GENERAL VOTING INFORMATION
The 2018 General Election is Nov. 6. Hamilton County polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. To check voting status, find polling location and check precinct, visit indianavoters.in.gov. Voters must bring a photo ID to cast their votes. Otherwise, voters will be issued a provisional ballot. Early voting ends at noon, Nov. 5.
CANDIDATE BIOS
U.S. Senate
Mike Braun (R)
Personal: Braun is married to Maureen. They have four children, Jason, Jeff, Kristen and Ashley.
Background: Braun graduated from Jasper High School in 1972. He also graduated from Wabash College in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and earned his master’s from Harvard Business School in 1978. Braun is the president and CEO of Meyer Distributing.
Website: mikebraunforindiana.com
Joe Donnelly (D)
Personal: Donnelly is married to Jill. Together they have two children, Molly and Joe Jr.
Background: Donnelly is an incumbent U.S. senator. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in government and attended Notre Dame Law School for his juris doctorate. He also is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Mishawaka and St. Anthony’s Parish of South Bend.
Website: joeforindiana.com
Lucy M. Brenton (L)
Personal: Brenton is married to Dorn. Together they have 10 children, Jasmine, Phoenix, Sierra, Raven, Falcon, Cheyenne, Laurel, Wakiya, Ozuye and Hanwi.
Background: Brenton graduated from Northwest High School in 1989 and from IUPUI with a bachelor’s in French. She is the vice president of sales and finance at TieDye Digital, LLC. Brenton also is a co-organizer of Indiana Women’s Small Business Owners, and is an organizer for Entrepreneur Mastermind and Small Business Meetup.
Website: lucyforsenate.com
U.S. Representative (District 5)
Susan W. Brooks (R)
Personal: Brooks has been married to David for 32 years and has two children, Jessica, 28, and Conner, 25
Background: Brooks is the U.S. representative for Indiana’s fifth district. She attended Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, graduating in 1978 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1982. She received her law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1985. Brooks is chairwoman of the House Ethic Committee, co-chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the subcommittees on Health, Communications and Technology and Oversight and Investigations. She is the co-founder of the Access to Civil Legal Services Caucus, School Safety Caucus 5G Caucus and Women’s High Tech Caucus. Brooks also is a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis, serves as a board advisor of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, is an emeritus board member of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and is the sustainer of the Junior League of Indianapolis.
Website: susanbrooksforcongress.com
Dee Thornton (D)
Personal: Thornton lives in Carmel with her husband of 33 years. She has three children and two grandchildren and attends North Central Church of Christ.
Background: Thornton graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in communications and public relations. She has an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. She works as a business coach and previously spent 30 years working for Xerox. She serves on the Carmel Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations.
Website: deethorntonforcongress.com
Secretary of State
Connie Lawson (R)
Personal: Lawson is married to Jack and has two children and six grandchildren.
Background: Lawson is Indiana’s secretary of state. She formerly was a state senator and the Hendricks County Clerk. She is a precinct committeeman in Hendricks County.
Website: voteconnielawson.com
Jim Harper (D)
Personal: Harper is from Valparaiso.
Background: Harper is a 2001 graduate of Valparaiso High School. He graduated in 2004 from Indiana University and from 2008 from Georgetown Law. He works as a lawyer at Harper & Harper. He serves on the board of a nonprofit law firm that provides free and reduced-cost legal services to veterans. He also serves on the board of Hilltop House, a Valparaiso-based nonprofit that provides early-childhood education and other services to families in Porter County.
Website: harperforindiana.com
Mark W. Rutherford (L)
Background: Rutherford is a graduate of Carmel High School, Wabash College and Valparaiso University School of Law. He practices business law with Thrasher Buschmann & Voelkel, PC in Indianapolis. He also serves on the Indiana Public Defender Commission and with the National Liberterian Party.
Website: markforindiana.com
Auditor of State
Tera Klutz (R)
Personal: Klutz is married to Zach. She has two children, Alyx and Julian.
Background: Klutz is Indiana’s state auditor. She graduated from Elmhurst High School in Fort Wayne in 1995 and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University Fort Wayne in 1999. Klutz is a member of Pass the Torch, an organization that provides professional mentoring for women in order to provide networking and leadership development. She also is a member of Cornertsone Lutheran Church in Fishers.
Website: teraklutz.com
Joselyn Whitticker (D)
Personal: Whitticker lives in Marion and has a son, eight step-children and 15 step-grandchildren.
Background: Whitticker graudated from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. She earned two master’s degrees in vocational home economics and secondary administration and supervision from Indiana State University. Whitticker is a former educator, teaching at Plaza Park Middle School in Evansville for 15 years and was principal at McCulloch Middle School in Marion for 11 years and Wayne High School for seven years. She owns a small business that specializes in instruction curriculum consulting. She also is president of the Marion NAACP Branch No. 305 and the Marion Grant County Minority Health Coalition.
Website: joselyn4indiana.com
John Schick (L)
Personal: Schick has been married for 37 years and has three sons.
Background: Schick graduated from high school in Marcellus, Mich., and earned his master’s degree from Indiana University. He works as a management consultant and is involved with F.A.A.M. and Special Olympics.
Website: schickforauditor2018.org
Treasurer of State
Kelly Mitchell (R)
Personal: Mitchell is married to Larry. She has two children, Chloe and Colin.
Background: Mitchell is Indiana’s treasurer. She graduated from Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Ill., in 1985, from Valparaiso University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government, from IUPUI in 2011 with a master’s degree in philanthropic studies, and from U.S. Army War College in 2018 with a master’s degree in strategic studies. Mitchell also is a member of Common Ground Christian Church and is an alumna of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
Website: votekellymitchell.com.
John C. Aguilera (D)
Personal: Aguilera is married to Vanessa and has four daughters and two granddaughters.
Background: Aguilera graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt in 1978. He also earned two degrees in business management and computer information systems from Calumet College of St. Joseph. Aguilera has owned a consulting company since 1996. He has served 4 terms as an state representative and two terms as a Lake County Councilor.
Website: aguileraforindiana.com
Indiana State Senator (District 29)
Mike Delph (R)
Personal: Delph is married to Beth. They are parents to Abby, Evelyn, Anna, Emma and Lilly.
Background: Delph graduated from Carmel High School in 1988 and earned his BA in 1992, master’s degrees in 1996 in environmental science and public affairs and a law degree in 2010, all from Indiana University. He was first elected to the Senate District 29 seat in 2005 and was re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2014. He also serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, having served since 2001.
