Janel Meyer

SWCD District Coordinator

Janel joined the Steuben County SWCD in April 2015 as the Resource Conservationist, stepping into the Administrative Coordinator’s position in August 2015. She previously worked for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Pokagon State Park as an Office Assistant (2013 – 2015) and as the Assistant Lake Michigan Fisheries Biologist for the Division of Fish and Wildlife (1994 – 2012).  She began her career as a Fisheries Technician with Duke Energy (formerly PSI Energy in Plainfield, Indiana) in 1993 after receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Science and Wildlife Science from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  A Northwest Indiana native, she enjoys outdoor recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and fishing; she also enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and cooking.

Bailey Temple

SWCD Resource Conservationist

Bailey joined the Steuben County SWCD in July 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she specialized in environmental quality and restoration, along with a minor in Wildlife Science. Passionate about the outdoors, Bailey enjoys exploring and hiking, foraging for edible and medicinal plants, primitive camping, fishing, gardening and wildlife photography.

Arthur Franke

USDA District Conservationist

Arthur grew up on a small family farm in LaGrange County, Indiana. His job experiences in agriculture include working with vegetable and orchard production at home, as well as serving as a field crop scout for hybrid seed corn, potato, and tomato growing operations. He began his NRCS career as an intern in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, learning a lot about forestry. After graduating from Purdue University in May of 2016, he began work as a Soil Conservationist in Ft. Wayne, IN. He has since worked in several USDA offices in the State of Indiana, including Angola, Jasper, and Albion. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, his wife Emily and his dogs, and spends time working on house projects in Fremont, Indiana, gardening, hiking, skiing, biking, and traveling.

Kayleen Hart

Board Chair – Appointed

Kayleen was born and raised in Steuben County. She has lived in Fremont for the past 20 years where she has raised three wonderful children. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College and worked many years as a reporter. Kayleen began a part-time career as a Steuben County SWCD employee from 2003-2006, then in 2006 she went full-time when she was hired as the Resource Conservationist. She held this position until she became the SWCD Administrative Coordinator in 2009. In 2015 Kayleen decided to make the leap across the hall by accepting a position at the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) as a Program Technician for FSA. In August 2024 she advanced to the role of County Executive Director.

In her spare time, Kayleen enjoys spending time with her children, family, and friends. She also enjoys working in her flower gardens and taking walks in the warmer weather. In 2019, she became an appointed member on the Steuben County SWCD Board. In addition, she currently serves as secretary of the Fremont Park Board, and volunteers with several activities at her church during the year.

Bill Schmidt

Board Member – Elected

Bill Schmidt has been a dedicated conservation advocate in Steuben County for more than 25 years. He brings extensive experience in watershed management, water quality, agriculture, and community outreach, and has coordinated the Steuben County Life program for the past 15 years. Bill serves as Chair of the Water Quality Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Steuben County Lakes Council. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Craig Holman

Board Member – Elected

Craig has been a Steuben County SWCD Board member since 2012; he was the Steuben County SWCD Board Chairman from 2019 to 2021.  Craig also serves on the Steuben County Purdue Extension Board.  He enjoys assisting with 4H and FFA activities in the community, outdoor activities, and collecting agricultural antiques.

Beth Williams

Vice Chair – Appointed

Beth Williams came to the board in 2021 after serving as the Resource Conservationist from 2002-2006. She has been involved with natural resource management for over twenty years at the state, local, and non-profit levels.

Brad Hamilin

Board Secretary – Appointed 

Brad was born and raised in Noble County, Indiana, where he graduated from East Noble High School. Although he is a skilled tool and die maker by trade, his passion for farming began at the age of thirteen when he helped his neighboring farmer. In 2002, he and his wife established their own small farm in Salem Township. Initially, they raised sheep for ten years but have since transitioned to cattle, along with growing hay and a few row crops. Brad has been deeply involved in agricultural organizations throughout his life. He was active in FFA during high school and dedicated over twenty-five years to the 4-H program alongside his three children. Brad started at the Steuben County SWCD as an Associate Supervisor and has been appointed to serve the remainder of David Perkin’s term.