Meet Our Staff

Scott Aaron

Water Training & LSLI Specialist

Scott has been in the water industry for over ten years and holds WT3, WT5, and DSL certifications. He has worked as a plant operator, distribution specialist, customer service tech, and in plant maintenance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University. Scott joined the Alliance in May 2023.

Kristin Bean

Executive Director

Kristin started with the Alliance in January 2022, handling the organization's public relations, marketing, and events. Kristin was promoted to Deputy Director in early 2023 and then Executive Director mid-year. Prior to joining the Alliance, Kristin spent several years handling high-level communications, as well as overseeing staff and several programs for a large municipality.

Rex Blanton

Specialized Training Instructor

Rex coordinates the wastewater training sessions for the Alliance. He has 18 years experience in wastewater treatment and 7 years in water distribution while working for the Connersville Utilities where he held a Class II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate. He also worked for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance before joining the Alliance.

Pete Crowl

Wastewater Technician

Pete has over 30 years of experience in the wastewater industry. Prior to that, Pete served in the United States Coast Guard. Pete currently holds a Class III Wastewater License. Outside of work, Pete enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Occasionally, you can find Pete in his blacksmith shop creating custom made hunting knives.

Toby Days

Sourcewater Specialist

Toby holds a Master of Science Degree from the Forestry and Natural Resources Department of Purdue University. Toby spent time working as a Wetland Impact Associate for Region 5 of the Environmental Protection Agency before joining the Alliance in 2002.

Misty Gale

Accounting Coordinator

Prior to joining the Alliance in May 2023, Misty was an Accounts Receivable Supervisor and has quite a bit of experience doing various accounting related duties, payroll, financial reporting, and more. She has a Bachelor of Science in General Studies & Liberal Arts, as well as an Associate of Science in Business Administration.

Kelly Gardner

Apprenticeship Program Coordinator

Kelly began working for the Alliance in April 2018. She graduated from Calumet College of Saint Joseph in July of 2005 with a bachelors in Science in Organization Management, and has 25 years previous experience in the water / wastewater industry.

Joshua Ginder

Wastewater Technician

Joshua came to the Alliance with 23 years of experience in the Wastewater field. He is a Class IV Certified Operator and previously ran the daily operations for a Class III WWTP, eight lift stations, and 14 CSO’s before joining the team in June 2023. Josh also has an associate degree in computer information technology from Purdue University.

Mark Harlow

Water Circuit Rider

Mark joined us in January 2023 after being a Utility Supervisor with a rural community. He began his career with Illinois Dept. of Agriculture overseeing watershed management for public drinking supply reservoirs. He also has experience with Indiana DNR operating water and wastewater treatment plants at various state parks.

Kristen Henley

Event & Marketing Assistant

Kristen joined the Alliance in February 2023 after 10 years in the events industry where she coordinated and styled events, and managed an event venue. She has a BA in Elementary Education from Purdue University. Kristen helps to plan & execute our events and assists with marketing duties. She enjoys being outdoors, antiquing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and closest friends.

Adam Hershberger

EPA Water Specialist

Adam has a background in water and wastewater operations management, including treatment, distribution and collection systems. He currently holds WT4, DSM, and Wastewater Class II certifications. Adam spent time as a Utility Asset Management Consultant prior to joining the Alliance in August 2023.

Olivia Humble

Member Services & Training Coordinator

Olivia came to the Alliance in August 2023 with a variety of experience in customer service, client experience, and management. In her role, she helps execute several office functions and services for our members, including CEU processing, coordinating training sessions, and assisting with conference preparations. She resides in southern Indianapolis with her husband and two boys.

Judy Jacobs

Office Assistant

Judy came to the Alliance in 2020, after retiring from the medical field, where she held a variety of positions over the course of 22 years, including Director of Outreach and Community Relations, Activities Director, Medical Billing, and Staff Nurse. As a part time employee for Alliance, she assists with the day-to-day office functions, CEU processing, and conference event planning

Lorean Johnston

Programs Manager

Before joining the Alliance in 2021, Lorean had 9 years of experience in wastewater, water, and storm water utilities. He currently holds a Class III Wastewater License, as well as WT3 & DSM Water Licenses. Lorean came from a small-town utility where he oversaw the operations of both the water and wastewater treatment plants. He was promoted to Programs Manager in June 2023.

Gordon Meyer

Lead Water Circuit Rider

Gordon, an Air Force veteran, was trained in water treatment plant operation/maintenance, distribution systems, field water purification systems, demineralization units and wastewater treatment/distribution systems. He has over 30 years of experience; working for two utilities before beginning work with the Alliance in 1999. Gordon currently holds a W WT3 and DSM water certification; plus a Class II wastewater certification.

Donald Papai

Apprentice Training Director

Donald Papai (pronounced “Pay Pee”) is the Water Training Director for the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. Donald has over 20 years of experience in the Water / Wastewater industry. He was a Water Treatment Specialist with the U.S. Army and a Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator for the Town of Avila. Donald holds a Class II & III Wastewater license as well as WT3 and DSM Water licenses from the State of Indiana.

Tara Terrell

Energy Efficiency Technician

Before joining the Alliance in January 2023, Tara dedicated nearly two decades of her career to Veolia North America, where she held diverse roles. As the Operations Manager/Safety Coordinator, she skillfully oversaw personnel and the comprehensive operations of the Public Works and Water and Sewer Distribution System. Tara's credentials include a DSL water certification and successful completion of the Commercial Energy Audit program through the Energy Audit Institute. She is a proud Army Veteran with several accolades.