Website: mikedelph.com
J.D. Ford (D)
Background: Ford graduated from Brookfield High School in Ohio in 2001. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice, minoring in conflict management. In 2010, he earned a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on human services, from Purdue University. Ford works as a substitute teachers, is a board member of At-Your-School, is a past-president of the Wayne Township Democrat Club, and is a member of the Community Emergency Response Team.
Website: jdford2018.com
For more: youarecurrent.com/2018/09/10/marion-county-democrat-ford-once-again-tries-to-unseat-delph/
Indiana State Senator (District 29)
James W. Merritt, Jr. (R)
Personal: Merritt is married to Kelley. They are parents to Abby, Jennifer and Will.
Background: Merritt is the state senator for District 31. He received a bachelor’s in political science from Indiana University in 1981. Merritt is vice president of corporate affairs for the Indiana Rail Road Company. He was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 1990.
Website: merrittforindiana.com
Derek Camp (D)
Personal: Camp is married to Nicole.
Background: Camp graduated from DeKalb High School in Waterloo in 2008 and from Purdue University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. He attends the Robert H. McKinney School of law. Camp is a paralegal at the Chapter 13 Trustee Office of Ann M. DeLaney and is the president of Indiana Young Democrats.
Website: derekcamp.com
Indiana State Representative (District 24)
Donna Schaibley (R)
Personal: Schaibley is married to John. They have two children, John and Jade, and two grandchildren.
Background: Schaibley is the Indiana State Representative for District 24. She graduated from Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville, Ind., in 1971 and from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and social studies education in 1975. Schaibley is a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and the Carmel Rotary Club.
Website: schaibleyforindiana.com
Naomi S. Bechtold (D)
Personal: Bechtold is married to Marty and has two children, Bridget and Bryant.
Background: Bechtold graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Md., in 1978. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University and a master’s degree from Lehigh University. She works as an extension education for the Marion County Purdue Extension. Bechtold also is an accredited financial counselor, a Clay Parks Foundation board member, president of the Indiana affiliate of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, a volunteer at the SS Peter and Paul Soup Kitchen in Indianapolis, a founding member of the Carmel Kiwanis Club and a former precinct chair in Hamilton County.
Website: bechtoldforindiana.com
For more: https://youarecurrent.com/2018/09/17/bechtold-to-challenge-schaibley/
Donald G. Rainwater II (L)
Personal: Rainwater is married to Leslie and has six children, Emily, Kenton, Kelsea, Shane, Kalie and Olivia.
Background: Rainwater graduated from Warren Central High School and attended Bob Jones University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1982 to 1990. Rainwater is a product manager at Ascension Technologies. He also is a member of the Libertarian Party of Indiana and Liberterian Party of Hamilton County.
Website: rainwater4indiana.com
Indiana State Representative (District 29)
Chuck Goodrich (R)
Personal: Goodrich lives in Noblesville with his wife of 24 years, Tricia. Together they have four children, Kaitlyn, Kole, Kylie and Karson. He is a member of White River Christian Church.
Background: Goodrich is the president of Gaylor Electric in Noblesville. He currently serves as a board member for the National Center for Construction Education and Research, Riverview Hospital Foundation and Noblesville Youth Assistance Program.
Website: friendsofchuckgoodrich.com
Tracy M. Roberts (D)
Personal: Roberts is married to Daniel and has two children.
Background: Roberts works in residential architecture and works at a local fabrication shop as a designer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2009 and a master’s degree in architecture in 2011, both from Ball State University. She is involved with Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority, Habitat for Humanity and Action Together of Hamilton County and is club chair for the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Website: robertsforrep29.com
Indiana State Representative (District 32)
Anthony J. “Tony” Cook (R)
Personal: Cook is married to Kathryn and has two children, Tyler and Travis.
Background: Cook is the Indiana State Representative for District 32. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies and political science from Anderson College, a education specialist degree for superintendent licensure and curriculum specialist from Purdue University, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Butler University.
Amie Neiling (D)
Personal: Neiling is married to Tony and has three children, Belle, Chloe and Eli.
Background: Neiling graduated from Anderson High School in 2000 and from Ivy Tech in 2005, earning her LPN. She finished her RN in 2014 with MedTech and work in long-term care. Neiling also is a member of ISTA.
Website: amieneiling.com
Indiana State Representative (District 37)
Todd Huston (R)
Personal: Huston is married to Denise. They have two children, Elizabeth and Jake.
Background: Huston is the Indiana state representative for District 37. He graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 1990 and from Indiana University with a degree in political science. He is the senior vice president for The College Board. Huston is a member of the Hamilton Southeastern Foundation Advisory Board. He also is a former member of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation and Fishers Planning Commission. He attends iTown Church.
Aimee Rivera Cole (D)
Personal: Cole is married to Randy and has two children, A.J. and Ally.
Background: Cole graduated from Western High School in Russiaville and earned a bachelor’s in business in 1998 from Indiana University and a juris doctorate from Valparaiso University in 2003. Cole is an attorney for Travelers Staff Counsel. She also is the treasurer of the Fishers Gridiron board, vice president of Sagamore Inn of Court, a member of the Hamilton County Democrats Club and a member at Holy Spirit Parish at Geist.
Website: coleforindrep.com
Indiana State Representative (District 39)
Jerry Torr (R)
Personal: Torr has lived in Carmel since 1987 and raised two step-children, Matt and Stephanie Stark.
Background: Torr is the Indiana State Representative for District 39 and is the vice president of business development at Hamilton National Title in Carmel.
He graduated from Greencastle High School in 1976, attended Hanover College and graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Calif., in 1978. He also is on the Carmel Symphony Orchestra board of directors, is a board member and past chairman of Indiana Humanities Council, is a member of OneZone Chamber of Commerce and has twice been named Government Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Website: facebook.com/torr4staterep
Read more at Torr eager to continue driving economic development
Mark C. Hinton (D)
Personal: Hinton has a daughter, Abriann.
Background: Hinton is a graduate of Jennings County High School. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in restaurant/hotel and institutional management in 1992 from Purdue University. He works as an office manager of Psychiatric Services of Carmel and is a past member of Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy and the Edinburgh Merchants Association.
