Chairman
Chris Waters
I am a farmer in the Mechanicsburg area. My farming operation includes very diverse land from flat to highly erodible to Sangamon River bottoms all in a condensed area. As a result, I have the opportunity to see how the tillage practices of one farm may affect other farms along the drainage chain. I have been impressed with the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District and their efforts to help with conservation projects in the County. Whether it be financial help, or advice, they strive to provide well thought out solutions to problems. I am hoping to serve as a director to help continue the work done by previous boards, as well as to learn more about the problems and solutions of soil and water conservation in Sangamon County.
Vice Chairman
Michelle Curby
My name is Michelle Curby and I have over 8 years of experience in the environmental science field, including time as a board member of the Routt County Conservation District in Routt County, Colorado. With a B.S. in General Science from the Naval Academy, and after 5 years honorably serving as a Marine Corps Officer, I returned to Sangamon County to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Studies at UIS. I am passionate about conservation and believe in sustainable, common-sense, results-based approaches. Along with my husband who is a fourth-generation farmer in the area, I believe in being a good steward of the land, to work to conserve and improve our resources so that generations after us may also reap the benefits of this earth. I currently work as an environmental scientist and am a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). My experience encompasses Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) development, SWPPP compliance inspector, wetland delineation, Clean Water Act permitting, water quality assessment and monitoring, public water supply permitting, biological assessment and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Treasurer/Secretary
Steve Frank
I retired from the City of Springfield CWLP in 2017 where I was the Department of Land and Water Resources Supervisor from 2004 to 2017, overseeing the management of Lake Springfield and Hunter Lake land and farm leases. I also served as CWLP’s liaison involving the 170,000-acre Lake Springfield Watershed at the Sangamon County SWCD board meetings, and on the Lake Springfield Watershed Resource Planning Committee.
From 2000 to 2004, I was Supervisor of the Department of Land and Water Resources with the IL Department of Agriculture, working with all 98 Illinois SWCDs implementing conservation practices and protecting farmland. From 1986 to 2000 I was Farm Lease Manager with the IL Department of Natural Resources. In addition, I farmed our family’s livestock and grain farm for over 30 years, and continue to manage this farmland today. I have served as Trustee of The Sangamon Conservancy for 15 years.
From 2000 to 2004, I was Supervisor of the Department of Land and Water Resources with the IL Department of Agriculture, working with all 98 Illinois SWCDs implementing conservation practices and protecting farmland. From 1986 to 2000 I was Farm Lease Manager with the IL Department of Natural Resources. In addition, I farmed our family’s livestock and grain farm for over 30 years, and continue to manage this farmland today. I have served as Trustee of The Sangamon Conservancy for 15 years.
Director
Ryan Pfeiffer
My name is Ryan Pfeiffer and I am from the Dawson area. I returned home and began farming with my father in 2012 after graduating from Iowa State University where I earned a bachelor of science degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in crop management and business. The crop management option focused on soil science and soil management practices along with how agriculture interacts with the environment. I hope to be able to put the things that I learned to good use for the Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Director
Duane Sieren
Having grown up on a grain and livestock farm in southeast Iowa, where the rolling hills caused us to be constantly and acutely aware of our farming practices, my natural gravitation is toward soil conservation practices. After all, the soil is the farmers’ number 1 asset. Dry dams, waterways, reduced tillage, and ponds were all in our arsenal of trying to keep our number one asset in place where it belongs - in the field.
I am still actively involved in the family farm there, however, I have lived in the Springfield area since 1995 and spent 30 years in the seed industry before starting my own business with Edward Jones here in Sangamon County, working with farmers and other clients planning their financial futures and estates. My family and I live on 50 acres that directly drains into Lake Springfield so it seems appropriate that I am involved in helping to solve local drainage issues and would be glad to put my knowledge to work helping the cause.
My past includes graduating from Iowa State University with an Agricultural Business degree. I was also a member of the Ball Chatham School Board.
I am still actively involved in the family farm there, however, I have lived in the Springfield area since 1995 and spent 30 years in the seed industry before starting my own business with Edward Jones here in Sangamon County, working with farmers and other clients planning their financial futures and estates. My family and I live on 50 acres that directly drains into Lake Springfield so it seems appropriate that I am involved in helping to solve local drainage issues and would be glad to put my knowledge to work helping the cause.
My past includes graduating from Iowa State University with an Agricultural Business degree. I was also a member of the Ball Chatham School Board.
