Janel Meyer

SWCD Administrative Coordinator

Janel joined the Steuben County SWCD in April 2015 as the Resource Conservationist, stepping into the Administrative Coordinator’s position in August. 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.

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 dog Willy, and spends time working on house projects in Fremont, Indiana, gardening, hiking, skiing, biking, and traveling.

Kayleen Hart

Board Chairman – 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 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.

Chuck Howard

Board Vice Chairman – Elected

Chuck Howard has served as the Steuben County SWCD Board Vice Chairman in 2019.  Chuck was voted in as a SWCD Board member in 2012.  Chuck graduated from Hamilton High School before becoming an accomplished farmer and business owner.  He resides in Otsego Township, which is where the family farm is located, and he is a member of the Maumee River Basin Commission on behalf of the Steuben County SWCD.  He owns and operates a construction company with his two sons.

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.

David Perkins

Board Member – Elected

David, a lifelong resident of Steuben and LaGrange counties, has been a board member since 2019. David grew up farming with his dad and uncle on the family farm near Stroh. He continues farming today with the addition of his son and grandson.

David has a passion for missions and has been to the Philippines several times. His work there includes establishing running water in schools and supporting a farm/orphanage.

Beth Williams

Board Secretary – Appointed

Beth Williams came to the board in 2020 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.

Tim Groosbeck

Dan Oberst