Website: hintonforindiana39.com
Read more at Carmel Democrat aims to oust longtime incumbent for Statehouse District 39 seat
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
Kathy Kreag Richardson (R)
Personal: Richardson is married to Perry Williams. Her children are Mary Ann Haymaker and Melissa Joslin. She has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Background: Richardson graduated from Noblesville High School in 1974 and attended Purdue University. She works as the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office election administrator and holds memberships with the Noblesville Noon Kiwanis, Noblesville Alumni Association, Noblesville Lions Club, Hamilton County Historaical Society, Hamilton County Purdue Extension Board, Hamilton County 4-H Council, Hamilton County Republican Women, Indiana Association of Clerks of the Circuit Courts, Association of Indiana Counties and First Christian Church.
Read more at Retiring state rep. seeks to become next Hamilton County clerk
Cathy Sutton (D)
Personal: Sutton has two children.
Background: Sutton has worked at Zionsville West Middle School for seven years as a media specialist and librarian.
Website: facebook.com/sutton4clerk
Read more at County clerk candidate Sutton aims to give Democrats stronger voice in local government
Hamilton County Sheriff
Dennis Quakenbush (R)
Personal: Quakenbush lives in Cicero with his wife, Christen, and four sons, Henry, Paul, George and Charles.
Background: Quakenbush is captain of the Patrol Division for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He earned an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech in business administration in 2000, a bachelor’s degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2002 and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2005. Quakenbush is a member of Genesis Church and owns two small businesses in Hamilton County. He has previously volunteered with Little Lambs Ministries, serving in orphan camps in Ukraine, and served as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader.
Website: quakenbushforsheriff.com
Read more at Quakenbush hopes to continue rise through ranks from dispatcher to sheriff
Jason Straw (D)
Personal: Straw is married to Wendy and has three children, Zachary, Hope and Leah.
Background: Straw graduated from Northridge High School in 1992. He earned bachelor’s degrees in 2003 in general studies, mathematics and science, and in 2004, in nursing. Straw is a retired captain of the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a critical care nurse. He is a member of Northview Church, Carmel Kiwanis, American Legions, AMVETS, VFW, DAV, 82nd Airborne Association, Air Force Association and Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis. Straw also is a medical advisor for the National Chronic Pancreatitis Support Network and a Disability Party national research officer.
Website: strawforsheriff.com
Read more at Democratic candidate for Hamilton County sheriff brings international experience to local race
Duane “Dorn” Brenton (L)
Personal: Brenton is married to Lucy and has 10 kids, Jasmine, Phoenix, Sierra, Raven, Falcon, Cheyenne, Laurel, Wakiya, Ozuye and Hanwi.
Background: Brenton graduated from Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School and studied chemistry, biology and computer science at IUPUI. He is a member of the Hamilton County Liberterian Party.
Read more at Libertarian candidate for sheriff aims to end civil asset forfeiture, decriminalize marijuana
Hamilton County Coroner
John R. Chalfin (R)
Personal: Chalfin has been married to Ellen Marie for 32 years and has three children, Jon Alan Chalfin (deceased), Lonny Chalfin and stepson Andre K. Richardson.
Background: Chalfin is the Hamilton County coroner. He graduated Fostoria High School in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1962. He earned an associate’s degree from Terra Tech College in Fremont, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Kokomo in 1989. In 2008, he earned an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Kokomo in paramedic science. Chalfin also earned paramedic certification from Methodist Hospital in 2007 and is an Ohio Apprenticeship Journeyman Electrician. Chalfin is a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the Noblesville Masonic Lodge No. 57, Indiana State Coroners Association, the Frank Huntzinger American Legion Post No. 470 and Navy Club Ship No. 29.
Website: chalfinforcoroner.com
Read more at Experience, compassion among qualities Hamilton County coroner values in re-election bid
Karin Anderson (D)
Personal: Anderson is married to Tom and has four children, Eamonn, Hollyn, Liam and Tiernan.
Background: Anderson graduated from Eaton High School in Ohio. She graduated from Ball State University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and from Ohio State University with a master’s in anthropology in 1994. Anderson is self-employed, working as the owner-operator at Mobile Archaeology Project. She is a member of the Indiana Archaeological Council.
Website: karin4coroner.weebly.com
Read more at ‘Unethical practices’ inspires Democrat Anderson to run for Hamilton County coroner
Hamilton County Commissioner (District 1)
Christine Altman (R)
Personal: Altman is married to John and has three children and one grandchild.
Background: Altman is the Hamilton County Commissioner in District 1 and is a business and real estate attorney at Altman, Poindexter & Wyatt, LLC. She graduated from Northrop High School in Fort Wayne in 1973. In 1978, Altman earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and in 1981, her juris doctorate degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She is a member and former chair of The Indiana Commission for Women, the Hamilton County representative and immediate past president of the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, board member and treasurer for the U.S. 31 Coalition, the Hamilton County point of contact for the Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative, board member and vice chair at Conner Prairie, board member of The Alliance Place, Inc. and a member of OneZone.
Website: christinealtman.com
Read more at Altman aims to continue service as county keeps growing
Rosemary Dunkle (D)
Personal: Dunkle is married to Bob and has three children, David, Jeffrey and Richard, and two grandchildren.
Background: Dunkle graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia. She is obtaining an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech. Dunkle worked for 40 years with the Social Security Administration, retiring as an area director. She is the vice chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party and is a member of the Hamilton County Democratic Club, where she previously served as vice president and president. She also is a member of International women Indiana and a member of the Carmel Historic Preservation Commission.
Read more at Lack of choice inspires Dunkle to seek Hamilton County Commission seat
Hamilton County Council (District 1)
Fred Glynn (R)
Personal: Glynn is married to Beth and has a daughter, Jayda.
Background: Glynn is the Hamilton County Councilor in District 1. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation business from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and works as a loan officer. Glynn and his family are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
Website: fredforcouncil.com
Read more at Efficient government, low taxes among priorities as Glynn seeks re-election to Hamilton County Council
Jeremy Eltz (D)
Personal: Eltz is married to Missy and has two children, Macy and Mallory.
Background: Eltz graduated from Martinsville High School in 2002. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2006 from Indiana University, a master’s degree in teaching from Marian University in 2008 and a doctorate degree in educational leadership in 2016 from Indiana State University. Eltz works as an independent educational consultant. He is a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Hamilton County Democrats, the EmployIndy Youth Committee and previously coached and commissioned for Carmel Dads’ Club.
