Community Development

Kristi is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in community development, marketing, and public relations. Her insights enable her to excel in her current role, making substantial impacts.

As a Community Development Educator with Purdue Extension, Kristi designed and delivered programs empowering local communities, fostering growth and equipping residents with skills to improve their quality of life.

Academically, Kristi completed a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications/Public Relations at Iowa State University, with minors in Journalism and Marketing. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Leadership Development from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a certification in Healthcare Management from Indiana University.

Kristi bridges organizational goals and community needs, making her an invaluable asset. Her dedication to education and growth affirms her readiness to tackle new challenges and drive change.

Kristine Krueger, a seasoned grant administrator certified by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, collaborates on diverse projects with the public, elected officials, and stakeholders, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, and the environment. Proficient in labor standards, she serves as a labor standards officer for various infrastructure projects. Kristine excels in initiating and completing environmental reviews, ensuring compliance with NEPA and state requirements, linking financial resources for successful projects with funding from multiple state and federal agencies.

She played a pivotal role in establishing a regional sewer district in Northern Indiana, contributing to its expansion and construction projects.

Throughout her career, Kristine has been instrumental in securing and implementing federally funded projects through agencies like HUD, EDA, EPA, USDOT, and USDA. She manages state-funded initiatives, showcasing comprehensive skills in grant administration and project management across various projects, from infrastructure improvements to job creation and quality of life enhancements.

Jordan Cunningham is a dedicated professional committed to making a positive impact. Bringing a degree in public relations from IUPUI’s School of Journalism, she values the transformative power of effective communication. At Thrive West Central, Jordan excels as a proactive leader and has recently become a certified grant administrator through OCRA. Her focus lies on projects involving blight clearance, redevelopment, brownfields, and business development. Currently, she plays a pivotal role in leading a $2 million EDA project, showcasing expertise and unwavering dedication. Jordan collaborates closely with business owners, providing guidance for development and grant opportunities, and contributed significantly to the EDA Recompete Pilot Program application process. In her current position, she actively engages the public for Thrive projects, ensuring initiatives resonate with the community. Jordan’s hands-on approach establishes meaningful connections, enhancing the overall impact of agency endeavors. Her passion, expertise, and dedication make her an invaluable asset, propelling projects and reinforcing a commitment to positive change.

Karen Schneiders joined Thrive West Central in 2021 after retiring from the Colorado Department of Transportation. With an extensive and devoted career in Transportation Planning, she is unwavering in her commitment to enhancing the livability of communities. During her career, Karen collaborated closely with local agencies, working on diverse projects such as securing trail funding, finding transportation safety investment opportunities, preserving scenic easements, and restoring historic sites.

Karen’s wealth of experience is complemented by her educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Studies from Indiana State University and another in Organizational Leadership for Government and Non-Profits from Colorado State University.

In her leisure time, Karen actively participates in the Clay County chapter of Delta Theta Tau and enjoys quality moments at home with her dogs while exploring the rich offerings of Indiana.

Michael Shaw possesses a comprehensive background in economics, geography, and public administration. After dedicating a decade to the medical supply industry, he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Indiana State University. This experience has honed his expertise in supply chain logistics, client relations, and operational efficiency.

Driven by a deep commitment to public service and a desire to effect positive change in communities, Michael returned to Indiana State University to pursue a Master of Public Administration, which he completed in Spring 2024. His advanced education equips him with the ability to effectively integrate his private-sector experience with his public administration training to lead impactful initiatives. Recognized for his sharp analytical skills, strategic thinking, and dedication to community development, Michael is well-prepared to make a substantial contribution in his forthcoming professional endeavors.

Chris joined Thrive West Central in August 2023 as our Data Collection Analyst, responsible for setting up tube and video traffic counting devices on roads following INDOT policies. His role extends beyond routine tasks, contributing to effective traffic management and infrastructure planning. Adhering to strict policies ensures the efficiency and safety of the road network.

In addition, Chris conducts an essential inventory of roadway signs for rural counties, vital for driver safety. He recognizes the potential hazards of defective or missing signs, actively working to prevent confusion and traffic crashes in the community.

Chris, a devoted family man with four children, balances his professional and personal life, exemplifying a holistic approach. His commitment to both roles makes him a valuable asset to Thrive West Central and the community at large.