Family & Youth Services Bureau Board of Directors
David Butterfield, Chairperson
A lifelong Valparaiso resident, Dave Butterfield is currently an attorney and spent 20 years as Mayor of Valparaiso.
He joined the Family & Youth Services Board because he always admired the work done by FYSB to help those in need. "This agency has a very positive impact on many families. It helps those families who may otherwise not be able to afford essential counseling or mentoring services."
How does Dave spend his off-duty time? Golfing, volunteering and spoiling his granddaughter, of course! We thank Dave for spending some of that time with us at FYSB!
Jon Rutkowski, Vice Chairperson
"I believe programming for adolescents in need is crucial; prevention and early intervention services are preferable to long-term, intrusive, and expensive responses to families in crisis," relates Jon Rutkowski. His vast administrative experience in public and non-profit social service agencies brings a valuable perspective to our Board.
"When I served as the County Welfare Director, I experienced with FYSB what I consider to be the closest working relationship that I had in the community. Serving on the Board allows me to again be engaged with the FYSB and revisit that relationship."
He spends his spare time traveling with family, reading, fishing, and exercising. We thank Jon for spending some of that time with FYSB!
Patrick McGinley, Treasurer
Patrick is a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Everwise Credit Union. Prior to that he has worked in finance at other Porter County financial institutions since 1981.
Patrick is a lifelong resident of Valparaiso and has worked in many capacities in local banking since 1981. He brings extensive Board experience to FYSB, having sat on the Boards of Valparaiso Kiwanis, Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Clubs of Porter County, YMCA of Valparaiso, and Housing Opportunities.
He has been married to his wife Teresa for 32 years and they have two children.
Paul Knauff
Paul brings many years of school administrative experience with him to our board; he retired in 2011 as Principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School after a career of 44 years as an educator and administrator throughout Northwest Indiana.
Paul joined the FYSB Board of Directors in 2005, because "I knew Dennis Morgan and had great respect for him and his leadership with the Family & Youth Services Bureau. The programs and services of FYSB have a tremendous impact on the community. Remove the FYSB from the community and the needs would be obvious."
In his spare time he enjoys reading, walking, traveling, serving in volunteer capacities. We know all the ways you contribute to our community Paul--thank you for spending some of your spare time with us!
Vanessa is the Executive Vice President at the Valpo Chamber and VEDC, specializing in Economic Development. Prior to the Chamber, she worked in Accounting and Workforce Department.
"Children don't get to choose their circumstances and often time, that is a contributing factor in behavioral issues. Any assistance we can provide is a huge asset to our community. I am thrilled to be of service to an organization that facilitates the healing of our youth."
Vanessa's two daughters are attending college at Purdue University in Lafayette and Indiana University in Bloomington. She and her husband Mike, live in Kouts and enjoy travelling as much as possible. Vanessa loves outside activities, camping and spending time with the kids whenever possible. "Life is short, live it up!"
Vanessa Lynch
Connie Rudd
"When I was approached a few years ago about becoming a Board Member for FYSB I was delighted. I felt I had an awareness of the youth/ family programs but now would have a chance to lend my support and encouragement to this needed programming." says Connie, who is the Director of Nursing at the Porter County Health Department. "Youth services seem to be lacking in Porter County, especially youths in crisis. FYSB fills the gap by offering programs that are based on current relevant issues for youth and families."
Connie enjoys spending time with the people who bring love and joy to her life, Neil, her children and grandchildren, and the rest of her family. When she gets the chance you can find her backpacking and hiking in the Grand Canyon or taking in the sun and fresh air at The Dunes or the trails at Sunset Hill Park. Thanks Connie for the time you spend with FYSB!
Darby Straw
Darby, his wife Kim, and their 3 daughters moved back to Valparaiso in 2014 to pursue a career as an Edward Jones financial advisor. He joined the FYSB board in 2019. He is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of several other boards.
Just like investing in the future for his clients, he believes investing in the future of our youth is vital to the strength and health of the community.
Darby enjoys time with his family traveling or staying nearby and enjoying all the benefits NW Indiana has to offer as well.
Bonnie Sullivan, Chairperson Emeritus
Bonnie served on Family & Youth Services Board for over 25 years. We are so thankful for her time, expertise and energy!
Bonnie stated, "I attended a parenting class at FYSB many years ago and observed the quality of the staff and programs in this agency. That made me want to become more involved.” “This agency aids families in many, many ways—getting kids on the right track and aiding parents to be better prepared to manage their families.”
Bonnie met her husband Jim when both were attending Valparaiso University, and raised four children in this community. After working in the court system as secretary and then Bailiff for Judge Raymond Kickbush and Judge Mary Harper, she retired in 2010 and now enjoys traveling and spending time with seven grandchildren.