Sherri Johnston – President and CEO
Sherri Johnston is a lifelong resident of rural LaGrange County, Indiana, with a diverse professional background spanning manufacturing, distribution, transportation, energy infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management. She currently serves as President & CEO of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation, where she leads initiatives focused on Housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, BRE and long-term community investment.
Sherri holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marian University and brings both fiscal discipline and practical experience to her work in economic development. She is actively engaged in her community, serving on the LaGrange County REMC Operation Round Up Committee, the NIPSCO Community Advisory Panel, the Amish Heritage Byway committee and serves Springfield Township as Trustee. She is also a member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority and participates professionally in the Northeast Indiana LEDO Council Alliance, Indiana Economic Development Association and the Mid-America Economic Development Council.
A strong advocate for rural communities, Sherri believes that thriving rural America depends on intentional economic development, access to essential services, and meaningful local collaboration. Her work is grounded in the belief that when communities invest in people, partnerships, and place, they create opportunities that last for generations. She is honored to play a role in shaping the future of LaGrange County and advancing the broader conversation around rural resilience and growth.
Sherri and her husband, Todd, have raised two daughters, both graduates of Purdue University. Outside of work, she enjoys beach vacations, kayaking the Pigeon River, Purdue basketball, and spending time with family. She is also the proud owner of two miniature donkeys, Oggie and Pearl, and a self-described aspiring flower farmer.
Emilee Buller – VP of Community Development & Engagement
Emilee Buller is a Northeast Indiana native and graduate of Angola High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and has since gained diverse professional experience across four states, serving in leadership roles spanning accounting, operations, and family advocacy.
In her role with the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation, Emilee leads and supports key community initiatives, including LaGrange County Together and Connect LaGrange County—the county’s comprehensive plan and Strategic Investment Plan. Her work focuses on advancing projects that strengthen economic growth, enhance quality of place, and support long-term community vitality.
Emilee is actively engaged in the community, serving as Secretary of the Board for Main Street LaGrange and as a member of the Purdue Extension Board. She is also a LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. She has volunteered in LaGrange County schools to lead Junior Achievement for the past two years and has participated in Crossroads United Way’s Read United program.
She is an OCRA-certified Grant Administrator and has completed additional training focused on small-town vitality and community development.
Outside of work, Emilee enjoys gardening, cooking and baking, and spending time with her husband, Kenny, their daughter Hattie, and their dogs.
Verna Witham – Executive Assistant
Verna Witham was born in Elkhart, Indiana. She has called LaGrange County home for more than 30 years and currently resides in Wolcottville with her husband of 40 years. She graduated from Open Bible Academy in Beloit, Wisconsin, and continued her education at the Salvation Army College for Officers Training in Chicago, Illinois.
Throughout her professional career, Verna has served as an administrative/executive assistant at several LaGrange County businesses, including Lambight’s Inc., the Shipshewana Flea Market, Cotswold International, and Farmers State Bank.
Verna is a trained Salvation Army natural disaster responder. She deployed for two weeks following Hurricane Harvey in Texas, where she helped serve meals and assisted with cleanup efforts. She has also volunteered at Salvation Army Community Centers in Goshen and Fort Wayne.
Verna is the proud mother of three adult children—two sons and one daughter—who attended LaGrange County schools from k-12. She cherishes her four granddaughters, Kensley, Maicee, Maryn, and Willow.
In her free time, Verna enjoys gardening, cooking, fishing, listening to 70s & 80s music, and vintage thrifting.
