PNC Chancellor Honored by Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly

James-DworkinPurdue University North Central Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin has been selected by "Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly" magazine as one of its 2012 top CEOs and Community Leaders.

Those honored were nominated for recognition by the readers of "Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly." Selected as top community leaders were Dworkin and Carl J. Lisek, president of South Shore Clean Cities Inc. Roberta Imborek of Baums Natural Foods Inc. was named Upcoming Community Leader. The CEOs named were Daryl Pomranke, CEO of Citizens Financial Bank and George Cressy, CEO of Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett in South Bend.

"These individuals join a list of the region's leaders from previous recipients recognized for their outstanding commitment and leadership roles in greater Northwest Indiana and surrounding communities," said Glee Renick-May, publisher of "Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly." "Thanks to all those who took the time to nominate their business peers and mentors who teach us how to be better individuals ourselves by their positive examples."

A letter of nomination for Dworkin described him as "a visionary leader for Northwest Indiana." It noted that "he has been a change agent not only for the Purdue University North Central, but for Northwest Indiana. When he arrived in 2000 as chancellor of PNC, the campus only offered 6 baccalaureate degrees and 14 associate degrees. PNC now offers one Master's in Business Administration, 22 baccalaureate degree programs and six associate degrees. Under his leadership PNC has grown in students, faculty and staff. Its reputation and visibility have grown and continues to grow."

"Similarly, he is active in regional economic development. He has spent countless hours working with various economic development stakeholders to promote collaboration and cooperation among communities and agencies. As a result, there are greater partnerships between the stakeholders than ever before. With the creation of the PNC Center for Economic Development and Research (CEDaR), PNC is a leader in the region."

"He recently received the NIPSCO Luminary Award for Education recognizing those who have acted with integrity, faith and confidence on behalf of the community, as well as being a catalyst for creation of positive leadership in Indiana and the Northern Indiana region. The Luminary Award recognized his leadership in the STEM disciplines and the partnerships he helped create with local K-12 school corporations."

The criteria for community leaders included the nominee's leadership in addressing significant community problems. At that same time, the nominees were considered on their strong character and ability to inspire others and examples of generosity with time and/or resources.

The criteria for the CEO considered details on each nominee's specific accomplishments, both anecdotal and measurable. It included information about the company's success, and if there has been a financial turnaround, specific details of that accomplishment. Other considerations include the successful launch of innovative new products or services as well as the CEO's activity or prominence within the industry. A final consideration is the CEO's extraordinary commitment to the community.