Rick Calinski serves as Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for NIPSCO. In this position, Rick leads a team that supports external affairs with different community, governmental, business and media leaders throughout NIPSCO’s service territory. As part of this role he also oversees charitable giving. Rick also leads economic development efforts for the company. This includes partnering with local governments, real estate and economic development professionals to help attract business investment and growth within the NIPSCO service territory.

Rick joined NIPSCO in 2011 as Public Affairs manager in the company’s west service territory. In 2019, he was promoted to Director of Public Affairs. Prior to joining NIPSCO, Rick worked in a variety of positions for the City of Hammond including Executive Director of Planning and Economic Development and he also served as Chief of Staff to the mayor. In this position, Calinski managed the day to day activities, strategic planning and project management for the City of Hammond.

Rick earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Human Resources from Purdue University Northwest. He also received a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Purdue University Northwest.

Rick is very active in the community and serves as a director of the board for the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Crossroads Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Indiana Forum. He also serves on the town of Schererville Board of Zoning and Appeals.

Rick is based at NIPSCO Headquarters in Merrillville, Ind.

Published May 2021