Meet Our Staff

Connie Stevens

Executive Director

Connie is the Executive Director for the Alliance.  She joined the Alliance in February 2012.  Connie has over 20 years of previous experience as a utility manager and served as a clerk treasurer for 13 years prior to that.

Kelly Gardner

Assistant Executive Director

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.

Dave Adkins

Water Circuit Rider

Dave began working for the Alliance on November 2018. He has been in the water and wastewater business for 18 years. He currently holds WT3, WT4, DSM, and a Class1 wastewater certifications.

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.

Dee Deig

Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider

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.

Judy Jacobs

Office Assistant

Judy oversees the office and assists with event preparation & coordination. Judy began working for the Alliance in early 2020. She works part-time for the Alliance to fill her time in retirement after many years in the health care industry.

Lorean Johnston

Wastewater Circuit Rider

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 II 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

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.

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 1 wastewater license. He also holds a category 8 pesticide license for spraying mosquitoes. Chad also serves on the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Planning Commission.

Amanda Rush

Accounting Director

Amanda is the Accounting Director for the Alliance. She started working for the Alliance in November 2014. Amanda graduated from Marian University in December 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Sports Management.

Kelly Strain

Member Services / Training Coordinator

Kelly coordinates all the one-day training sessions for the organization and the apprenticeship program. She began working for the Alliance in February 2010. Kelly is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. in Business Administration and has many years of experience in Office Administration and Human Resources.

Laura Vidal

Marketing & Public Relations Director

Laura plans all the conferences & events for the organization. She started working for the Alliance in April 2005. Laura graduated from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis in 2002 with high distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.

Sherri Winters

Water Programs Director

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.