Business news: Crown Point hires new firefighter and Gary schools welcome tech officer

Gastroenterologist joins Franciscan in Crown Point

Dr. Muhammad Kudaimi, a gastroenterologist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, a release said.

Kudaimi attended medical school at Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, and completed his residency and fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. In addition to English, Kudaimi is fluent in Arabic, French and Spanish.

He is accepting patients at Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center, 12750 St. Francis Drive, Suite 410, in Crown Point. Call 219-769-8340.

Crown Point Mayor Pete Land, left, swears in Mike Adams, the city’s newest firefighter/paramedic, during the Feb. 19, Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. (Photo courtesy of City of Crown Point)

Crown Point welcomes new firefighter

Mayor Pete Land swore in Crown Point’s newest firefighter/paramedic during the Feb. 19, Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, according to a release.

Mike Adams is a Munster native whose experience includes working as a cardiovascular technician at Southlake Methodist Hospital, the release said. He also serves as a part-time firefighter/paramedic with both the Lake Hills and St. John fire departments

Adams is assigned to Turn 1 under the supervision of Battalion Chief Scott Abraham, the release said.

Alvin Richards, center, with wife India, far right, and children Chloe and Timothy, was recently named Chief Technology Officer of the Gary Community Schools Corp. (Photo courtesy of CWHITT PR)
Alvin Richards, center, with wife India, far right, and children Chloe and Timothy, was recently named Chief Technology Officer of the Gary Community Schools Corp. (Photo courtesy of CWHITT PR)

Technology officer announced

The Gary Community School Corp. recently welcomed Alvin Richards as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), according to a release.

Richards, a seasoned IT executive and digital transformation leader, brings more than 20 years of experience in driving technology modernization, infrastructure upgrades and digital equity initiatives in K-12 education, higher education, and government sectors, the release said.

Richards has spearheaded several initiatives to bridge the digital divide, including one-to-one device programs and the expansion of broadband access for underserved communities, the release said.

Valparaiso Family YMCA names development leader

A new director of development has been named to the Valparaiso Family YMCA, a release said.

Wende Burbridge, the Y’s new director of development, is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 20 years of experience. She will play a vital role in advancing the Y’s mission to strengthen the spirit, mind, and body of the Valparaiso community through philanthropic support, the release said.

In her new role, Burbridge will lead the development efforts of the YMCA, including fundraising

strategies, donor relations, and grant writing. Burbridge has held similar leadership roles in nonprofit development at several organizations, including Lakeshore Public Media, Andrean College Prep and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, the release said

For more information, visit valpoymca.org or contact Burbridge at 219-462-4185, Ext. 351.

Franciscan Michigan City accepting scholarship applications

The medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City is accepting scholarship applications through March 17 from LaPorte County high school seniors interested in healthcare careers, according to a release.

The annual scholarship of up to $5,000 is funded by physicians on the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in partnership with the Franciscan Health Foundation. Scholarship applications are available from guidance offices at all LaPorte County high schools.

Questions about the scholarship can be directed to the Medical Staff Office at 219-861-8855.

Safety conference planned for March 13

Industry professionals who prioritize workplace safety in their businesses are invited to a full-day conference, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 13 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, according to a release.

The event lineup is packed with expert-led discussions and hands-on learning that will redefine how businesses approach safety, the release said.

The conference kicks off with “From Incident to Innovation: Lessons in Mitigation,” a keynote address from Jason Lammertin, CEO and President of Solid Platforms Inc. Attendees will learn about strategies for responding to crises, safeguarding company reputations and fostering a resilient safety culture, the release said.

Sponsorship and tickets can be purchased at https://nwibrt.org/safety-conference/.

Master of Social Work program offered at PNW

Prospective graduate students interested in going into the social work field and earning an advanced license-eligible degree can submit their applications to Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Master of Social Work (MSW) program through April 1, according to a release.

PNW’s MSW program, which will enroll its first cohort in the fall, will prepare advanced generalist social workers who can make impactful change through social services needs in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland region.

To learn more about PNW’s MSW program, visit pnw.edu/msw. Additional information about PNW graduate studies is available at pnw.edu/graduate-studies.

Neurologist joins Northwest Health in Valparaiso

Dr. Jonathan T. Grossman, a physician specializing in neurology, has joined Northwest Health, 2000 Roosevelt Road, Suite 201 in Valparaiso, according to a release.

Grossman received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and his bachelors of science in exercise science and environmental studies from Florida State University in Tallahassee. He completed residencies in neurology at the University of Chicago and at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida.

Call 219-476-7777 or visit NWMedicalGroup.com.

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