Engage South Bend - Elkhart

Rich Carlton leads Aunalytics as President after twenty-five plus years of leadership experience in data and technology-based businesses.   Carlton has an extensive history of leading both growth and operations of Midwest technology businesses from the start-up phase, through established growth and value creation.  Three different organizations that he has been in leadership of have made the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, including a software company, a data-center infrastructure company, and Aunalytics.  His past experience includes work in both private and publicly traded organizations.

Carlton has extensive knowledge in AI, data analytics, data platforms, cloud infrastructure, data centers, and cybersecurity.

Rich has an extensive background in technology M&A, having been either the acquirer or acquired company in over 15 transactions.  He has played significant roles in targeting and negotiating the acquired company, capital raise and debt financing, and full integration post deal closing.

Carlton earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in 1992 with a focus in Computer and Information Systems.  In addition to the Aunalytics Board, he either serves or has served on Boards in Banking, Healthcare, Not for Profits, Angel Investing, and both State and Regional Chamber of Commerce Boards - having been the Chair of three different boards.  He and his wife Susan are the proud parents of three children – all of whom work in Technology.

Bethany Hartley serves as the President and CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, overseeing economic development efforts across 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Under her leadership, the organization focuses on advancing regional economic opportunities through collaboration, communication, and convening. The Regional Partnership has been instrumental in securing major funding, including $95 million from Indiana’s READI program, driving transformative projects in quality of place, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The Regional Partnership is on a mission to make the South Bend – Elkhart region the most prosperous region in the Midwest, prioritizing spurring job creation, executing and supporting strategic initiatives aligned with the Smart, Connected Communities 2030 regional economic development plan, and identifying and securing capital investment through collaboration.

Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and is currently a Global Executive MBA candidate at the University of Notre Dame. Her work has earned her recognition in Michiana’s 40 Under 40 (2021) and the IBJ’s 250 Most Influential Leaders in Indiana (2024). She is also a recipient of the YWCA Woman of the Year award (2024). Beyond her professional achievements, Bethany is deeply involved in civic engagement, serving on the boards of Startup Moxie Elkhart County, Memorial Hospital, the Indiana Economic Development Association, and other regional organizations. She resides in the South Bend – Elkhart region with her husband, Jim, and their dog, Molly. When they’re not discovering more about the place they call home, they can be found traveling the globe, riding bikes, and scuba diving.

Kurt Janowsky (61), grew up in South Bend where he began his career cooking at the Moonraker restaurant at the age of 16. After owning and operating several area restaurants he founded Navarre Hospitality Group in 2012. Currently Navarre operates 15 restaurants, bars, and catering venues in St Joseph and Elkhart County. Kurt’s newest restaurant, Cascade Prime Steak and Seafood, is located on the St Joseph river, on the site of the former Moonraker restaurant. Kurt is married to Jory Fitzgerald, has 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren.

Mayor Mueller is the chief executive of the City of South Bend. The city’s thirty-third mayor, he was sworn into office on January 1, 2020. As mayor, Mueller is responsible for the city workforce of over 1,000 employees and an annual budget over $380 million.

After attending St. Joseph’s High School, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Delaware for his PhD, Mueller worked in public policy before returning home in 2015 to join the Buttigieg administration as Mayor Pete’s Chief of Staff, Mueller promoted pragmatic public policies and affordable energy solutions at the George Washington University’s Solar Institute in Washington, DC. He also served in the office of US Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), for nearly four years, first as a John A. Knauss Legislative Fellow and then as a policy adviser on energy and natural resources.

Mueller’s tenure as Chief of Staff included the establishment of the first Diversity and Inclusion Office in Indiana, as well as the creation of the Departments of Innovation & Technology and the Venues Parks and Arts Department.  Mueller went on to become the Executive Director of Community Investment where he was responsible for attracting businesses to South Bend and investing in the neighborhoods.  Early in his tenure as Executive Director of Community Investment, Mueller established the Engagement & Economic Empowerment Division to empower residents with access to economic opportunities and meaningful civic participation.