Foundation Leadership

Christy Steinman Denault is the founder and principal at Springmill Communications. A communications strategist with 20+ years of experience that spans higher education, private industry, politics, government, nonprofits, and startups, she brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills to the table, as well as expertise in media relations, crisis communications, government advocacy, and targeted messaging. Christy has led corporate communications efforts and served as Director of Communications and spokesperson for both a Lt. Governor and a Governor. She specializes in helping those in technical and scientific fields explain the impact of their work.

As a Fulbright scholar, Christy earned her master’s degree with highest honors in international conflict analysis from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

As a Boone County 4‑H leader for more than 15 years, Robyn Heine understands the impact that Indiana 4‑H has on the leadership development of Hoosier youth. Robyn was a 10-year 4‑H’er from South Dakota where she grew up. In the early 1990s, she was an International 4‑H Youth Exchange (IFYE) representative in Australia and New Zealand where she lived and worked with agricultural host families and studied the agricultural industry. Today, Robyn volunteers as a Boone County 4‑H Project Leader for the Verbal Communications project and is a past Mini-4‑H Leader and Boone County 4‑H Fair Board Member. Robyn is eager to contribute to the success of the Indiana 4‑H Foundation.

Mark Lamie has three children currently active in 4‑H, so he sees through their involvement that there is an absolute need in our communities for the programs that 4‑H offers. He brings a unique perspective to the Indiana 4‑H Foundation, as he is not originally from Indiana. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in History and Religion and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

Heidi Spahn is Global Community Investment Manager for Corteva Agriscience, responsible for corporate giving in Indiana and Iowa, and leads donations and community outreach for United States and international giving programs and projects. She also oversees Corteva’s disaster response relief and employee volunteer engagement. In 2020, Heidi was selected to participate in the 19th class of the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program. She currently volunteers with organizations aimed to address food insecurity, 4‑H, and Indiana Sports Corp. Heidi is a former 10 year 4‑H member, Boy Scout volunteer, and Girl Scout leader. She grew up on a farm in Poseyville, Indiana, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Ball State University.

Cindy Campbell grew up in Reynolds, Indiana, and still lives near the farm on which her family has resided since the mid-1800’s. She received a B.A. in European History from Purdue University and currently serves as the Mortgage Lending Officer at Bank of Wolcott where she enjoys helping members of her community fulfill their dreams of home ownership and meet other financial needs. Cindy was a 10-year 4‑H member in White County, and during her tenure, she showed cattle and swine and completed many static projects. Cindy was inspired by her parents, who were long-term 4‑H volunteers, to become an adult volunteer. She has been a 4‑H club leader and judge for 20 years and has led various 4‑H project workshops. In 2023, she received a Volunteer Award of Excellence in Leadership/Civic Engagement Programming from the Indiana 4‑H Foundation. Cindy has also been actively involved in other civic organizations through the years and plans to use all her experiences to support the mission of the Foundation.

Clint Deck brings a lifelong dedication to youth education to his role as a Purdue Extension 4‑H Youth Development Educator, a position he has held since 2020. A former teacher since 2016, Clint’s passion for developing young leaders has been shaped by his experiences growing up on a dairy, hog, and row-crop farm north of Bloomington. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the agricultural heritage he now shares with the next generation.

As a 10-year 4‑H member in Monroe County, Clint developed skills and values that inspired his career in youth development. From the age of 15 to 21 he spent time interning and exploring Purdue Extension careers with his mentor and 4‑H Educator, Jeff Holland. He later served as a youth programming director for churches and as an FFA advisor for Hoosier Hills Career Center and Seymour Community Schools, where he guided students in exploring leadership, agriculture, and community engagement.

Clint holds degrees in Agribusiness Management and Instructional Design and Technology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Innovation and Leadership to further expand his impact as an educator. He enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews on the family farm, connecting them with the same traditions that shaped his own childhood. In addition to supporting Monroe County youth through 4‑H, Clint is committed to fostering growth and opportunities for young people, ensuring that programs like 4‑H continue to empower future leaders.

Sharon Semones joined the 4‑H Foundation board in 2021. She is Vice President of Scientific Business Development for the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, where she is responsible for business development and strategic partnership activities working closely with the executive leadership to develop and implement strategies for the formation of sustaining collaborations with local, national and global biotechnology industries (start ups, academics, foundations and venture) Sharon’s commitment to developing future leaders is evident by her ten years as a mentor for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, four years as a national volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the USA, and participation in the Center Grove School’s Strategic Planning Committee. Sharon is excited to use her skills in connecting people to give back to the 4‑H program, which has provided her son with many opportunities to grow and develop.

Ella Ingram is the owner and operator of Limestone Creek Farm in Putnam County, a 400-acre farm that includes pollinator and vegetable gardens, row crops, orchard, wooded acreage, and a working limestone quarry. She was formerly a biology professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, teaching primarily ecology, evolution, plant science, and research methods. Ella is a frequent volunteer for gardening, naturalist, and other education programs for both adults and youth, including 4‑H programming. She grew up in Iowa, and received degrees in biology from Augustana College and Indiana University. 

