Executive Team

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Robert P. Rose 
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman 
41 Years in the Financial Service Industry

“When people ask what I do, I tell them, that I'm in the relationship business. Building relationships with people is the most important thing to do. Becoming an invaluable part of a client's life is what I enjoy most about the Harbour Trust approach, and I can't think of anything more rewarding.”

A Notre Dame graduate, Bob began his career in June of 1983. Prior to joining Harbour Trust, he was employed by a bank subsidiary responsible for trust and investment management services. There he worked his way from Trust Investment Officer to Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

Throughout his career, Mr. Rose has remained a dedicated student of his profession. He has completed courses through The American Institute of Banking, Northwestern University - National Trust School, The American Management Association - The Management Course, and Cannon Financial Institute - Personal Trust Advanced Administration.

Bob is a native of Northwest Indiana where he has invested in future generations as an instructor for Purdue University-North Central and The American Institute of Banking. He has volunteered his leadership skills to several local organizations in the Chicagoland area.

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Stephanie K. Oberlie 
President & Chief Operating Officer
30 Years in the Financial Service Industry

Upon graduating from Ball State University in 1994, Stephanie began her career as a Personal Trust officer managing estates, trusts, investment accounts, retirement portfolios, and non-profit accounts. Stephanie is quite accomplished, completing Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust School and earning the Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust School and earning the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation from The Institute of Certified Bankers. She has expanded her scope of learning and education to include strategic planning and risk management. Today, she is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company, overseeing the divisions of the company and working to execute strategic initiatives throughout the company.

Stephanie was born and raised in Michigan City and currently serves on several not-for-profit boards. As a young child, her family instilled in her the importance of giving back to your community by volunteering your time to affect change. As a result, this has become the cornerstone of her values. She currently serves as a board member of the Duneland Health Council, Healthcare Foundation LaPorte (HFL), Unity Foundation of LaPorte County. She is a member of the La Porte County Unity Foundation Gold Key Society and a past recipient of the Athena Award.

“Witnessing the development of client relationships grow into a trusted partnership is a truly rewarding experience. Joy comes from observing all of our employees committing and delivering service to maintain the level of trust our clients place in us.”

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Brian C. Merrill 
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer 
29 Years in the Financial Service Industry

Brian was born and raised in Muncie, IN, where he received a BS in Finance from the Ball State University Honors College. He started his investment career in 1995 as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Officer, specializing in portfolio management of high-net-worth and retirement portfolios. Brian joined Harbour Trust in 2008 as an Investment Officer, was promoted to Chief Investment Officer in 2013, and Senior Vice President in 2018. He manages the firm’s Investment Division, specializing in the management of high net worth, retirement, and institutional portfolios. Brian serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee, overseeing asset allocation strategy and individual asset selections for the firm. He also serves as the Company Information Security Officer and engages in strategic planning for the firm. Brian passed the CFA level I examination in 1998. He serves as president of the Board of the Michigan City Community Scholarship Fund. Brian, his wife Jennifer, and their 2 daughters reside in Michigan City.

“One of my greatest joys is leading a team of trust and investment professionals, who strive to provide exceptional service and solutions that help our clients achieve their personal financial goals. Wealth management goals are very specific to each client. That is why we take the time to tailor each of our client’s portfolios to their individual needs.”
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Michael K. Hackett, CFTA, CISP 
Senior Vice President & Director of Wealth Advisory Services & Marketing 
31 Years in the Financial Service Industry

After graduating from Ball State University in 1993, Mike began his career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Harbour Trust in 2001, Mike spent eight years serving as a Personal Trust Administrator with JP Morgan Chase. There, he was responsible for both personal trust and employee benefit accounts.

Mike has successfully completed the Personal Trust School program through Cannon Financial Institute at the University of Notre Dame. He earned the designation of Certified Trust Financial Advisor in 1997 and has enthusiastically worked to maintain this designation. As well as, expand his knowledge of financial planning and investment management. In an effort to further broaden his knowledge of the trust and investment field, Mike successfully passed the CISP exam in 2012 and became a Certified IRA Services Professional through the Institute of Certified Bankers.  He is the Director of Wealth Advisory Services at Harbour and serves as head of Marketing and the IRA Division.

Born and raised in Michigan City, Mike has two daughters and has served 3 terms as president of the Michigan City Rotary Club and as Rotary District 6540 Assistant District Governor. Mike served 7 years as board President for the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.

“The best compliment I have ever received was in 2009 during the financial crisis when a client told me, ‘I don’t worry about my financial situation because I know that you are taking care of me.’ Giving clients that peace of mind is my greatest pleasure.”

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Steven J. Skalka 
Senior Vice President & Chief Fiduciary Officer of Counsel 
21 Years in the Financial Service Industry

Steve received his Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree from Purdue University in 1998, where he majored in Accounting and minored in Business Administration. After graduation, he attended Valparaiso Law School where he received a Juris Doctorate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Steve passed the CPA exam in 1999 and the Indiana State Bar exam in July of 2002.

Steve began his career in the trust and wealth management department of a community bank where he remained for 19 years. While cutting his teeth in a management trainee program, Steve quickly found his passion in the investment management field. It was not long before he assumed the role of Investment Manager and was responsible for shaping the direction of the Investment Division. In this role he was tasked with enhancing risk/adjusted returns among a vast range of portfolio options. In addition to constructing investment portfolios, Steve routinely met with clients and prospects. He was also actively engaged in making community presentations on a wide array of financial topics.

In addition to his investment related responsibilities, Steve served on the Trust Administration Committee, where he helped manage risk and helped ensure fiduciary compliance. In this role he offered guidance on a multitude of topics including legal document interpretation, trust and estate administration, and regulatory compliance.

Steve’s diverse skill set is a natural fit for the Chief Fiduciary Officer role at Harbour. As Chief Fiduciary Officer he sits on various committees including Estate Committee, Trust Committee, Executive Asset Allocation Committee, and the Risk and Compliance Committee.

Steve was born and raised in LaPorte County. He continues to reside in rural LaPorte County with his family. He volunteers as a youth softball coach and is actively involved in a multitude of school and church activities.

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Our Location

1024 N Karwick Road
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Business: 219.877.3500
Toll Free: 888.649.8969
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