Bill Trowbridge of Valparaiso named President/CEO of Opportunity Enterprises

Bill Trowbridge has been named President/CEO of Opportunity Enterprises. Trowbridge comes to OE with 7 years experience in the banking industry, including 3 years as Vice President of the Personal Asset Management Group at 1st Source Bank Valparaiso. He also worked for 4 years as a Gift Planning Officer for Valparaiso University, and has served on the OE Board of Directors since 2005. Bill-Trowbridge-Headshot

A licensed attorney, Trowbridge has a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, and an MBA from Purdue University. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years.

Trowbridge will replace Gary Mitchell, who is retiring after 25 years at the helm of OE.

Bill’s leadership experience, thorough knowledge of and dedication to the mission of OE, and ability to create a strategic vision for the future make him an outstanding choice,” says Valparaiso University College of Business Dean and Opportunity Enterprises Board Chairperson Dr. Thomas Boyt. ”The Board of Directors is very much looking forward to working in partnership with Bill to continue OE’s legacy of success.”

I am extraordinarily thrilled and energized to have been chosen to serve Opportunity Enterprises in this role, “ says Trowbridge, “and it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Gary Mitchell, who I respect greatly and view as an inspirational figure. Gary has built an incredibly talented organization and laid the foundation for the future success of OE. There is no doubt his dedication and passion will be missed.”

Trowbridge will work alongside Gary Mitchell over the next few weeks, as Mitchell gradually transitions out of the role of President/CEO, and Trowbridge transitions in. The transition will be complete in late September or early October, when Trowbridge will assume the role in its entirety.

Trowbridge’s work will focus largely on maintaining the agency’s high standards for quality, and continuing its history of innovation and growth.

I want to make clear my unwavering and non-negotiable commitment to OE’s high standard of service to its clients. The agency must remain at a service level that exceeds that in which the state is able to supply funding. OE will not become a provider that sacrifices quality for profit margin. Instead, we will find ways to manage our organizational resources to ensure we are able to continually adapt to our ever-changing environment, guarantee we maintain the best employees, and diversify and grow our non-operational funding.”

Trowbridge resides with his wife Melanie and two young sons in Valparaiso.

Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization which creates sustainable life choices and opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. Today, OE serves 1,100 adults and children with disabilities in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.