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.

Gloria Jimenez is committed to connecting communities to the Indiana 4‑H program. Originally from Peru, she moved to the United States in 2002 and lived in Los Angeles for 10 years where she worked as the Director of Marketing at LA Center. Gloria moved to Indianapolis in 2013 and worked at the City of Indianapolis where she planned several events such as the Mayors Celebration of Diversity Awards, bike rides, etc. In May 2018, Gloria joined the Indiana Latino Expo as the Executive Director. Gloria is the founder of Axis Leadership program in partnership with the City of Indianapolis. She is also a multicultural contributor and has a small segment on Community Link at WISH-TV and also hosts the Indiana Latino Expo show on Telemundo Indy Channel 19.

Charmayne Saylors understands the impact that 4‑H has on any youth participant. Currently, she co-owns a real estate company. She is an activity participant in volunteering and giving back in her community. Charmayne states, “It has been at times emotional as an adult to recite the 4‑H creed, and to learn how 4‑H today has evolved in ways that are still very relative to youth development. I’m proud to serve on the board, share the story of how 4‑H impacts lives, and support the work of the Indiana 4‑H Foundation.”

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.

Dr. Ron Thieme understands the value of the Indiana 4‑H experience. Dr. Thieme has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Experience Officer, and Chief Information and Knowledge Officer for a large healthcare delivery organization.  Dr. Thieme has served as a business and technology consultant, advising firms in the life sciences, financial, and logistics sectors. His focus has been to ensure that people, strategy, and technology are aligned to create verifiable business results. He has worked with numerous executive teams to develop strategy, transform organizations, and create effective working relationships. Dr. Thieme co-founded, scaled, and ultimately sold a successful business and technology consulting company. He currently owns a farm-to-consumer business, providing healthful food while healing the land for future generations.

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.

Annie Smith is eager to help youth identify their gifts and talents to
encourage active participation in their respective communities. Annie attended Butler University where she studied voice and piano. In July 2017, Annie started her consulting business where she offers individuals and groups insights into cultural diversity that enables participants to move forward with shared goals and understanding. She is currently a member of the Marion County 4‑H Advisory Council and past Vice-President of Purdue Extension Marion County Board. Annie is also the Far Eastside Ambassador with the Central Indiana Community Foundation and a Lead Facilitator with Kiwanis International. Her experience within the nonprofit sector will ensure the Indiana 4‑H Foundation continues to cultivate a welcoming environment for all youth participants.

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.

Erica Viar is excited to further the vision and mission of Indiana 4‑H and contribute to the success of the Indiana 4‑H Foundation. Erica graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a degree in Economics and Public Policy and continued her education by attending Maurer School of Law at Indiana University. Erica launched her career at Cummins Inc., focusing on Environmental Compliance and Environmental Sustainability strategies. Ultimately, she shifted her focus towards workforce development, recognizing the need to foster an environment where youth and young adults have robust opportunities for work-based learning opportunities and connectivity to Indiana’s jobs.

Currently, Erica is a Director of Consulting at Ascend Indiana where she consults with Indiana’s employers, higher education institutions, and workforce development stakeholders to develop talent pipelines and new talent strategies to connect Hoosier talent with in-demand jobs across the state. She is eager to bring her experience within this space to support Indiana’s youth in continuing to have access to hands-on learning and life skills development they need for their future success.

Kevin R. Armstrong, a native of Washington, Indiana, graduated from DePauw University in 1982. He attended both law school and seminary, graduating from Duke University in 1985.

In the following years, Kevin served as associate chaplain at DePauw and then pastor at three United Methodist congregations in Indianapolis. He had leadership roles in ministries of education, healthcare, housing, food sustainability, and restorative justice. His interest in justice and charity has remained a lifelong passion.

In March 2012, Kevin became president of the Methodist Health Foundation. Kevin was named IU Health’s Chief Mission and Values Officer in 2016, and a year later was appointed IU Health Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President.

Kevin has written and taught for religious, civic and government audiences, and directed an 11-part PBS series, “Faith & Community: The Public Role of Religion.” His recent board memberships include Duke Divinity School, The Louisville Institute, University of Indianapolis, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and the Community Advisory Board of WFYI.

Kevin and his wife Nancy live in downtown Indianapolis. They have a daughter and son-in-law, both physics professors in Seattle. An adventurer at heart, Kevin has explored Atlantic islands in a dugout canoe, jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, and hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim. In his more leisurely moments, Kevin pretends he is a runner, poet, and photographer.

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.

Growing up in Union County, Mark Evans was influenced by the agricultural roots from his grandparents farm and his high school agriculture teacher. Though not in 4‑H, Mark was active in FFA where he participated in 4‑H/FFA judging contests that today are referred to as career development events. Inspired by an uncle who attended Purdue, participation in these and other FFA events sealed the deal that Mark wanted to attend Purdue University. In 1990, he graduated with a BS in Agriculture Education with Biology teaching endorsement. In 1995, he completed his MS degree in Agronomy where he studied soil fertility/soil compaction research. Mark celebrated 30 years in December 2022 with Purdue Extension in the roles of Extension Soil Conservation Specialist, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Educator, and 4‑H Youth Development Educator, while also serving as a County Extension Director in latter two positions that were in Owen/Clay and Putnam Counties, respectively. Mark is married to Beth, a 32 plus year marriage, with two children Justin, a high school senior (class of 2023), and Cody, a high school freshman (class of 2026), at Greencastle. Both boys participate in 4‑H and sports at school. Mark is also a director for Parke County REMC and the family is active at their church other community activities.