Website: electeltz.com
Read more at Eltz aims to end ‘one-party rule’ on Hamilton County Council
Hamilton County Council (District 3)
Steve Schwartz (R)
Personal: Schwartz is married to Lori and has two children, Pete and Ed.
Background: Schwartz is the Hamilton County councilor in District 3. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East (Kansas City, Kan.) in 1979. He is self-employed at Schwartz, Inc. and also serves on the Hamilton County Community Corrections Advisory Board, the Janus Developmental Services board and is Hamilton County Council president.
Website: facebook.com/SteveSchwartzforHCC
Jeremy Hawk (D)
Personal: Hawk is married to Breanne and has two daughters, Juliana and Isla.
Background: Hawk graduated from Center Grove High School in 2002. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Purdue University in 2006 and a master’s degree in business administration from Butler University in 2016. Hawk works as the chief financial and operations officer at the Indiana School for the Deaf.
Website: facebook.com/HawkforHCC
Hamilton County Council (District 4)
Ken Alexander (R)
Personal: Alexander is married to Jenni and has three children, stepson Andy, Katelynn and Connor.
Background: Alexander graduated from Osbourn High School in Virginia in 1991 and from Purdue University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and management. Alexander is the vice president of CTI Construction, LLC. He is a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, a board member of the ACE mentor Program of Indiana, an associate member of the Indiana Subcontractors Association, a member of Marian University’s Forging Leaders Committee, a member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity’s Beta Mu chapter at Purdue University.
Website: electkenalexander.com
Read more at Westfield’s Alexander secures Republican nomination for county council seat
William L. Howard II (D)
Personal: Howard is married to Danette and has two children, William (III) and Ava.
Background: Howard graduated from Freeport Memorial High School in 1992. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1996 from Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s degree in business administration in 2001 from Webster University. Howard is a stay-at-home dad and is the owner of Lovely Day Photo Works. He also holds memberships at Northview Church in Carmel, Alpha Phi Alpha’s Iota Lambda Chapter, Carmel Masonic Lodge No. 421, Noble/St. Vincent Hospital in Carmel, Merciful H.E.L.P. Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Website: williamlhoward.com
Read more at Carmel democrat Howard aims to bring transparency to County Council
CLAY TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Read more about this race at QA: Clay Township trustee candidates share reasons for running
Douglas Callahan (R)
Personal: Callahan is married to Luann and has three children, Kimberly, Patricia and Natalie.
Background: He graduated from Pike High School in 1972 and attended classes at Ivy Tech and the National Fire Academy. He served with the Carmel Fire Dept. from 1973 to 2006 and served as fire chief for 11 years. He serves as the Clay Township Trustee.
David B. Russ (D)
Personal: Russ is married to Jill and has three children, Brandon, Jonathan and Geoffrey.
Background: Russ graduated from Penfield High School in 1986 and from Purdue University in 1991 with a degree in criminology. He is a commercial account manager with Synovia Solutions.
CLAY TOWNSHIP BOARD (vote for 3)
Read more about this race at QA: Six Clay Township Board candidates vying for 3 seats
Mary Eckard (R)
Personal: Eckard is married to Barry and has two children, Mary and John.
Background: Eckard is a member of the Clay Township Board. She graduated high school in East Grand Rapids, Mich., and studied music performance at Michigan State University. She is self-employed at Mary Eckard & Co. and recently published her first book. Eckard holds memberships with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra League, Carmel Library Guild, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, King of Glory Lutheran Church and Carmel Republican Club.
Website: facebook.com/Mary-Eckard-for-Clay-Township-Board-411932745897104
Paul D. Hensel (R)
Background: Hensel graduated from Carmel High School in 1977 and from Marian College (now Marian University) in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He works as a relationship manager at Indiana Members Credit Union. He attends Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, where he serves as a trustee and is chairman of the finance committee. He also sits on the board of directors for the Carmel Dads’ Club, is a member of the Marian University M-Club Athletic Committee, and is a 2006 graduate of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy, where he has served on the board of directors as treasurer, vice president and board president.
Matthew Snyder (R)
Personal: Snyder is married to Ashlee and has a daughter, Charlie.
Background: Born and raised in Clay Township, Snyder attended Carmel Clay Schools. He is a member of the Clay Township Board.
Kevin Patterson (D)
Personal: Patterson is married and has children.
Background: Patterson graduated from Warren Central in 1987. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and earned his master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Patterson is a senior account executive at Patron Technology and is a member at Cornerstone Lutheran Church.
Website: kevinforclaytownship.com
Michael R. Sweeten (D)
Personal: Sweeten is married to Jane and has four children.
Background: Sweeten graduated from Elizabethtown Catholic High School in Elizabethtown, Ky., in 1964. In 1969, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville in 1975. He is retired and holds memberships with Hamilton County Democrats and Carmel Creative Writers, Inc. Sweeten also volunteers with the Center for the Performing Arts, the Monon Community Center and at local schools.
Website: mikeforclaytownship.com
Erin Vahrenkamp (D)
Personal: Vahrenkamp is married to Andrew and has two children, Aidan and Alexis.
Background: Vahrenkamp graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Ill., in 1994, and from George Washington University with a bachelor’s in American studies in 1998. She works as an instructional design consultant and is a member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.
Website: erinforclaytownship.com
Carmel Clay School Board (District (1)
Read more about this race at Carmel Clay Schools board president facing challenger in November election
Sara Elitriby
Personal: Elitriby is married to Byron and has three children.
Background: Elitriby holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. She formerly worked as a marketing liaison.
Layla N. Spanenberg
Personal: Spanenberg is married to William and has two children, Benjamin and William.
Background: Spanenberg is a member of the Carmel Clay school board. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1989. She earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1994 and a master’s degree in biology in 1995, both from Purdue University. Spanenberg is a member of Carmel United Methodist Church, Special Olympics of Indiana, the Carmel High School PTO, Indiana School Board Association, Indiana Pharmacist Alliance, Boy Scout Troop 131, Venture Crew 131, Cub Scout Pack 136, Firecrafter Organization, Purdue University Alumni Association and the Kappa Epsilon Professional Fraternity.
Website: laylaspanenberg.com
Carmel Clay School Board (District (2)
Read more about this race at Carmel school board’s handling of controversial issues leads to contested District 2 race
Pamela S. Knowles
Personal: Knowles is married to Ken and has three children, Angela, Matthew and Christine.
