection, data analysis, and GIS spatial tools to help create a variety of reports, visualizations, and websites such as: housing, socio-economic, agricultural, forestry, fiscal, and broadband. Benjamin is also a member of the Purdue Economic Gardening team. Benjamin also oversees Rural Indiana Stats, which is a two-time award winner for excellence in GIS.
Benjamin received his B.A. in Geography from Indiana University in 2013. Prior to working at PCRD, Benjamin was the GIS Technician for the Elkhart County Auditor in 2014 and completed his internship at the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) in 2013.
Bertin Hilaire Mbongo is a GIS Analyst who joined the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) in 2019. He uses various GIS and statistical tools for spatial analysis and visualizations of land cover, demographic patterns, natural resources and the economy. Bertin has worked with the Purdue Library where he served as a GIS consultant, contributed to the digitalization and archiving of Purdue Library depository maps and training of students in GIS.
Bertin has a Master of Science in Agricultural and Systems Management from Purdue University. He conducted research on Water quality related to pesticide and fertilizer issues while a student in that program. He has also earned a Master's degree in Geology from University of Strasburg, France and in Environmental Management from Senghor University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Bertin is passionate about UAV (drones) technology he builds and flies drones for their application in cartography and as a hobby. He lives with his wife and three children in West Lafayette.
Cheyanne Geideman is an Engagement Specialist at the Purdue Center for Regional Development. She holds a B.S. in Visual Communications Design from Purdue University and an M.A. in International Community Development from Northwest University. During her undergraduate experience, Cheyanne was recognized for her leadership and skills in art and design. During her master's program, Cheyanne focused on the impact of the digital age on communities and conducted research in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Job Titles:
- NSF Engine Evaluation Specialist
Cory Knipp is PCRD's NSF Engine Evaluation Specialist, where he plays a key role in developing evaluation strategies for the NSF Regional Innovation Engines Program. His expertise in regional development and program evaluation stems from his BS in Economics from Purdue University's Daniels School of Business and his recent experience as a Lead for America AmeriCorps Fellow, where he significantly contributed to bridging the digital divide in rural Indiana.
Job Titles:
- Professor Emeritus of Rural
Dr. Bo Beaulieu is Professor Emeritus of Rural and Regional Development, Purdue Center for Regional Development and the Department of Agricultural Economics. Bo has played a major role in the launch of a number of innovative national research and Extension programs across the nation including the National e-Commerce Extension Project, the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program in partnership with USDA Rural Development, and the Food Assistance Research Program in collaboration with the USDA Economic Research Service. More recently, Dr. Beaulieu has spearheaded, in partnership with Purdue Extension and the University of Kentucky, the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) in the North Central and Southern regions of the U.S. with funding from USDA Rural Development. Since joining Purdue in 2013, he's given leadership to Purdue's EDA University Center, the development and implementation of the Hometown Collaboration Initiative, the launch of the Rural Indiana Stats website, and the Rural Opportunity Zones Initiative.
Dr. Beaulieu is the recipient of a number of key awards over the past several years. In 2014, he received the Distinguished Rural Sociologist Award from the Rural Sociological Society, the Secretary of Agriculture Honors Award, and was selected as an inductee in the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame for Public Engagement at Tuskegee University. In 2016, the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals honored him with the Distinguished Career Award while the Community Development Society paid tribute to his professional activities with the Community Development Achievement Award in 2018.
Bo is the author/co-author of over 50 journal articles or book chapters, four edited books and dozens of applied community/regional development curriculum modules. He is the past president of the Rural Sociological Society and the Community Development Society. Bo received both his M.S. degree and Ph.D. degree in Sociology (with a specialty in community development) from Purdue University.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Director
- Member of the American Planning Association
Indraneel Kumar, associate director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), has been assigned the new role of director of PCRD on May 1, 2024. Kumar has been with…
Dr. Indraneel Kumar will be promoted to associate director for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), effective September 1, 2023. He has also been with the center since its…
Indraneel Kumar is the Director for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). Indraneel has been at PCRD since its inception in 2005. He focuses on regional demographics, economic and workforce analysis, identification of new sources of data, GIS databases, spatial analysis, and quantitative methods.
