Meet Our Staff

Dave Adkins

EPA Water & Training Director

Dave began working for the Alliance in November 2018. He has been in the water and wastewater industry since 2003. He currently holds his WT3, WT4, DSM, and a Class 1 Wastewater Certification. Dave also holds an Indiana Water Audit Validation License. In his current role, he will be focusing on training water operators throughout the state.

Kristin Bean

Executive Director

Kristin started with the Alliance in January 2022, handling the organization's public relations, marketing, and events. Kristin was promoted to Deputy Director in early 2023 and then Executive Director mid-year. Prior to joining the Alliance, Kristin spent several years handling high-level communications, as well as overseeing staff and several programs for a large municipality.

Rex Blanton

EPA 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 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 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.

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.

Mark Harlow

Water Circuit Rider

Mark joined us in January 2023 after being a Utility Supervisor with a rural community. He began his career with Illinois Dept. of Agriculture overseeing watershed management for public drinking supply reservoirs. He also has experience with Indiana DNR operating water and wastewater treatment plants at various state parks.

Kristen Henley

Event & Marketing Assistant

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 helps to plan & execute our events and assists with marketing duties. She enjoys being outdoors, antiquing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and closest friends.

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

Wastewater Technician

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 III 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

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 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.

Keirsten Taylor

Office Administrator

Keirsten manages the day-to-day office functions and assists members with various needs. She also collaborates with internal work groups on apprenticeship, training and CEU processing, and conference and event planning. She started with the Alliance in July 2022.

Tara Terrell

Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider

Prior to joining the Alliance in January 2023, Tara held various positions for Veolia North America for almost two decades, with her most recent position as Operations Manager, managing personnel and overall operations of the Public Works and Utility Departments.