Gary Coleman has a passion for 4‑H that stems from deep roots in agriculture, having grown up on a grain and cow/calf farm in central Missouri.  He is inspired to help youth by his childhood experiences with the 4‑H program, showing cattle and woodworking projects.  Gary has a degree in Agricultural Economics, and in his professional life, he supports agricultural businesses through his role as a Regional Vice President for Farm Credit Mid-America.  He has served as a board member for the Indiana FFA Foundation, and has served his country in the United States Army Reserve.  Gary’s broad range of leadership experience is a valuable asset to the Foundation board, and to 4‑H youth across the state.

Rachel is a community volunteer, agriculture and higher education advocate. She is very thankful for leadership development and service opportunities that the Indiana 4‑H program offered to her in her formative years. Rachel was a 10-year 4‑H member, spending her first five years in the Hendricks County program and finishing in Monroe County with a move near the family farm. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in 4‑H and the many experiences she had, including hosting a LABO Japanese Exchange student, attending Junior Leader and state trips like State Fair Youth School, and working as an Exhibit Hall Worker in the State Fair 4‑H building. Rachel is currently active in both her county extension board and the Purdue CARET board. She also serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Monroe County Farm Bureau Inc. A proud graduate of Franklin College with a Political Science degree, she now also serves on the Franklin College Alumni Council. She looks forward to serving on the Foundation Board, strengthening partnerships, promoting, and advocating for the Indiana 4‑H program.

Roger Sherer grew up on a Noble County farm in northeast Indiana, where he was a 10-year 4‑H member. In 1973, he attended National 4‑H Congress and was selected as one of the scholarship winners in Safety, sponsored by General Motors. Upon graduating from Purdue University in 1978 with a degree in Ag Education and Animal Science, Roger was selected to be a delegate to Poland in the International Four‑H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program. The inspiration to become an IFYE came from a talk at his local 4‑H Club by an Indiana IFYE that had traveled to Venezuela. He recently retired after serving 40 years as a 4‑H Youth Development Educator in Wells County with the Purdue Extension Service. Roger will provide valuable experience and expertise to ensure the Indiana 4‑H Foundation continues to fund programs for Indiana youth.

Eric Wolfe is thrilled to help Indiana 4‑H provide numerous opportunities to youth across the state. Eric grew up in Brazil, IN (Clay County), graduated from DePauw University with a B.A. in Communication, and currently resides in Greencastle, IN (Putnam County). Eric Wolfe is the Owner and Managing
Broker of Prime Real Estate Group and a top real estate professional in his market getting results for his clients. Formerly, Eric was the Assistant Director of Student Life at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, the Community Development Director at the Putnam County Community Foundation in Greencastle, IN, and the Executive Director of the National 4‑H Youth Directions Council in Chevy Chase, MD. His experience will assist the Indiana 4‑H Foundation to cultivate lasting legacies for donors.

Valerie Sausaman was a 10-year 4‑H member in Kosciusko County who shared her passion for 4‑H through the service and leadership engagements she pursued. 4‑H was not entirely new to her when she joined, as her family has participated in Kosciusko County 4‑H for over 60 years. Valerie studied Finance and Human Resource Management at Purdue University and now works to assist families and professionals with achieving their financial goals in various ways. She is eager to contribute her 4‑H experience to the Indiana 4‑H Foundation. Valerie and her husband enjoy the outdoors, playing cards, watching basketball, and taking their Bernese Mountain Dog on walks frequently.

As an alumna of 4‑H in Fountain County, 4‑H was a large part of Meredith’s development as a youth. She is excited to use her skills as a professional to help ensure the program is around for generations to come. Meredith is Director of Customer Marketing for Catalant Technologies. She earned degrees at DePauw University, CSU Dominguez Hills, and Purdue University. During her term with the Indiana 4‑H Foundation, Meredith hopes to provide and nurture a broader awareness of the Foundation’s mission.

Brian Wise brings a wide variety of board leadership experiences to the Indiana 4‑H Foundation. He has observed the evolution of the Foundation to its present position and admires the staff and volunteers for leading that development. Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics from Purdue University and comes from a long line of farmers in Hamilton County, currently serving as President of Philip Wise Farms, Inc. Brian looks forward to sharing his experience and perspective to help support the Foundation’s focused programs.

Mackensi studies biomedical engineering at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, with the future career goal of working in a medical lab designing false organs, prosthetics, or doing cancer treatment research. She has extensive community service experience through Morgan County Junior Leaders, Girl Scouts, and being a past recipient of a Youth Engaged Service Grant from the Indiana 4‑H Foundation. Mackensi is excited to serve on the YES Grant Committee and be a mentor to 4‑H members looking to further their impact on the world!

Amanda is pursuing a degree in design and construction integration at Purdue University and dreams of starting her own business. During her ten years of 4‑H involvement in Vanderburgh County, she learned that her passion is helping others through community service. Her most life changing 4‑H activity was attending the 4‑H Global Gateway Experience, which opened her eyes to the challenges of obtaining necessities that those less fortunate face daily. Amanda has directly benefitted from Indiana 4‑H Foundation scholarships and grants and looks forward to serving on the Youth Engaged Service Grant Committee as a way to give back and support 4‑H at the state level.