He received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering in Nagpur, India in 1994. During his master's in urban and regional planning from the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT University) in Ahmedabad, India, he was the recipient of the Vastushilpa Foundation Award for Excellence (gold medal) for his thesis in 1997. Indraneel earned a second master's degree in community planning with a specialization in environmental planning from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with the Professional Promise award in 2003. In 2014, he earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering with a major in transportation and infrastructure systems from the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University.
Indraneel has been a member of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners since 2006. In his 20 years of professional and applied research experience, Indraneel has worked on comprehensive planning for large metropolitan areas, regions, and counties (districts) in India and the USA, with a concentration on land use, transportation, and regional economic analysis. He has participated in several regional economic development research projects funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA); Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL); Office of Economic Adjustment, Department of Defense (DOD); Economic Research Service (ERS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP); and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Other state agencies include the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
He is an adjunct faculty member at the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, since 2018 and participates in teaching graduate courses related to urban and regional economics and transportation systems evaluation. Indraneel has an interdisciplinary research interest in regional economic development and competitiveness, transportation and infrastructure systems, and renewable energy.
Job Titles:
- Engagement Specialist
- Meet Our New Engagement Specialist
The Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) is excited to welcome our new Engagement Specialist, Hyewon Shin, to the PCRD team. She studied public administration at the University of Arizona…
Hyewon Shin joins the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) as one of the Engagement Specialists. Before joining PCRD, Hyewon worked as a Program Coordinator for Doctor of Nursing Practice program and Faculty Practice at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. She also worked as a Small Business Enterprise program coordinator and a Living Wage compliance officer for Pima County Procurement Department and a special project intern for Pima County Community and Neighborhood Conservation Department. Her professional experiences and interest areas include community development, economic development, program management, international program development, event/conference management, and beyond. Hyewon holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management and a Master's degree in International Studies from Ewha Womans University, South Korea.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Engagement Manager
Jessica Wandless is the Communications and Engagement Manager for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). She is the primary contact for all communication efforts for the Center. Jessica works to promote PCRD's work through a variety of communication strategies, including developing written materials, creating strategies to enhance awareness of PCRD's offerings to key stakeholders, issuing press releases, and managing the Center's social media presence.
Jessica also assists with the management of the Digital Inclusion Fellows AmeriCorps initiative. This initiative places AmeriCorps fellows in regions throughout Indiana to work on enhancing digital inclusion efforts within their respective region. Jessica also works with the Essential Digital Employability Skills (EDES) and the iFront Door program in coordination with the Brian Lamb School of Communication and Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication within the College of Agriculture.
Jessica holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural and Environmental Communications and Education with a Leadership focus and an M.S. degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Prior to her work at PCRD, Jessica worked with Purdue Extension as the Military Extension Internship Program Coordinator, where she managed a nationwide internship program funded by the Department of Defense that placed college students on military installations to work in child and youth programs. Jessica also worked for the University of Illinois Extension planning statewide local government educational programs for Illinois local officials.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director for the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center
- SBDC Regional Director
Jon Myers is the Regional Director for the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a 14 county area including New Albany, Jeffersonville, Lawrenceburg, and Columbus, Indiana. He leads a team of two business advisers and one administrative assistant as they work to aid the growth and development of small businesses. You may contact the team here: https://isbdc.org/locations/southeast-isbdc/
Jon took over the position after serving as an Indiana SBDC business advisor for the Southeast Region for 5 years. Prior to working with the Indiana SBDC, he was a small business owner. He has assisted thousands of clients with start-up business planning, as well as established small businesses.
Jon received a BS degree in Philosophy from Ball State University, and an MS from Purdue University Global in Management and Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Hoosier Heartland SBDC
- Director of the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center
Jordan Jicha is the Director of the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center, covering Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton. Fountain, Howard, Miami, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Warren and White counties. The Small Business Development Center offers no-cost one-on-one advising for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. In his current role, Jordan oversees the day-to-day operations of the center and a team of full-time advisors and administrative assistant.
