ABOUT

Driven by our founder’s vision, we support catalytic community projects and self-sustaining initiatives that cultivate a strong quality of life in northwest Indiana and state-wide. With the support of partners, including Legacy Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation, and Crown Point Community Foundation, we are committed to creating long-term positive change and economic impact for all to enjoy.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES

HEALTH &
WELLNESS

We work with high-performing partners to promote education, health, wellness, and economic sustainability to create vibrant communities for all to enjoy.

QUALITY
EDUCATION

Education is the foundation of any thriving community, by providing knowledge and skills, we help individuals attain their aspirations and promote a more equitable society.

PUBLIC
SAFETY

We promote safety through strategic partnerships, proactive initiatives, and impactful programs that foster a secure and resilient environment for all residents.

COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

We are dedicated to improving Indiana’s quality of life. Our efforts aim to create positive and lasting impact through long-term, transformative projects.

ABOUT WILLIAM HANNA

Portrait of William Hanna

Executive Director
Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation

The foundation’s goal is to work with key partners to transform communities through sustainable legacy investments that enhance quality of life, promote health and wellness, stimulate economic development, increase access to high quality education and that promote broad collaboration.

Hanna is the former President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). Hanna joined the RDA and the state of Indiana in 2009 and has served under the RDA board of directors and the administrations of Indiana Governors Mitch Daniels, Mike Pence, and current Governor, Eric Holcomb. During Hanna’s tenure the RDA has facilitated more than $2.4 billion in new investment in infrastructure. The RDA and a coalition of private business representatives, community leaders, labor, and federal, state, and local officials worked together in an unprecedented way to deliver the largest investment in commuter rail transportation in the state’s history

Prior to his time at the RDA, Hanna was the City Manager and Deputy Mayor for the City of Valparaiso, the Economic Development Director for Valparaiso and Vice President of the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation.

Hanna earned his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University, his MBA from National-Louis University in Chicago, and his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Colorado Christian University.

His military career in the U.S. Army as an airborne qualified light infantryman (paratrooper) from 1995 to 1999 included membership in the Army’s Official Presidential Escort and service as a Sentinel (guard) and Head Trainer/Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C.

Hanna is a Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana (Community Health Systems) Board Member

A member of the Indianapolis Chamber Board of Directors

He is the Governor’s appointment to the following:

  • Indiana Commission on Higher Education
  • Chicago/Gary Aviation Compact
  • The Indiana Finance Authority
  • Indiana Toll Road Oversight Commission
  • Hanna was recently named one of the 250 most influential Hoosier by the Indiana Business Journal
  • He was also recently named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Eric Holcomb