Background: Knowles is a member of the Carmel Clay school board. She graduated from Easter High School in Kentucky in 1967. In 1971, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Purdue University, and in 1970, she earned a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. Knowles is a retired teacher and is a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, the Hamilton County Retired Teacher’s Association and the Indiana School Board Association.
Website: facebook.com/pamforschoolboard
Venkata NK Tadikonda
Personal: Tadikonda is married to Padmaja and has four kids, Ananya, Tejasvi, Pranavi and Saaketh.
Background: Tadikonda attended Keshav Memorial High School in India. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Osmania University and works as an IT professional. He is president of the India Association of Indianapolis and volunteers at various local and international organizations.
Website: facebook.com/tadikondaforCCS
Carmel Clay School Board (District (3)
Read more about this race at Kerschner facing 2 challengers for seat on Carmel school board
Cinnamon Bell-Williams
Personal: Bell-Williams has two children, Lamar and Keshawn Williams.
Background: Bell-Williams earned bachelor’s degrees in 2006 from Millikin University, one in nursing and one in human services, studying psychology and sociology. She earned a legal nurse consultant degree in 2012 from Kaplan Univeristy, a master’s degree in nursing from Millikan University in 2013 and is working on a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Lewis University, which she will complete in December.
Website: cinnamon4carmelclay.com
Mike Kerschner
Personal: Kerschner is married to Gaye and has two children.
Background: Kerschner is a member of the Carmel Clay school board. He graduated from Maine Township High School East in Illinois in 1988. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois and a juris doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law. Kerschner works as an attorney and shareholder at Katz Korin Cunningham PC. He is a member of the Indianapolis Hebrew congregation, Central Indiana Community Association Institute Legislative Action Committee and Carmel Redevelopment Commission as the school board liaison.
Website: facebook.com/Kerschner-for-Carmel-353700494708313/
Eric Morris
Personal: Morris is married to Gwendolen and has three daughters.
Background: Morris is a 1996 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School in North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree in geography in 2000 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and doctorate degree in 2005 from the University of Wyoming School of Law. Morris is a stay-at-home father and previously worked as an attorney, commercial lender and financial analyst. He also is an Army veteran and a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.
Delaware Township Trustee
Debbie Driskell (R)
Personal: Driskell has two children, Allison and Ben, and four grandchildren.
Background: Driskell is the Delaware Township Trustee. She graduated from Heritage Christian High School in 1980 and studied at Denver Baptist Bible College. She also is the executive director of the Indiana Township Association and is a member of the local Optimist Club.
Website: facebook.com/Re-elect-Debbie-Driskell-Trustee-of-Delaware-Township-141584312593031
Daniel J. “Dan” Greenhalgh (D)
Personal: Greenhalgh is married to Jackie and has a child, Renley.
Background: Greenhalgh graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Missouri in 1998. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton in 2003 and a juris doctorate in 2011 from Michigan State University. Greenhalgh is an intellectual property attorney at Maginot, Moore & Beck LLP. He is a parishioner at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Fishers, a member of OneZone Chamber of Commerce, a sponor of the Indiana Internet of Things Lab in Fishers, is a precinct committeeperson for Delaware Township and serves as a volunteer patent attorney for Indiana University Maurer School of Law’s PatentConnect program.
Website: danfortrustee.com
Delaware Township Board (Vote for 3)
David Giffel (R)
Personal: Giffel lives in Fishers with his wife, Toni. Together they have two children, Tyler, 27, and Allie, 25.
Background: Giffel graduated from Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, La., and earned a bachelor’s in business from Louisiana State University. He works for Klöckner Pentaplast of American in manufactured plastic technical films sales and marketing. He is the treasurer for Fiscal Conservatives of Hamilton County, chairman for the International Organization of Packaging Professionals Central Indiana Chapter, secretary of the Pine Bluff Overlook Association and Stephen Minister at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church.
Website: giffel.com
Ed Pierce (R)
Personal: Pierce is married to Dorothy and has four children.
Background: Pierce is a member of the Delaware Township Board. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years and worked for Roadway Express until retiremet. Pierce is a member of Hamilton Lodge 533, has worked for the Fishers Freedom Festival and previously served on the Cottingham Estates HOA board. In 2013, Pierce was awarded as the 2013 William D. Kehl, Jr. Volunteer of the Year and Township Board Member of the Year by the Indiana Township Association.
Marilyn A. Schenkel (R)
Personal: Schenkel is married to Doug. They have three children, Patrick, Morgan and Josh.
Background: Schenkel graduated from Hobart High School In 1980 and from Indiana University in 1984 with a degree in finance. Schenkel serves on the Delaware Township Board and is a member of Tri Kappa, IAAO and the St. Louis de Montfort Funeral Committee.
Dayna Colbert (D)
Personal: Colbert lives in Fishers and has a rescue dog, Brutus.
Background: Colbert graduated from Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois in 2008. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in information and communication sciences from Ball State University. Colbert works as a regional field director, is president of Hamilton County Young Democrats and is the communications chair for Spark Progressive Co-op.
Website: daynacolbert.com
Fall Creek Township Board (Vote for 3)
Brian Baehl (R)
Personal: Baehl is married to Shelly and has two children, Nicholas and Brianna
Background: Baehl is a member of the Fall Creek Township Board. He graduated from Castle High School and from the University of Evansville in 1986 with a degree in electrical engineering. He is a computer engineer at a biomedical company. Baehl also is an assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America and a volunteer with Hamilton Southeastern Schools.
Website: facebook.com/Brian-Baehl-Fall-Creek-Township-Board-Member-1455295128023078
Greg Dewald (R)
Personal: Dewald is married and has two children, Megan and Jacob.
Background: Dewald has worked as a police officer for more than 20 years, most recently with the Carmel Police Dept., where he is assigned as the school resource officer at Clay Middle School. He also is a board member for the Indiana School Resource Officers Association.
Website: facebook.com/dewald4fallcreek
Jason Meyer (R)
Personal: Meyer is married to Nicole and has two daughters, Claire and Lydia. They are active members of East 91st Street Church.
Background: Meyer graduated from Carmel High School in 1987. He attended Ball State University and Purdue University. Meyer serves on the Fall Creek Township Board and is a partner a VAI Technology in Fishers. He is a member of East 91st Street Church.
