Steuben County Extension Board Members

Linda is a Professor at Trine University's Ketner School of Business, where she teaches several courses, including but not limited to Principles of Project Management, Marketing, and Professional Development & Strategies. She joined Trine in 2008 as the Director of Career Services, where she led initiatives that shaped many of the career center's programs still in use today. She also served as a career advisor and industry liaison, bringing 10 years of experience in management consulting and market research. Her educational background includes an MA in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Linda deeply values the critical role Extension Educators play in empowering individuals, strengthening families, and supporting local businesses and agriculture. The work provides essential resources and knowledge that promote growth and resilience across the community. She has served on the board for just over seven years, as a member, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Board.

Amanda has a strong connection to Purdue Extension, rooted in a love for agriculture, community service, and local food initiatives. With a particular interest in beekeeping, Amanda enjoys learning through Purdue Extension’s educational programs and recently participated in the beekeeping class. Additionally, she volunteered to help beautify Pleasant Lake by managing the Main Street flowers—a project close to Amanda’s heart, supporting both the community and the environment. Passionate about health and wellness, Amanda started a sourdough business, showcasing her bread at the farmer’s market this past summer, where she engaged with local residents and promoted healthy, homemade food options. This work aligns with Purdue Extension’s Health and Human Sciences, allowing Amanda to bring a fresh, locally produced product to the community.  Amanda has found great fulfillment in serving at the 4-H pork stand this past summer where she contributed to raising funds to support Purdue Extension initiatives.  Amanda is thrilled to continue her journey with Purdue Extension, by serving another term.  

Jessica has a desire to make our community better for all who live here. That is why she would like to run for the Extension Board. She will bring her knowledge and past experiences with her, which offers a different outlook.  It is important to her to have a variety of people on the board so all can learn from each other. Health and Human Sciences and Community Development are the areas Jessica would feel comfortable advising and offering thoughts.  Jessica has worked with Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, Pleasant Lake PTO, and has volunteered at Warm a Heart. 

Ginger is an advocate of knowing where your food comes from and growing your own food.  She has knowledge of growing fruits and vegetables as well as preserving them through methods such as freezing, canning, dehydrating, and freeze drying.  She also raises chickens for both eggs and meat.  Supporting local farmers is important to her to promote a stronger community.

Paulette is very passionate about health and wellness after embarking on her own journey to reverse an autoimmune disorder.  Paulette is a board member of Turning Point, serves in her local church's band and volunteers at a few of Fairview Missionary Church's Ministries.  She contributes to the board with her experiences and knowledge of nutrition and wellness.  Paulette is most comfortable advising the Health and Human Sciences program area.

Colt is a Steuben County 10-year member 4-H Alumni with a Bachelor’s of Science from Purdue University, West Lafayette.  He has a long history with the 4-H Program and Steuben County in general and would like to be actively involved in the positive growth of both. He helps with 4-H activities whenever he can.  Colt is also a part of a large family farm that operates in and around Steuben County, so agriculture is a large focus of his.  He would like to join the Extension Board to help his community and industry stay up to date on trends seen across the Midwest as well as voice the board’s position to the larger platform that Purdue Extension operates in.