Vice President, Regional Initiatives
Taryn MacFarlane currently serves as Vice President, Regional Initiatives 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 Vice President, Regional Initiatives, Taryn serves as the primary staff administrator for the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and supports the Regional Partnership’s implementation of the READI grant program. She brings expertise in grant writing, management, and administration to the Regional Partnership. Taryn has provided extensive technical assistance to grantees across the nation around program outcomes, program administration, and fiscal reporting.
Prior to joining the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership in 2022, Taryn held senior strategy and management roles at philanthropy organizations and at Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, a national leader in workforce and higher education transformation projects. She is skilled at developing public, private, and philanthropic collaborations and partnerships in regions around the U.S. to grow economic prosperity and opportunity. Taryn’s extensive background includes data analysis and using data to develop action strategies, as well as developing and implementing large scale, multi-year learning networks for nonprofits in regions across the U.S.
Education and Professional Accreditations
- Master of Business Administration, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Civic Involvement
- Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, Board of Directors
Fun Facts About Taryn
- Taryn has visited 45 states, but she’s aiming for all 50! She still needs to visit Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and North Dakota.
- She loves coffee ice cream.
- Taryn’s favorite way to travel is by train!
- Clue is her favorite board game.
- Taryn still owns the same flannel shirt from the early ‘90s big hair rock band era.
Regional Favorites
Restaurant: “The Lauber in South Bend – nothing beats the outdoors vibe and patio seating.”
Outdoor Activity: “Old school tent camping at Potato Creek State Park on a starry night.”
Shop: “Farmer’s Market in South Bend – Sunchokes are my new favorite veggie to roast.”
Cultural Activity: “Art Beat – It’s an awesome mash-up of visual arts, dance and food.”
Best Way to Spend a Saturday in the Region: “Early Bird Eatery to start the day, bike ride along the river in South Bend/Mishawaka. In summer, add in a stop at Mary Gibbard Park for the awesome splash pad dunking, which is best followed by ice cream at Bonnie Doon's. If you are still hungry after your kids claim ice cream is dinner, leave them with the babysitter and enjoy the food and amazing margaritas at Jesus Latin Grill. Bonus points if it is also a music night for one of the great free concert series put on by the city of Mishawaka or South Bend during the summer.”
More information available for reference on Taryn's LinkedIn profile.