Jordan holds a B.A. degree in Economics from Binghamton University as well as a M.S. in Industrial Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Prior to being a member of the Purdue family, Jordan was a member of the front office of the Binghamton Mets and Rumble Ponies, where he oversaw the ticket, sales and business operation departments. After this experience, Jordan owned and operated two local restaurants in the Binghamton area where he received a first-hand experience of the daily struggles of being an entrepreneur. From 2019-2022 Jordan served as a Certified Business Advisor with the Binghamton University Small Business Development Center. Jordan is excited to bring his passionate and dedication to entrepreneurship to the Hoosier Heartland.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director
- Regional Director / Community & Engagement Specialist
Julie Rigrish is the Regional Director for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) and Director of Southeast Indiana Office of Engagement. Julie previously directed a Small Business Development program while regionally promoting PCRD resources. Julie presently promotes Purdue University programs and resources which advance community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business throughout Indiana.
Julie has co-lead development of the Hometown Business Preservation Initiative (HBPI), the Rural Opportunity Zone Initiative (ROZI), and the Essential Digital Employability Skills programs. She has contributed work in Economic Gardening, Digital Ready for Business, Work Ready, and Remote Work Certificate programs as well as transportation and housing studies.
Julie attended Indiana University with studies in Education, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), an MBA from IWU, Graduate Certificate in Human Resource from Purdue University and earned certifications in Coaching, Lending and Insurance, Finance, Strategic Planning, and an Economic Gardening Professional Certification as Strategic Research Team - Team Leader. Julie is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology.
Prior to joining Purdue, Julie was in management in the finance industry with expertise in lending, business development, marketing, entrepreneurship, training and coaching & development. Julie has also enjoyed teaching as an Adjunct Professor for several years.
Julie co-founded the 10th Street Area Business Association in Jeffersonville, IN. She has served as a student mentor and on several boards to include: The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Jeffersonville Revolving Loan Fund Board, Jeffersonville Planning Committee, Habitat for Humanity Board, Treasurer for the New Albany Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation of New Albany, Secretary for The Windsor Society, Personal Counseling Service, Inc. and Chairperson for the Society of Samaritan Women and the Rotary Toast. Currently, Julie is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, American Psychological Association, Leadership Southern Indiana-Impact Committee, and non-profit volunteer.
Job Titles:
- Program Evaluation and Measurement Specialist
Maria Wiltse is the Evaluation Specialist for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). In her role, Maria focuses on the internal and external evaluation as well as the measurement performance of the Center. Maria's areas of expertise are Rural communities, building capacity, civic engagement, community impact and performance measurement, community assessments, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, and project management. Maria holds a master's degree from Purdue University.
Job Titles:
- Community and Regional Development Specialist
- Regional Development Specialist With the
Melinda Grismer, Community & Regional Development Specialist with the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), has expertise in grant-writing, facilitation, strategic planning, board governance and diversity/equity/inclusion/access issues. Currently, she works with the Indiana Digital Equity Task Force, the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), the Latino Health & Workforce Study, and the Master Remote Work Professional (MRWP) Certificate Program. She is the immediate past president of the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) and serves on the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) Board of Directors. She will complete her doctorate in Literacy & Language from Purdue's College of Education with a certificate in qualitative research on Aug. 5, 2023.
Previously, Melinda worked on PCRD's Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program (DMAP) team, assisting counties and regions affected by defense downsizing and coached Stronger Economies Together (SET) regions across the state to build local coalitions and write high-quality plans of action. In addition, she served on a team with the regional community development educators to create/refine curriculum for the Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E), Community Leadership, Enhancing the Quality of Public Spaces, and (national award-winning) Beginners Guide to Grant Writing (BGGW) programs.
