Meet Our Staff

Dee Deig

Executive Director

Dee began working for the Alliance in February 2019. She graduated from Oakland City University in May of 2009 with a bachelors in Science in Business Management, and has 15 years previous experience in the energy efficiency industry. Formerly, Dee was our Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider. She was promoted to Executive Director In January 2023

Kristin Bean

Deputy Director

Kristin started as the Alliance's Marketing & Event Coordinator in January 2022 and was promoted to Deputy Director in February 2023. In this role, she will be assisting in staff management, assisting our Executive Director, handling our PR & marketing, and overseeing our events. Kristin graduated from FGCU in Ft Myers, Florida in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Resort & Hospitality Management.

Sherri Winters

Programs Manager

Sherri rejoined the Alliance after six years in IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch. Prior to her first stint with the Alliance from 1997-2007, she was employed by the Marion County Health Department for 16 years. She has a background in septic system permitting and inspections as well as drinking water inspections, construction permits and operator certification. She earned her B.S. in education from Ball State University in 1980.

Dave Adkins

EPA Water Director

Dave began working for the Alliance in November 2018. He has been in the water and wastewater indsutry since 2003. He currently holds his WT3, WT4, DSM, and a Class1 Wastewater Certification. Dave also holds an Indiana Water Audit Validation License. In his current role, he will be focusing on training water operators throughout the state.

Rex Blanton

Wastewater Training Director

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 Circuit Rider

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.

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.

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.

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

EPA Wastewater Director

Lorean joined the Alliance in August of 2021. He brings 8 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.

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.

Zachary Minnick

Wastewater Circuit Rider

Zach started as a Wastewater Circuit Rider with the Alliance in February 2023. He holds a Class II Wastewater license and has been in the industry since 2016. His hobbies include rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, attending car shows with this 1966 Dodge Coronet 500, operating his Ham Radio, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family & friends.

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.

Chad Reynolds

Water Circuit Rider

Chad Reynolds has worked in the water and wastewater industry since 2001. He holds a DSS and WT3 Water License and a Class I Wastewater license. He also holds a Category 8 Pesticide License for spraying mosquitos, Level 2 Assessor, Water loss Audit Validator & is certified in Utility Management, as well as Finance Management.

Keirsten Taylor

Office Administrator

Keirsten manages the day-to-day office functions and assists members with various needs. She also collaborates with internal work groups on apprenticeship, training and CEU processing, and conference and event planning. She started with the Alliance in July 2022. Outside of work, she coaches cheerleading for a local high school and loves spending time with her husband and daughter.

Tara Terrell

Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider

Prior to joining the Alliance in January 2023, Tara held various positions for Veolia North America for almost two decades, with her most recent position as Operations Manager, managing personnel and overall operations of the Public Works and Utility Departments.

Kelly Wyatt

Office Administrator

Kelly joined the Alliance in March 2023. With 20 years’ prior experience in an Executive Assistant role, Kelly joined us from the IUPUI School of Medicine. She is a graduate from the University of Toledo. She is an active member on community boards and at her church. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, her grown sons, and family dog. Kelly is an avid reader and is learning Norwegian for her dream trip to Norway.