Rachna Greulach (D)
Personal: Greulach is married to Scot and has two sons, Ronak and Milan.
Background: Greulach graduated from Dublin Coffman High School in Ohio in 1997. In 2001, she graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management information systems. Greulach works as an assistant corporate controller at Hillenbrand, Inc.
Website: rachnaforfallcreek.com
Hamilton Southeastern School Board (District 1)
Bradley M. Boyer
Personal: Boyer is married to Heidi and has three children, Rachel, Mackenzie and Caleb.
Background: Boyer graduated from Hamilton High School in 1986. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1989, a law degree in 1993 and a master’s degree in business in 1993 from Indiana University. Boyer is the president of Watermark Engineered Product Sales in Noblesville. He is a member of the East 91st Street Christian Church is serves on the board for Hamilton Southeastern’s S.P.O.R.T.S. He also is a USSF soccer referee.
Website: facebook.com/forHSEstudents
Benjamin Elsbury
Personal: Elsbury is married to Heidi and has a child, Jule.
Background: Elsbury graduated from Warren Central High School in 1994. He is the vice president, branch manager and registered investment representative at Huntington Bank. He also is a member of First United Methodist Church.
Website: facebook.com/Elsbury-for-HSE-School-Board-District-1-153969808877039
Joshua D. Richardson
Personal: Richardson is married to Kari and has two children, Carter and Alex.
Background: Richardson graduated from Blackford High School in 2001, from Ball State University in 2005 and from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2008. He is the chief of staff for the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development.
Website: facebook.com/HSEJRichardson
Hamilton Southeastern School Board (District 2)
Matt Molter
Personal: Molter is married to Emilie and has three children, Nick, Dan and Luke.
Background: Molter attended Columbus North High School and Father Gabriel Richard High School, graduating in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2001 and a master’s degree in informatics in 2003 from Indiana University. Molter is a small business owner and entrepreneur. He has memberships at the local YMCA, St. Louis De Montfort, Toastmasters Club of Fishers and Launch Fishers.
Website: molterforschoolboard.com
Janet Pritchett
Personal: Pritchett is married to Mike and has four children, P.J., Carter, Lexie and Audra.
Background: Pritchett graduated in 2000 from Indiana State University with a degree in textiles, apparel and merchandising and marketing. She is an at-large member of the Riverside Intermediate PTO, a member of the Riverside Junior High PTO and the Fishers High School PTO. She also is co-president of the Hamilton Southeastern District PTO Forum and a member of the Disciple of Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Fishers.
Website: pritchett4hseschools.com
Frank Whelan
Personal: Frank is married to Cathy and has three children, Jessica, James and John.
Background: Whelan graduated from The Episcopal Academy in Bryn Mawr, Penn., in 1987. He eared a bachelor’s degree in political science and art history in 1991 from Hobart College. Whelan is the vice president and a commercial banker for Salin Bank and Trust. He is a member of the Fishers Rotary Club. He also is president of the Fishers High School Choir Booster Club, is a crew leader and backstage manager for FHS show choirs and is a volunteer and judge for the Riverside Junior High School Speech Team.
Website: whelan4hseschools.com
Hamilton Southeastern School Board (District 3)
Michelle Fullhart
Personal: Fullhart is arried to Greg and has three children, Andrew, Adam and Alex.
Background: Fullhart graduated from Snider High School in Fort Wayne. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Miami University of Ohio and a master’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University. She works as a branch administrator for Edward Jones. Fullhart is a member of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation, Holy Spirit Parish at Geist, HSE Destination Imagination, Parents in Partnership, Royal Pride PTO and the Royal Varsity Club.
Website: Facebook: Fullhart for HSE School Board
Jennifer Reardon McSoley
Personal: Reardon McSoley is married to Jake and has two children, Jackson and Jace.
Background: Reardon McSoley graduated from Stevenson High School in Michigan in 1995. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from Butler University and a master’s degree in education from Ball State University. Reardon McSoley is the senior director of Adventureland School and Childcare at Heartland Church. She is a member of the church, NAEYC and IAYEC. She also serves as a YMI mentor and is involved in a parent-teacher organization.
Website: reardonmcsoleyforhse.com
Hamilton Southeastern School Board (District 4)
Bradley L. Banks
Personal: Banks is married to Jennifer and has to children, Trevor and Sydney.
Background: Banks is a 1993 graduate of Marion High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Purdue University in 1997 and a law degree in 2000 from Valparaiso University. Banks is the owner of Banks & Brower law firm. He is a parishioner at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, a big brother at Central Indiana Big Brothers Big Sisters, a member of the Hamilton County Bar Association and immediate past president of the Indy Premier Soccer Club.
Website: bankonbanks4hse.com
Julie Chambers
Personal: Chambers is married to Sean and has two children, Emily and Morgan.
Background: Chambers graduated from Bedord High School in Michigan in 1999. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2003 from the University of Michigan and a law degree in 2007 from the University of Toledo. Chambers is an attorney and the owner of Chambers Law Office, LLC. She formerly served as a deputy prosecutor at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. Chambers also is a Daisy Troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 4516, a mentor through the Indianapolis Bar Association Mentor Connect, and is a precinct chairperson.
Website: chambers4hse.com
Noblesville Township Trustee
Tom Kenley (R)
Personal: Kenley has two children, Holly and Heather, and two grandchildren, Liam and Kinsey.
Background: Kenley is the Noblesville Township Trustee. He graduated from Noblesville High School and worked in his family’s grocery business, Kenley’s Supermarkets, as an owner and store manager for 27 years. He formerly worked as a realtor with Ayer’s Real Estate and served on the Noblesville Township Board for five years. Kenley also is a precinct committeeperson.
Heather Rolinski (D)
Background: Rolinski has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. She is the owner of Good Soul Shop and Metta Karuna Soul. She also is a member of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, is a Humane Society volunteer and is a high school mentor for the Starfish Initiative.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/heatherfornoblesvilletrustee/
Noblesville Township Board (Vote for 3)
Joe Arrowood (R)
Personal: Arrowood is married to Jo Ellen and has two children and five grandchildren.
Background: Arrowood is a member of the Noblesville Township Board. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and worked for the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville for more than 35 years, 22 of which he served as executive director. He also worked as a real estate agent and was the executive director of Noblesville Main Street for nine years. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club and current president of the Noblesville Lions Club.
John B. Davis (R)
Personal: Davis is married to Stacy and has two children, Kelley and Brett.
