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
Diana Beaty
I am Diana Beaty and my husband and I grow corn and soybeans in the Rochester area. I have farmed in this area since 1977. We are mostly minimum till on all our farms but have a few acres of HEL that we no-till. I have served on the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District Board since 2005 and currently serve as the Secretary/Treasurer. I worked for 27 years at Sangamon County Farm Bureau as a membership secretary, resigning that position in 2004 to stay home and help my husband as a full time farmer. He currently serves as the President of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau and I currently serve as the Chairman of the Member & P.R. Committee. I have enjoyed my time served on all the above committees and now have added the Sangamon Conservancy Trust to my list. I look forward to serving on this Board and am eager to learn and be involved.
