Harry J. Vande Velde III
President and CEO
ceo@legacyfdn.org
Harry joined Legacy Foundation in June 2010 as the organization’s third president since its founding in 1992. He oversees management of the foundation's $39 million in assets, works with the volunteer board of directors and the staff to drive the foundation's role as Lake County's philanthropic partner, and engages with regional leadership to support community initiatives.
Harry co-chairs the Race Relations Council of Northwest Indiana and serves on the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, The Times of Northwest Indiana Editorial Advisory Board, the Adult Education Alliance, and the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) Consumer Advisory Board.
Harry has nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and education. Prior to joining Legacy Foundation, he was vice president of development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. He served as CEO of St. Jude League & Claretian Publications in Chicago, and as president of the Schools of St. Benedict in Chicago. In addition, Harry has led numerous successful major gift and capital campaigns with Community Counseling Service and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he also taught and coached. His experience also includes nonprofit consulting and presenting.
Harry earned a master’s degree in education with a concentration in supervision from Cleveland State University, and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton.
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Lara Kalwinski
Vice President
lkalwinski@legacyfdn.org
Lara brings a unique combination of roots in Lake County and experience helping to build philanthropic organizations nationwide and worldwide to her role at Legacy Foundation.
Lara joined Legacy Foundation in January 2012 and is responsible for management of all Legacy Foundation grants initiatives. She also participates in asset development for the foundation, with responsibility for fund stewardship and donor relationship management.
Lara previously was director of philanthropic sustainability at PHJC Foundation in Hobart. Prior to that role, she served as director of international development in Bangalore, India, for Ancilla Systems Inc. She also was a manager and consultant with the Hammond Urban Enterprise Association; and worked as a researcher for the Columbia Law School in New York, the Mauer School of Law at Indiana University in Bloomington, and Legacy Foundation.
Lara earned a Juris Doctor degree, a master's degree in public affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management, and a bachelor's degree in political science, all from Indiana University in Bloomington. As a graduating high school senior, she was awarded the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which is managed by Legacy Foundation for Lake County students.
Lara is a lifelong Hammond resident who is active in her local and professional communities. She serves as president-elect of the Lilly Scholars Network, is a member of the Emerge South Shore young professionals' network, and volunteers with the Pulaski Park Neighborhood Association in Hammond, voter protection efforts, and nonprofit management and legal educational teams.
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Barry Tyler, Jr.
Community Initiatives Officer
btyler@legacyfdn.org
Barry brings a commitment to the Northwest Indiana community and sincere dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of young people to his role at Legacy Foundation.
Barry is responsible for the implementation of initiatives related to Legacy Foundation’s primary strategic focus, Project 100%, which champions educational attainment for students in Lake County. He manages the College Readiness Program and the Center for Mentors, promotes enrollment in the state’s 21st Century Scholars program, assists with the South Shore Connection plan, represents Legacy Foundation throughout Lake County, and helps develop and implement programs designed to enhance educational achievement.
Barry joined Legacy Foundation in September 2010. Previously he was executive director of The First Tee of Hammond, a non-profit organization that teaches life skills to children through golf instruction.
Barry is a lifelong Hammond resident who remains active in the community, particularly with youth programs and coaching. He earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and political science from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind.
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Michelle Aerts
Office Manager
maerts@legacyfdn.org
Michelle has served in an administrative role at Legacy Foundation since September 2010. She is responsible for client service, office management, recordkeeping, accounts payable and receivables, ensuring compliance with our community foundations standards and practices, and event planning.
Michelle previously worked for 18 years in the financial services industry at JP Morgan Chase Bank. She is an experienced administrator and customer service professional. She also served as a senior analyst and as a supervisor.
Michelle attended Indiana University Northwest and is an active volunteer in the Northwest Indiana community.
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Sandy Nicholls
Scholarship Administrator
Professional Advisor Coordinator
snicholls@legacyfdn.org
Sandy holds dual roles serving area students, parents and school guidance counselors seeking information about available scholarships, and coordinating educational opportunities for professional advisors as well as assisting Legacy Foundation fund holders.
Sandy manages 30 scholarship programs on behalf of Legacy Foundation, from the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships to local donor programs. She also coordinates the Legacy professional advisors program. This program is to inform the goal of and engage estate planning attorneys, accountants, insurance agents and other professional advisors on types of charitable funds available to their clients through the community foundation, as well as offer seminars on specific gift planning topics.
Sandy has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry with JP Morgan Chase Bank. She is Series 7 licensed as an investment representative, and licensed as a health and life insurance agent. While at JP Morgan Chase, she served in a variety of leadership and customer-oriented roles in investment sales/private wealth management, retail banking, management, training, customer service and personal banking. In addition, she has been an instructor at Purdue University Calumet.
Sandy earned a master's degree in communication studies from Purdue University Calumet and a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from Indiana University in Bloomington. She is an active community volunteer.
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