Background: Davis graduated from Greenfield-Central High School in 1970, from Indiana University in 1975 with a bachelor’s in education and from Christian Theological Seminary in 2003 with a Master of Divinity degree. He is a retired pastor and has worked for the past eight years as the senior pastor at First Christian Church in Noblesville.
Peggy R. Pfister (R)
Personal: Pfister has three children, Scott, Lauri and Brian, and five grandchildren.
Background: Pfister is a member of the Noblesville Township Board. She earned a master’s degree in counseling from Butler University and a bachelor’s in education from Purdue University. She previously served as Hamilton County Assessor, assistant director of the Hamilton County Highway Dept. and as a deputy in the Hamilton County Auditor’s Office. She serves on the Noblesville Township Board.
Jill T. Crehan (D)
Background: Crehan graduated from Burris Laboratory School in 2001. She holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and political science from Ball State University and a master’s degree from Western Governors University. Crehan is a member of North Central Church of Christ and Waterman Farms Homeowners Association.
Marie A. DeMore (D)
Personal: DeMore is the mother of twin sons.
Background: DeMore is a graduate of Indiana University and attended graduate school at Ball State University. She is retired and most recently worked in cultural preservation at Conner Prairie, Billie Creek Village, the Morris Butler House Museum, the Indiana Landmark Foundation and Indiana State Museum. She is a member of First United Methodist Church, servicing on its mission committee.
Paula Jo Gilliam (D)
Personal: Gilliam has three daughters, Carol, Kristion and Kassie, and six grandchildren.
Background: Gilliam graduated from Noblesville High School in 1971. She went through General Motors Supervisor Training, attended ITT Technical Institute for HVAC, and is a graduate of the Noblesville Citizens Academy. She is the president of the Roberts Chapel Church and Burial Association Inc. and is a member of UAW Local 662 in Anderson. She serves on the HAND board of directors and is on the HAND asset committee. She is a member of the Southwest Quad District Action Committee, Southwest Quad Crime Watch, Indiana Landmarks African American Committee, African American Advocacy Committee, Hamilton County Democrats, Indiana African American Geneology Group, Boone County Geneology Society and IDACC of Marion County. She also is the president of Hamilton County Democratic Women.
Wayne Township Trustee
Diane Crim (R)
Personal: Crim is married to Roger and has two daughters, Stacy and Stephanie, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Background: Crim is the Wayne Township Trustee. She graduated from Logansport High School in 1965 and attended Indiana University. She is the past president of the Hamilton County Trustee Association, serves on the Hamilton County Plan Commissioner, is the owner of Main Street Shoppes in Westfield, and is a member of the Indiana Township Association, a member of the Good Samaritan Network and a member of the Green Valley Church of Christ.
Joy Sisson Kiskaden (I)
Personal: Kiskaden has a son, Wes, and a daughter-in-law, Bailey.
Background: Kiskaden is a 1982 graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School. She has been employed with a local school system for 23 years and has volunteered at the Wayne-Fall Lions Club and several parent booster clubs.
Wayne Township Board (Vote for 3)
Robert Brent Hiday (R)
Personal: Hiday is married to Donna and has two sons, Dustin and David, and three grandchildren.
Background: Hiday graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 1973. He is the owner of Automotive Specialists in Noblesville and is an elder at Refuge Christian Church.
Website: facebook.com/R-Brent-Hiday-for-Wayne-Township-Board-175437356477580/
Stacy Mahan (R)
Personal: Mahan is married to Doyle and has six children Sheena, Shayla, Joshua, Jarod, Heather and Jayden.
Background: Mahan is a member of the Wayne Township Board. She graduated from Basalt High School in Colorado and from Colorado Mesa University. Mahan works for Eli Lilly as a quality assurance consultant. She is board member of Family Promise of Hamilton County and a member of Green Valley Church of Christ.
Laura McNamara (R)
Personal: McNamara is married to Scott and has two children Evan and Celia.
Background: McNamara graduated from Anderson High School in 1985, from Purdue University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and from the North American Montessori Association in 2005. She works as a math teacher at Country Children’s House Montessori. McNamara also is a board member and shopping coordinator at Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.
Brandy Bast (D)
Personal: Bast is married to Nick and has two children, Tyler and Rylee.
Background: Bast graduated from Lakota High School in Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education, with a minor in political science and history, from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in higher education from Baldwin Wallace University. Bast also is a mentor with Starfish Initiative and is a youth softball coach.
Website: bast4board.weebly.com
Noblesville School Board At-Large (Vote for 2)
Daniel Joseph Bill
Did not respond.
Jeffrey D. Bragg
Personal: Bragg is married and has three children.
Background: Bragg is a former educator and safety director at Noblesville Schools and is the director of business development for Blades Audio Video. He is a 2016 graduate of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy. He holds a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and an education specialist degree from Indiana State University
Website: facebook.com/braggfornoblesvilleschools
Teri L. Ditslear
Personal: Ditslear is married to John and three children, Sarah, Kyle and Clay.
Background: Ditslear graduated from Noblesville High School in 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human service from Saint Mary of the Woods College in 2008 and also graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 2012. She is the pastor of Roots of Life Community Church in Noblesville, is a member of the Noblesville Unity and Diversity Coalition, a member of Hamilton County Families First and president of Noblesville Helping Hands.
Michael C. Duell
Personal: Duell is married and has three children.
Background: Duell graduated from Jackson High School in Ohio in 1992. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Ohio State University in 1996. After pursuing a master’s of divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusettes in 1999, Duell returned to Ohio State University, earning a master’s degree in education in 2002. He serves as a faculty supervisor in Western Governors University’s Teachers College. Duell is a co-founder of S.O.S. Noblesville and holds memberships with Life Church Noblesville, The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and international Coach Federation.
Website: sosnoblesville.com
Joe E. Forgey
Personal: Forgey is widowed and has five children, Jennifer, Jill, Jay, Jordan and Casey.
Background: Forgey graduated from Carroll High School in 1966 and from Butler University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 1975, he graduated from the Indiana University Dental School. Forgey is a pediatric dentist in Noblesville, is a member First Christian Church and is a fellow in the American College of Dentists.
David Leyda
Personal: Leyda is married to Angie and has three children, Matthew, Nathan and Benjamin.
