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.

Tara Lee

SWCD Resource Conservationist

Tara comes to us from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Farm Service Agency. Tara is a Trine University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.  She was a Team Leader for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for 7 years and completed a 1 yr contract at the Farm Service Agency prior to starting her current position at Steuben County SWCD.  She and her family have lived in Steuben County for 30 years.  Her hobbies include up-cycling, scoring great deals at garage sales, kayaking and spending time with her family.

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 girlfriend Emily and his dog Willy.

Craig Holman

Board Chairman – Elected

Craig Holman became the new Steuben County SWCD Board Chairman in 2019.  Craig has been on the Steuben County SWCD Board member since 2012.  Craig also serves on the Steuben County Purdue Extension Board.  He enjoys assisting with 4H and FFA activities in the community.  Craig enjoys outdoor activities and collecting agricultural antiques.

Chuck Howard

Board Vice-Chairman – Elected

Chuck Howard became the new 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.  Chuck resides in Otsego Township and is where the family farm is located.  Chuck is a member of the Maumee River Basin on behalf of the Steuben County SWCD.  He owns and operates his construction company with his two sons’.

Kayleen Hart

Board Secretary – 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. She began a new part-time career as the Resource Conservationist with the Steuben County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) in 2003. In 2009 she then became the full-time SWCD Administrative Coordinator. In 2015 she 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, she 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.

David Perkins

Board Member – Elected

David Perkins

Gene Diehl

Board Member – Appointed

Gene was raised on his family farm located here in Steuben County.  He graduated from Orland High School in 1962.  His service as a reserve police officer for both the Angola and Fremont departments occurred from 1966 to 1991.  He purchased his wife’s family farm and subsequently farmed it for thirty years. His family has grown to include two children and five grandchildren.  He enjoys operating HAM radio tower, aviation, as well as collecting and restoring antique tractors. 

Tim Groosbeck

Dan Oberst