Board Of Directors

Wende Burbridge serves as the Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana. Wende believes in serving others to make the world a better place. She also believes that she helps others to do good in her role as a fund raiser. Wende is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and received her accreditation in 2015 with CFRE International. She has worked in the non-profit for much of her adult working life, with the National Anti-Vivisection Society, Andrean High School, Lakeshore Public Media and Habitat for Humanity of NW Indiana. She has also served on various boards and committees such as Partners for Clean Air, Lakeshore Professional Women’s Conference, Shirley Heinze Land Trust and the Southshore Leadership Center. In 2019, Wende was nominated for the Influential Women Award in Non-profit Service. Wende lives with her husband Ken and their youngest daughter in Hobart. They enjoy time with their three older children and four grandchildren.

Heather Hahn Sullivan is the Executive Director of Dunes Learning Center, the nonprofit education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park. She has 20 years of fundraising experience at environmental organizations including Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia, and Cincinnati Nature Center. She earned an MBA from Drexel University and a BA from Hope College. Her fundraising roles have included corporate sponsorship, event planning/donor stewardship, and individual giving/annual fund in a small shop.nned gifts. Prior to Ivy Tech she worked in health care and Girl Scouts serving in fundraising and communication capacities. She is one of the founding members of AFP Northwest Indiana holding all positions and is currently a member-at-large. She received the prestigious Athena Award in 2018. In her career she continues to volunteer for several nonprofit boards giving of her time, talent and treasure.

With a distinguished career in nonprofit development, Jane Kobak brings years of expertise to her role as Associate Director of Major Giving at Opportunity Enterprises. Known for her strategic leadership and keen understanding of donor relations, she has successfully guided philanthropic efforts that have significantly impacted Opportunity Enterprises’ mission. At Opportunity Enterprises, Jane Kobak plays a pivotal role in shaping the major giving strategy, identifying new funding opportunities, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders. Her dedication to excellence in donor stewardship and commitment to advancing philanthropic priorities have solidified her reputation as a trusted leader in the field. Jane Kobak holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Tulane University and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy complementing her practical experience with a solid academic foundation in nonprofit management and fundraising best practices. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Jane Kobak is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy and driving sustainable growth through strategic major giving initiatives at Opportunity Enterprises.

Tracey McElree is currently the Senior Director of Advancement at the Valparaiso Family YMCA, a role that is pivotal in steering the Y towards financial sustainability and growth. With a focus on building public awareness and support, the position entails a multifaceted approach to fundraising, encompassing donations, corporate sponsorships, events, and grants. The strategic development of Foundation growth and legacy gifts is also crucial. Prior to the Y, Tracey spent more than 20 years in marketing and branding, working with a diverse clientele, including notable names such as Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, ConAgra, Edw. C. Levy Co., and Horizon Bank. This unique experience equips Tracey with the skills to navigate complexities of non-profit management and community engagement, while aligning development goals with the broader vision of community service.