The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is pleased to announce the addition of Controller Courtney Kvachkoff and Director of Economic Development AJ Bytnar to our staff.
“I am thrilled that AJ and Courtney are joining us,” said Sherri Ziller, President and CEO of the RDA. “Both are eminently qualified for their roles and will be instrumental in ensuring that our efforts to bring transformational change to Northwest Indiana and drive growth in the Transit Development Districts will be successful.”
As Director of Economic Development, Bytnar will be responsible for guiding the Transit Development Districts (TDDs) to create vibrant, connected communities that attract investment and improve quality of life for Northwest Indiana residents. As Controller, Kvachkoff will be responsible for overseeing RDA finances, including the financial and accounting details for the TDDs.
Bytnar brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, zoning, and redevelopment. During his tenure as Executive Director of Redevelopment for the City of Gary, he worked on high-impact initiatives such as the creation of the Transit Development Districts, Broadway Lofts, Alliance Steel, Hard Rock Casino, and blight elimination efforts. At the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, Bytnar worked closely with developers, housing providers, and community leaders to implement projects leveraging tax credits, community development block grants, and HOME funds. While in the City of Fishers, he coordinated transformative mixed-use developments within the Nickel Plate District and 116th Street corridor, fostering public-private partnerships that delivered goals of the community at large.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Property Management with a minor in Urban Planning and a master's Certificate in Real Estate Development from Ball State University and recently completed his MBA from Indiana University Northwest. In his new role, Bytnar will focus on facilitating development within the RDA’s Transit Development Districts, leveraging his deep understanding of infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and community engagement.
Kvachkoff comes to the RDA from Indianapolis-based Onebridge, where she served as Staff Accountant. Prior to that, she was with the Indianapolis office of Ernst and Young. She brings nearly a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, tax preparation, and financial analysis to the RDA, along with proven leadership in team coordination and community initiatives. During her time at Onebridge, Kvachkoff directed the Service Team, a group made to help the business connect, volunteer, and donate to non-profit organizations throughout the Indianapolis area. Under her leadership, the Team won the Spirit United Award, given annually by United Way.
A resident of Crown Point, Kvachkoff has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer and an MBA from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne.
