Meet Our Staff

Scott Aaron

Workforce Development & Technical Trainer

Scott has been in the water industry for over ten years and holds WT3, WT5, and DSL certifications. He has worked as a plant operator, distribution specialist, customer service tech, and in plant maintenance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University and also holds a Water Validator License.  Scott joined the Alliance in May 2023.  

Kristin Bean

Executive Director

Kristin joined the Alliance in January 2022 and was promoted to Executive Director in April 2023. Prior to her time with AIRW, Kristin spent several years handling high-level communications, as well as overseeing staff and several programs for a large municipality. She has a Bachelor of Science in Resort & Hospitality Management from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Rex Blanton

Specialized Training Instructor

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

Programs Manager/Wastewater Technician

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 IV 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.

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.

Kristen Henley

Conference & Events Manager

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 plans and executes our extensive schedule of conferences and events. She enjoys being outdoors, antiquing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and closest friends.

Adam Hershberger

Asset Management Specialist

Adam has a background in water and wastewater operations management, including treatment, distribution and collection systems. He currently holds WT4, DSM, and Wastewater Class II certifications along with having a Loss Audit Validator Adam spent time as a Utility Asset Management Consultant prior to joining the Alliance in August 2023.

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

Deputy Director

Before joining the team in 2021, Lorean had 9 years of experience in wastewater, water, & storm water utilities. He currently holds a Class III Wastewater License, WT3 & DSM Water Licenses and also holds a Water Validator License.. Lorean came from a small-town utility where he oversaw the operations of both the water & wastewater plants. Lorean has wide-ranging duties & management-level responsibilities, including overseeing our federal and state programs, as well as our training program.

 

Jimmy McDonald

 

Wastewater Technician

Prior to joining the Alliance in June 2024, Jimmy was a Wastewater Superintendent for 5 years and had been in the wastewater industry for 10 years. He holds a Class II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate. He also used to work for Lutheran EMS as an advanced EMT for 14 years prior to his journey in the wastewater industry. Outside of work, Jimmy loves to spend time with his family. Occasionally, you can find him fishing or camping.

 

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.

 

Donald Papai

 

Apprentice Training Director

 

Donald Papai (pronounced “Pay Pee”) is the Apprentice Training Director for the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. Donald has over 30 years of experience in the Water / Wastewater industry. He was a Water Treatment Specialist in the United States Army and a Utility  Superintendent for the Town of Avila. Donald holds a Class III Wastewater license as well as WT3 and DSM Water licenses from the State of Indiana.

 

Chad Reynolds

 

Water Circuit Rider

Chad started his water and wastewater career in 2001. He holds a DSS, WT3 and Class 1 license, and he is a validator for water audits. He holds a Level 2 license and is the RD Apply for USDA to assist in filling out loan applications. Chad also holds a Category 8 license for mosquito spraying. He sits on a committee with IFA and AWWA overseeing water audits, as well as the IDEM Water Exams Committee. In his free time, Chad loves to be involved with his two boys, deer hunt and fish.

Eric Rupley

Water Circuit Rider

Eric Rupley joined the Alliance in April 2024 after 14 years in the industry. His diverse experience includes both the municipality and private sector, where he has specialized in water and wastewater operations and sampling. Eric holds a Class II Wastewater License, as well as WT3 and DSM drinking water certifications. Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three daughters and being outdoors.

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Amanda Trakas

Source Water  Protection Specialist

Amanda has a background in landscape architecture and expertise in graphic communication, science and policy translation, and public engagement. She previously worked at the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center. Amanda has been involved in projects on environmental justice, urban climate issues, and green infrastructure across the U.S. Originally from the Midwest, she and her family have lived in various places in the western U.S. and internationally for the past decade and are now excited to call Indiana home.

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Tara Terrell

Energy Efficiency Technician

Before joining the Alliance in January 2023, Tara dedicated nearly two decades of her career to Veolia North America, where she held diverse roles. As the Operations Manager/Safety Coordinator, she skillfully oversaw personnel and the comprehensive operations of the Public Works and Water and Sewer Distribution System. Tara's credentials include a DSL water certification and successful completion of the Commercial Energy Audit program through the Energy Audit Institute. In addition Tara also holds her Water Validator License. She is a proud Army Veteran with several accolades.

Casey Warner

Executive Support & Communications Specialist

Before joining the Alliance in September 2023, Casey had a variety of experience with supporting leadership teams, executing marketing duties, planning events, and even previously worked for a water treatment company. She has an Individualized Studies degree from Eastern Michigan University with a focus on environmental science and business administration. In her role, she will be providing executive support, handling communications and marketing, as well as association special projects.