Melinda spent three years (2004-2007) developing a successful Latino Community Learning Center/Pl@za Comunitaria in Frankfort, Indiana, followed by three years (2007-2010) as the Learning Network Coordinator of Clinton County, building local educational and workforce capacity through grant funding and fee-based revenue. In 2010, upon obtaining her Master's degree from Purdue University in Extension/adult education, she became a community development educator in Clinton County, trailblazing such spotlight programs as Breaking Back into the Workforce, Reality Language instruction for manufacturing/service industries, Local Government: Closest to the People, Industry Leader Lunch Series, Small Business Networking, Summer Kids Workshops, the Clinton County Tutoring Program and Leadership Clinton County. In her role at PCRD, Melinda leverages the experience she gained working with local communities and expands it into regional impact for the state of Indiana.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky
Michael D. Wilcox, Jr. is a senior associate at the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) and assistant program leader for economic and community development with Purdue Extension, joining the staff in 2012. Michael's PCRD responsibilities include leading and supporting Center projects related to regional development. His Extension responsibilities include staff development and program planning, development, evaluation and reporting.
Michael's Extension and research work integrates the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability into entrepreneurship, workforce development, bioenergy, population dynamics and land use. He has been involved in tropical tree crops marketing in western Africa and conservation agriculture in southern Africa.
Michael, an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Kentucky and past president of the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, holds a B.S. in biological sciences from Cornell, a M.S. in fisheries and allied aquacultures from Auburn and a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Purdue. He served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon.
Job Titles:
- Administrative & Data Support
Rebecca Sanders provides support to the center including but not limited to managing invoices, travel, and data support as well as serving as building deputy. Her previous experience includes customer service, public welfare programs, and healthcare business office administration. She is from the Greater Lafayette area and is passionate about issues related to public services and accessibility.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Associate Professor
- Senior Associate
- Vice President
Roberto Gallardo is the Vice President for Engagement and an Associate Professor in the Agricultural Economics Department. He holds an electronics engineering undergraduate degree, a master's in economic development, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Gallardo has worked with rural communities over the past decade conducting local & regional community economic development, including use of technology for development.
He has authored more than 100 articles including peer-reviewed and news-related regarding rural trends, socioeconomic analysis, industrial clusters, the digital divide, and leveraging broadband applications for community economic development. He is also the author of the book "Responsive Countryside: The Digital Age & Rural Communities," which highlights a 21st century community development model that helps rural communities transition to, plan for, and prosper in the digital age. Dr. Gallardo is a TEDx speaker and his work has been featured in a WIRED magazine article, a MIC.com documentary, and a RFDTV documentary.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Designer for the Office
Ryan Maluchnik is the graphic designer for the Office of the Vice President for Engagement and the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). He received his B.S. in Computer Graphics Technology in 2017 from Purdue University Northwest and is a M.B.A. candidate at Purdue University Global. His passion for education, computer graphics, and visual storytelling has led him to work in a variety of fields including entertainment marketing, veterinary digital marketing, and traffic safety education.
Ryan is determined to stay on top of current visual trends. He always puts simplicity at the forefront of ideas and welcomes all forms of feedback. While designing, he aims to learn as much as he can from the projects he works on, picking up HTML, CSS, standard web practices, evolving marketing techniques, and more. His goal at the Purdue Center for Regional Development is to develop visuals that anyone can understand, digest, and act upon to increase PCRD's impact on the world.
Job Titles:
- Lead Developer
- Lead Web Designer and Developer
Tyler Wright is the lead web designer and developer for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), joining the staff in 2013. Purdue has been his place of employment before and after receiving a B.S. in Computer Graphics Technology in 2012 from Purdue University. His previous employment at the University was held for two years under the College of Health and Human Sciences as an assistant web developer.
Tyler has a passion for technology. He emphasizes staying current on emerging web standards and practices. Some of Tyler's skills include HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, Flutter, Dart and more. When approaching new projects or tasks he welcomes new platforms and tools to continue learning new facets of his craft. His goal at the Purdue Center for Regional Development is to create and develop a more user centered interface, as well as increase the awareness and understanding of what PCRD is and how they affect the local area, region, nation and world.