IMPACT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Camp

Chuck Surack’s entrepreneurial success has been driven by a passion for music and a dedication to “always do the right thing” in service of others. In 1979, music began to take over Chuck’s entrepreneurial talents when he founded Sweetwater Sound as a 4-track recording studio in the back of his VW bus. Fast forward to today and Sweetwater is now the #1 online retailer of music instruments and pro-audio equipment in the United States.

In addition to Sweetwater, Chuck has translated his commitment to “always do the right thing” into ownership of more than 10 other businesses including SweetCars, Sweet Aviation, Sweet Helicopters, and Longe Optical in Fort Wayne, Indiana, under the Surack Enterprises umbrella. Beyond business, Chuck and his wife Lisa are passionate about serving their community. This passion lead them to start the Surack Family Foundation to continue making a difference and even greater impact in Northeast Indiana giving to over 600 organizations annually.

Chuck still makes time to regularly play saxophone in small venues around Fort Wayne. He also has a love for aviation and is an avid helicopter pilot. He and Lisa have two sons, a daughter, and two granddaughters and can often be found enjoying time together at their regular Sunday family dinner.

Dena Jacquay is Parkview Health’s Chief Administrative Officer. Since joining the organization in 2000, she has served in several roles, supporting and driving the health system’s culture, both within Parkview and within the communities Parkview serves.

Dena is responsible for key strategies that support the success of Parkview, such as digital/virtual experience, marketing/branding and communications, patient experience, community health and equity, and talent attraction and development. Dena is also responsible for leading the philanthropic efforts of the Parkview Foundation, and oversees many of Parkview’s administrative and support services, including public safety, planning and project management, supply chain, human resources, education, construction, real estate, facilities, environmental services, nutrition services and pharmacy.

Dena has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governor's University.

Dena serves on several nonprofit community boards, including Ascend Indiana, Blessings in a Backpack, Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana, Indiana Tech, and Troy School. She is also a member of the Parkview Field Advisory Board. She volunteers as a freshman mentor for Smith Green Community Schools, and she also serves as a community volunteer with Audio Reading Service, part of the Allen County Public Library, which allows the visually impaired to hear the written word.

Bradley B. Chambers is the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana, serving as a member of Governor Eric Holcomb’s cabinet and leading strategy and growth of the state’s economy and its related economic development efforts since his appointment in summer 2021.

For more than 39 years, Chambers has been a leader in the investment, development, and management of investment grade real estate nationwide. As founder, president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Buckingham Companies, Chambers has led the strategic direction of the company’s various integrated divisions since he started the company as a student at Indiana University in 1984. With a focus on midwestern values, creativity and community involvement, Buckingham has grown from its first rental property purchase to the development and acquisition of its investments exceeding $3 billion.

In addition to his role at Buckingham Companies, Chambers also serves as a founder and board member of the Buckingham Foundation Inc., a philanthropic organization focused on making a positive impact on communities within the mission areas of affordable housing, community and economic development, arts and culture, and childhood hunger. To date, the foundation has awarded over $3 million in grants and sponsorships to 600 nonprofits.

Chambers was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to serve on the U.S. Investment Advisory Council. Among his other community activities, Chambers serves on the board of the Indiana International Center. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Chambers previously served as Chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission and on the boards of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., National Multi-Housing Council, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He also previously served as vice chair of the Urban Land Institute of Indiana and as a member of the Indiana State Office Commission, the Apartment Association of Indiana, the Indianapolis Police Department Civilian Merit Board and trustee of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Chambers received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He and his wife, Carol, are parents to their son, Nick.