COMMISSIONERS

Randy Palmateer

Randy was born and raised in the Merrillville/Gary area of NWI. After graduating from Merrillville HS in 1997, he was accepted into the IBEW Local Union 697 (electricians) apprenticeship program, where he earned an associate degree from Ivy Tech and completed a rigorous 5-year training program.

Soon after becoming a Journeyman Wireman, he was appointed Political Education Director for the local. While still working in the field, he was tasked with educating the members on the importance of voting, being involved, and the particularly vital role that politics plays in our industry and livelihoods.

At 25, he successfully ran for a position on the Executive Board of IBEW Local 697. After 2 years on the E-Board, he was appointed Business Agent/Organizer in 2007.

In 2009, he was successfully elected to the position of Business Manager/Executive Director of the NWI Building and Construction Trades Council, a position he currently holds. He has also served as State Political Director/Head Lobbyist for the Indiana State Building Trades.

Mr. Palmateer has served on many boards and commissions in NWI, namely: Town of Merrillville – Drainage Board and Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Lake County Redevelopment Commission, City of Crown Point Redevelopment Commission and Board of Public Works, Ivy-Tech Construction Advisory board, Scouting America Construction Advisory board, as well as held elected office on the Center Township Advisory Board

Currently he is the Lake County appointment for the Regional Development Authority (RDA) overseeing multi-million dollar projects i.e.; the South Shore rail expansion and double track and also serves on the Town of St. John Police Commission as well as a board member on the Lake County Economic Alliance, Northwest Indiana Forum, Vice President of NIALF (AFL-CIO) and is involved in numerous Charitable organizations including The Free and Accepted Masons Lake Lodge 157 (Crown Point), Center for Possibilities, Gary Old Timers Athletic Association.