Family & Youth Services Bureau
Family & Youth Services Bureau Board of Directors
Bonnie Sullivan, Chair
“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.” Bonnie is now the Chair of the FYSB Board of Directors, and continues to promote the agency and its mission. “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. We thank Bonnie so much for her time, expertise and energy!
David Butterfield, Vice Chair
A life long 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 grand daughter, of course! We thank Dave for spending some of that time with us at FYSB!
Patrick McGinley, Treasurer
Patrick is a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Teachers' Credit Union. Prior to that he has worked in finance at other Porter County financial institutions since 1981.
Patrick is a life long 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
He brings many years of school administrative experience with him to our board; Paul 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!
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!
Jon Rutkowski
"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!
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.
Johanna Williams
"I taught elementary children for 39 years in the Valparaiso Community Schools. Every day was an adventure,” Johanna Williams remembers. “I was planning to volunteer for FYSB when I was asked to be a board member.”
“FYSB impacts the community in many ways. Programs change as the needs of the community change. There have been parenting classes and alternative housing for youth; flexibility is one of the greatest attributes of Family & Youth Services Bureau!”
Now retired, Johanna continues to love working with children, by judging 4-H projects prior to the start of county fairs. She also enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, and also singing with the Great Lakes Sound Chorus. We appreciate your positive impact on the kids in our community Johanna, keep up the good work!