United Way Northwest Indiana Names Barry Tyler Jr. Chief Community Impact Officer

Experienced nonprofit and civic leader brings nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy, education, and public service

United Way Northwest Indiana has appointed Barry Tyler Jr. as Chief Community Impact Officer, effective October 26, 2026. With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, education, and public service, Tyler brings a strong background in regional philanthropy, youth development, and strategies that expand opportunity.

As a member of the organization’s executive leadership team, Tyler will oversee community impact strategy across Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties. His responsibilities include community investment and grantmaking, program development and evaluation, and initiatives supporting United Way’s focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency.

“Barry understands Northwest Indiana, knows how to bring people together, and has experience building partnerships that help communities address local needs,” said Chris White, President & CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “His leadership will help us connect the strengths of our staff, nonprofit partners, businesses, and community leaders around clear goals and hold ourselves accountable for the difference we make for families.”

Tyler joins United Way from The Chicago Public Education Fund, where his work has focused on education policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategies to strengthen school leadership and improve student outcomes. His previous leadership roles include Indiana Director for Empower Schools, Director of Regional Impact for Leadership for Educational Equity, and Senior Director of Secondary Partnerships for OneGoal Chicago.

His experience in Northwest Indiana includes serving as a program officer at Legacy Foundation, where he managed a $20 million initiative to improve high school graduation rates and strengthened accountability systems for grant recipients. As Director of Northwest Indiana for Teach For America, he raised more than $2 million over four years while working with schools and community partners. Earlier, as Executive Director of The First Tee of Hammond, he expanded access to youth programming, academic enrichment, and mentoring.

Tyler has also served as Hammond’s Third District Councilman since 2020 and previously served on committees for United Way Northwest Indiana. He lives in Hammond with his wife, Erin, and their twin sons, Barry III and Bryant.

A graduate of Wabash College, Tyler studied speech and political science. His community leadership has been recognized with honors including The Times’ “20 Under 40” recognition and the Clarence Collins “Keeper of the Dream Award.”

In his new role, Tyler will focus on aligning community resources with regional priorities, supporting effective programs, and measuring progress toward better outcomes for individuals and families across Northwest Indiana.

His appointment builds on United Way Northwest Indiana’s work to bring together local expertise and resources to help residents navigate challenges, access opportunities, and achieve greater financial security.