Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has named Peter D. Novak, Jr., as the city’s appointee to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA).

Novak replaces Purdue University Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen, who recently resigned from the board in order to concentrate on university affairs.

Novak joins six other appointees on the RDA board, the establishment of which was approved during the 2005 Indiana General Assembly. Terms of the legislation permit the mayors of Hammond, East Chicago and Gary each to have one appointment on the board. The rest of the Board consists of a representative from Lake County and another from Porter County and two appointments from Governor Mitch Daniels.

Novak is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors (GNIAR), a regional organization representing the real estate interests in Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton Counties. Prior to his present position, he worked as the Executive Director, Department of Planning and Development and Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Hammond. He also has past experience in the mortgage industry.

“With his background in economic development, I believe Pete Novak is an excellent choice for this Board”, stated McDermott. “Pete and I have a great working relationship and I am positive he will represent the City of Hammond well on this Board”.

“I am pleased and honored to be appointed by Mayor McDermott to represent the city of Hammond on the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority,” Novak said. “I have been a resident of Northwest Indiana most of my life and believe strongly in the opportunities that exist here. I look forward to working with the other members of the RDA in helping shape the future of Northwest Indiana.”