
Rita Jacque Gillis
Rita Jacque Gillis is the Purdue University Lake County Extension Director and a Community Development Educator. She brings a wealth of knowledge in Community and Economic Development in Lake County, Indiana. Making communities more sustainable and self-sufficient are at the heart of long career of over 25 years. She has proven herself as a servant leader within the area. Rita has already been engaged in numerous community initiatives and will excel at leading and growing partnerships at the Purdue University Lake County Extension. Her focus will continue to be on working within unserved and underserved communities throughout Lake County, Indiana.
In addition; Rita has also been actively involved in community-based initiatives and boards through current and previous service; including St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy, Bridges of Care, Association of Indiana Enterprise Zones, Foundations of East Chicago Grant Committee, Top 20 Incorporated, and the Gary, East Chicago Hammond Empowerment Zone.
Rita Jacque Gillis is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University. She and her late husband, Richard, are the proud parents of one daughter, Raina.