Background: Leyda graduated from Kokomo High School in 1989 and from Purdue University in 1994 with a bachelor’s in engineering. He is the director of delivery management for Microsoft Corp. Leyda is a board member and past president for Noblesville Youth Baseball, a graduate of the Noblesville Schools Miller Ambassadors Program, a member of the Noblesville Schools Technology Advisory Committee and is the media director for Family Worship Center in Kokomo.
Website: facebook.com/davidleydafornoblesvilleschoolboard
Washington Township Board (Vote for 3)
Danyele Easterhaus (R)
Personal: Easterhaus is married to Ryan and has four daughters.
Background: Easterhaus graduated from Mooresville High School in 1987 and from Ball State University in 1991 with a bachelor’s in industrial technology engineering. She is the executive director and of Student Impact of Westfield and previously worked for Delphi Automotive for 17 years as a vehicle systems engineer. In 2017, she was named Westfield Citizen of the Year. Easterhaus also holds memberships with Kiwanis of Westfield, the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association, Westfield Autism Team, The Rock of Support, Westfield Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate Hamilton County Leadership Academy and Westfield Police Citizens Academy. She volunteers with Open Doors, Westfield Welcome, Northview Church of Westfield and Food Rescue for Westfield and Westfield schools.
Website: facebook.com/Danyele4TownshipBoard
David D. Gill (R)
Personal: Gill is married to Mary Ellen and has five children, Mark, Bridget, Moira, Trenton and Christopher.
Background: Gill graduated from St. Thomas High School in Illinois in 1958, from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in science and management, and from Bradley University with a master’s degree in business administration in 1972. He is retired from GTE (now Verizon) and is a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Gill has served four terms as township trustee and one term on the township board. He also has served five terms on the Village Farm Board of Directors.
He formerly served as Washington Township Trustee for the 16 years and is the current president of the Washington Township Board.
Erica Strahm (R)
Personal: Strahm is widowed and has four children, Will, Lucy, Sam and Charlie.
Background: Strahm graduated from Gilmour Academy in Ohio in 1991 and from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication in 1995. She is a homemaker and is the owner of Helpful Hoosier, LLC. Strahm is co-president of the Westfield Intermediate and Westfield Middle School PTO, a member of the Westfield Washington Schools’ District PTO, member of the Westfield Washington Schools Key Communicator Committee, patroness of the National Charity League, volunteer at Westfield Food Rescue, member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, vice committeeperson for the Hamilton County Republican Party and member of the Westfield GOP Club.
Website: facebook.com/ericastrahmforwashingtontownshipboard
Shelly A. Brown (D)
Background: Brown graduated from Hastings High School in Michigan in 1979. She earned degrees in engineering from Michigan State University in 1983 and from Western Michigan University in 1992. She volunteers locally and is a member of the Starfish Initiative, League of Women Voters, Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring and Westfield Green Together.
Website: shellybrown4board.com
Westfield Washington School Board (District 2)
William W. Anderson
Personal: Anderson is marred to Angela and has a son, Jackson.
Background: Anderson graduated from Snider High School in Fort Wayne in 1987 and from Indiana University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in management and a minor in economics. He works as an IT project manager, is a coach and pitcher for the Allisonville Youth Baseball Challenge, is a coach for Westfield Youth Sports, is a Westfield Middle School Football opponent scout and has been a coach at Westfield Student Impact. Anderson also has volunteered at Mary E. Castle Elementary School, was the past president, treasurer and board member for the Crossroads Kiwanis Club for 15 years.
Website: westfieldschoolboardcandidates.com/elect-bill-anderson
Phillip Havlik
Personal: Havlik is married to Carly and has three children, Annabelle, Molly and Lily.
Background: Havlik graduated from Grafton High School in Wisconsin in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, studying special education and emotional behavior disorders. He earned a master’s degree in education, studying information and learning technologies, from the University of Colorado Denver. Havlik is the learning center and support manager at iContracts/PolicyStat. He also is a member at TechPoint Foundation for Youth and Bethel Lutheran Church.
Website: philhavlik.com/schoolboard
Thomas C. “Tom” Lunsford
Personal: Lunsford is married to Alison and has two children, Ashley and Zach.
Background: Lunsford attended Eminence High School graduating in 1995. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting in 1999, a master’s degree in accounding in 2002 and a law degree in 2002, all from Indiana University. He also serves on the advisory committee of the Westfield Education Foundation.
Website: tomlunsford.com
Westfield Washington School Board (District 4)
Dan Degnan
Personal: Degnan is married to Michelle and has four sons, Charlie, Max, Sammy and Danny.
Background: Degnan is a member of the Westfield Washington School Board. He graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne in 1986. Degnan earned a bachelor’s and doctorate degree in pharmacy from Purdue University in 1991 and 1992, respectively. He also earned a master’s degree in health system pharmacy administration from the University of Madison in 1994. Degnan is a licensed pharmacist, working as the associate director of the Professional Program Laboratory at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. He also is a clinical research associate at the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering at Purdue University. He is parishioner at St. Maria Goretti Church.
Website: degnan4schoolboard.com
Rebecca L. Ogle
Personal: Ogle is married to Jason and has two children, Owen and Elliott.
Background: Ogle graduated from Marion-Adams High School in Sheridan in 1992. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in business from Franklin College in 1996. Ogle works for Safety Management Group as its chief financial officer. She is a certified public accountant, certified fraud examiner, certified construction industry financial professional and a chartered global management accountant. Ogle also serves as the treasurer for the WYS, Inc. Board of Directors.
Website: electrebeccaogle.com
Westfield Washington School Board (At Large)
Birch Dalton
Background: Dalton graduated from Ball State University with a degree in finance and management in 1981. He is the managing director of EdgeRock Development. Dalton has been involved with the TMCA Board of Managers, the Westfield Youth Sports Board of Directors, the library board of trustees and youth sports. He has coached in the Westfield school system for more than 10 years.
Website: www.westfieldschoolboardcandidates.com/elect-birch-dalton.
Amber Willis
Personal: Willis is married to Anthony and has two children, Gabriel and Ava.
Background: Willis is a member of the Westfield Washington School Board. She graduated from Westfield High School in 1999 and from Miami University of Ohio in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Willis works as the director of sales for CSI Signs. She is a member of Northview Church, Downtown Westfield Association, Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Business Development Committee, Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis and Westfield Washington Schools PTO. Willis also is a graduate of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy and is the treasurer for Indiana Fire Team.
Website: amberforwestfield.com
