Jill Scicchitano

Chief Operating Officer

Jill Scicchitano currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, a collaboration of economic development partners in the South Bend - Elkhart region, which encompasses 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. The organization serves as a single point of contact for regional communication and seeks to advance economic opportunities for all partner members through collaborative promotion, marketing, and capacity building efforts.

As COO, Jill oversees key business functions of the organization pursuing continuous improvement and operational excellence fostering growth and driving action toward positive community impact. Jill serves in an enterprise-wide leadership role with a holistic, systems view of the organization and works to advance the regional economic development strategy through the implementation of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership’s portfolio of cross-sector strategic programmatic initiatives.

Prior to joining the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership in 2018, Jill held executive level positions at Downtown South Bend, Inc (DTSB) where she was successful in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with community partners, industry professionals, residents, and business owners and Global Spectrum (now Spectra) bringing over thirteen years of leadership and management experience developing and implementing strategies for achievement in nonprofit and for-profit organizations planning and directing day-to-day facility operations of convention centers in Florida, New York, and Indiana. Jill is proficient in developing and implementing strategies for achievement through effective financial and budgeting performance, sales and marketing initiatives, brand and advertising campaigns, project management, customer service and employee relations.

Education and Professional Accreditations

  • Master of Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Bachelor of Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Civic Involvement

  • Transpo, Board of Directors, Board Chair
  • Business Development Corporation, Board of Directors
  • Civic Center Board of Managers (Century Center, Morris Performing Arts Center and Palais Ballroom)
  • Rotary Club of South Bend

Fun Facts About Jill

  • One of Jill’s favorite weekends of the year is the first weekend in May, celebrating the Kentucky Derby!
  • She got married in the end zone of an NFL stadium in Florida.
  • Jill prefers tea over coffee.
  • She loves Cuban food, Ropa Vieja is one of her favorite dishes.

Regional Favorites

Restaurant: “Italian is a favorite for my family, Cosimo and Susie’s is one of the many gems in the region. One of my favorite stops for dessert is PaddyShack Ice Cream shop, it is a must try!”

Outdoor Activity: “Canoeing Ferrettie/Baugo Creek out to Baugo Bay and walking in St. Patrick’s Park.”

Shop:Ali on the Boulevard, Indiana Rug Company, and Essenhaus Village Shops

Cultural Activity: “I have a few Seasonal favorites: Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix, Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, and South Bend Cubs Baseball Games.

Best Way to Spend a Saturday in the Region: “Exploring the region’s farmers markets and visiting the u-pick farms across our community.  I can often be found at some of our community's family assets; a tennis or basketball court, and a baseball or softball field supporting my kids' activities.”

More information available for reference on Jill's LinkedIn profile.