Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive resigns

The lifelong Hobart resident and community member plans to move to Florida to enjoy his retirement in warmer weather. He retires this month.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as Chief Executive of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he said. “I have tried to serve the city of Hobart in a variety of ways over the years and this was a great final opportunity before I move on to the next chapter of my life. I have been truly fortunate and thank everyone I have met and worked with in and around Hobart. I encourage everyone to step forward and help make your community stronger. We’re all in this together.”

Harrigan is a Hobart native and graduate of Indiana University Northwestern in nearby Gary.

His family has been in the property business in Hobart for 75 years, running Harrigan Real Estate. The city chamber in eastern Lake County, home to the Southlake Mall shopping district and the historic downtown area around Lake George, is now looking for a new leader to succeed him.

“I took over as chief executive of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Industry a couple of years ago and I believe we have made great strides in restoring the chamber to pre-COVID levels. At the time of writing, we are interviewing a large group of candidates for the position of chief executive,” he said. “We have a strong president, vice president and board of directors that I know will continue to move us in the direction we are in.” are moving and I will make sure they do so. Michelle and I are packing up and moving to a warmer climate. I’ll be coming here from time to time and if anyone comes to Florida let me know and I’ll be sure to forward my address.“

He held many positions in the community, including president of Hobart Kiwanis, board member of the Maria Rainer Center, president of the Hobart Jaycees, board member of the YMCA, and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Before becoming chief executive, he served on the board of directors of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my life in Hobart. I’ve been really lucky, but it’s time to move on to the next chapter,” he said. “Born and raised here, I spent 59 of my 63 years of life in Hobart. Even when I lived elsewhere, my heart was still here and it will remain here. Over 40 years in the real estate business has allowed me to see and be familiar with all parts of the city and its surrounding communities. My family has good ties to the city, Harrigan Real Estate, political associations and my uncle who was a fire chief for 38 years. I tried to return as much as possible. various community service organizations as president and/or board member. I have wonderful memories of the Hobart Jaycees, Kiwanis, the Maria Rainer Center, the First United Methodist Church of Hobart and various Realtor committees.”