Foundation Leadership

Christy Steinman Denault is Vice President Marketing Communications for the National Precast Concrete Association. 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.

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.

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.

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. In 2025, the Wells County Chamber of Commerce named Roger “Citizen of the Year” for his contributions to the community.

David Smith is Field Brand Manager for Keystone Cooperative. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Agricultural Economics, David has also worked for Ceres Solutions Cooperative and North Central Co-op. 

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.

Brian A. Arwood, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CNE, is a faculty member at Indiana University Kokomo and a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He is deeply committed to youth development through his service as a 4-H club leader, project superintendent, and camp nurse in Miami County. Brian earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Purdue University and holds multiple certifications in nursing education and mental health. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, he has served in leadership positions with the Indiana State Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Indiana Chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, advocating for professional growth, education, and quality care across the nursing profession.

Dr. Jay Arthur is an Educational Consultant and CEO of Imperative Leadership, working primarily with public schools and not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves as the Director of the ASSET, an alternative teacher licensure program.

Jay is a former PK-12 public school superintendent, director of special education, and director of student services. During his time with the Indiana Department of Education, he was the Project Manager of the grant overseeing the state’s special education IEP system.

Jay graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Special Education and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology. He completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Studies at Indiana University.

Jay is a 10-year 4-H Member and lifelong 4-H volunteer, most notably working with youth at the Indiana State Fair each year. He is originally from Monroe County, but now resides in the Indianapolis area. In his spare time, he enjoys wellness and any opportunity to take his Jack Russell Terriers on a road trip and explore different areas of the United States.

Jay lives by two mantras: “Do the right thing; treat people right,” and “Thoughtful always outweighs traditional.” He believes honesty and integrity are at the helm of good leadership, and he practices both every day in his decision making for the students and families he serves.

Sydney Clements is a medical student at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and minors in Global Health and Interdisciplinary Studies in Medicine. Sydney was a 10 year 4-H member in Johnson County, where she was involved with the Clover Power 4-H Club, the 4-H Ambassador program, Honor Group, and Junior Leaders; in youth roles on the Johnson County Extension Board, 4-H Council, and Expansion and Review Committee; and with the Johnson County Fair Queen’s Court. Outside of school, Sydney volunteers with Indiana 4-H and Indiana’s Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar.

Zach Geleott is a full-time student at Wabash College and a business owner, operating a digital marketing agency. Zach grew up in Northwest Indiana and was a 4-H member in Jasper County. Zach is forever grateful for his time in 4-H, those he interacted with, and the skills he developed as his 4-H club president, a 2022 YES grant recipient, and a Junior Leader.

Mary Fritch is a geography student at IU Indianapolis. She was a 10-year 4-H member in Morgan County and held a variety of leadership roles throughout that time. Her favorite positions include serving as president of the Morgan County 4-H Junior Leaders Club as well as Junior Director for 4-H Camp Shakamak. Mary enjoys assisting her community through volunteer work and is a member of several campus organizations, including Academics for Civic Engagement and the Student Sustainability Council.