Who We Are
Region 3-A is a quasi-governmental regional planning commission serving six Northeast Indiana counties since 1974.
Mission & History
Serving the Region Since 1974
Region 3-A Development & Regional Planning Commission is a small part of the collaboration in Northeast Indiana leading the region towards prosperity. Formed as a regional unit of government through Indiana Statute, Region 3-A has been in existence since 1974, supporting the community and economic development needs of Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash and Whitley counties.
As a regional unit of government serving Northeast Indiana, Region 3-A has assisted with many community and economic development, transportation and housing projects throughout the region. Region 3-A has also served as a regional liaison to many state and federal agencies, providing an efficient single point of contact for six counties and 32 municipalities. As an agency governed by local county and municipal officials, Region 3-A exists for the sole and primary purpose of advancing Northeast Indiana.
In that role, Region 3-A assists and seeks the assistance of other regional organizations engaged in small business development, entrepreneurial development, workplace development, marketing and advocacy. Effective collaboration also requires working with neighboring agencies and regions.
Services
What We Do
As has been since 1974, "Our goal is to retain and strengthen local home rule while continuing our total resources for regional challenges beyond our individual capabilities."
Region 3-A has provided its member communities with a variety of professional services: park planning, grant writing and administration, technical GIS and transportation assistance, and community and economic development assistance, to name a few. The various services performed at Region 3-A are available to help make the region's economic and community development goals a reality. In addition to specialized services, Region 3-A has developed close working relationships with various local, state, and federal government agencies responsible for the oversight of programs at all government levels. This working relationship is essential to the success of any state or federally assisted project.
Our Team
Meet the Staff
Sandra Tamez
Executive Director
Sandra Tamez was named Executive Director of Region 3-A in 2025, after more than a decade of service to the organization. She joined Region 3-A in 2014 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Before Region 3-A, Sandra worked as a Human Resource Coordinator, Office Manager and Sales Manager. She brings a collaborative leadership style and a wealth of experience supporting community development across the six-county region. She and her husband reside in DeKalb County with their two sons.
stamez@region3a.orgDave Gee
Housing Specialist
Dave joined Region 3-A in 2004. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design. As Director of Technical Services, Dave is responsible for Transportation Planning and serves as program manager of the Brownfield Coalition Assessment grant. Technical Services also supports the Northeast Indiana Housing Partnership, Inc. as construction supervisor for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation housing. Dave enjoys the challenge of taking a project from the idea stage, contributing his expertise, and seeing the finished project take shape.
dgee@region3a.orgKellie Knauer
Community Development Planner
BIO COMING SOON - replace this text with Kellie's bio when provided.
kknauer@region3a.orgBrian Kinner
Director of Technical Services
BIO COMING SOON - replace this text with Brian's bio when provided.
bkinner@region3a.orgGovernance
Commission Board
Region 3-A is governed by a Commission board composed of elected officials and appointed representatives from member counties and municipalities. Executive Board members are highlighted.
Executive Board
Tom Wall
Huntington County Commissioners
Kevin Myers
LaGrange County Commissioners
Andy Laughlin
Steuben County Commissioners
Paul Shepherd
Town of Avilla
Cheryl Ross
Wabash County Commissioners
Theresa Baysinger
Whitley County Commissioners
Full Board Membership
Amanda Cope
City of Angola
Jeff Boyle
City of Ligonier
Mitzi Pilgrim
City of Wabash
Tom Wall
Huntington County Commissioners
John Stoeckley
Huntington County Council
Kevin Myers
LaGrange County Commissioners
Jeffrey Brill
LaGrange County Council
Gary Timmerman
Noble County Commissioners
Tom Janes
Noble County Council
Andy Laughlin
Steuben County Commissioners
Eric Prall
Steuben County Council
Steve Gunty
Town of Albion
Michael Hasselman
Town of Ashley
Paul Shepherd
Town of Avilla
Brent Schlosser
Town of Clear Lake
Tiffanie Gudakunst
Town of Cromwell
Kathy Parsons
Town of Fremont
Brent Shull
Town of Hamilton
Mark Eagleson
Town of LaGrange
Kristie Bone
Town of Lagro
Jerry Utter
Town of Larwill
Matthew Doss
Town of Markle
Allen Miracle
Town of North Manchester
Zubulon Schuette
Town of Orland
Nicholas Scheer
Town of Roanoke
Ken Cook
Town of Rome City
Terry Martin
Town of Shipshewana
Alyssa Knepple
Town of South Whitley
Marlynn Mast
Town of Topeka
Jeremy Rufener
Town of Warren
Steve Cords
Town of Wolcottville
Cheryl Ross
Wabash County Commissioners
David Terflinger
Wabash County Council
Theresa Baysinger
Whitley County Commissioners
Timothy Longenbaugh
Whitley County Council
Seats for City of Columbia City, City of Huntington, City of Kendallville, Town of Andrews, Town of Churubusco, Town of Hudson, Town of LaFontaine, Town of Mt Etna, and Town of Roann are currently vacant or pending appointment.
Coverage Area
Who We Serve
Region 3-A serves six counties across Northeast Indiana, each with its own character, strengths, and priorities. Select any county to visit its government website.
LaGrange County
The nation's densest RV manufacturing cluster and a vibrant Amish agricultural community define LaGrange County.
✦ 3 Shovel Ready site certifications
Visit county site
Steuben County
Northeast Indiana's lake country. More than 100 lakes fuel tourism and recreation alongside precision manufacturing.
✦ CDBG water upgrade completed 2024
Visit county site
Noble County
A growing county balancing strong agricultural heritage with expanding manufacturing and commercial investment.
✦ 900-unit housing gap study 2024
Visit county site
Whitley County
Positioned at the I-69 and US-30 interchange, one of Indiana's fastest-growing industrial corridors.
✦ SS4A road safety grant 2025
Visit county site
Wabash County
Rich industrial heritage along the Wabash River with active Main Street revitalization and downtown investment.
✦ $2.4M Main Street investment facilitated
Visit county site
Huntington County
A well-connected county with strong manufacturing, ongoing infrastructure investment, and road safety programs.
✦ SS4A road safety grant 2025
Visit county siteNeed help with a project?
Our team is ready to assist with planning, funding, and project administration.