At the conclusion of the Annual Meeting in February, we ushered in our new President as well as several other new faces on the Illinois Agri-Women Board. Learn more about our officers below!
President: Anjie Erbsen
I am a Sr Leasing Specialist for Compeer Financial ā specializing in tax deductible leasing in the Farm Credit System. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina before moving to the Midwest.Ā I have an adult son that farms and is involved in the dairy industry.
Hobbies include travel, reading, and farm related activities.
As many were, I was first recruited by Penny Lauritzen to become involved in the WCFA program which lead to more involvement in the IAW.Ā I have served as on the Finance Committee for American AgriWomen, and as Treasurer and now President for Illinois Agri Women
Vice President of Education: Jessica Fleming
I am currently an Agriculture Core Credit Analyst for Compeer Financial
I enjoy gardening and canning, spending time with my son and husband; usually in the cattle barn, reading, and working on wood projects in my free time
I joined IAW to make connections with other members in the agriculture field and build knowledge on the many different industries throughout IL
Past President: Kelsey Neville
I am a Syngenta Crop Protection Sales Representative.
My hobbies are that I live the Boy Mom Life, spending time with my husband, anything/everything outdoors, finding stellar deals on garage sales!
WCFA brought me to IAW! I love learning more about the ag industry and being a part of such an outstanding group of women!
Secretary: Gayle Baker
I am an agricultural engineer at Maurer-Stutz in Peoria, IL. I work with livestock producers on the manure management needs.
My hobbies include working in my yard, learning the swim mom life, and
I joined IAW through participating in WCFA. After getting involved in the WCFA planning committee, I found my way onto the board as the website admin. Since then, I continue to lead the effort with WCFA and help make the WCFA website and newsletter look nice.
Treasurer: Deb Schultz
Hi! I live in Sublette in Northern IL and work with my ag customers daily as I am a mobile ag lender for North Central Bank.
I love spending time outside in my yard and with my family, especially my 3 grandkids. My husband and I just purchased a fifth wheel camper to pull behind our modified fire truck. We plan to enjoy some shorter travel adventures until we retire down the road. Once we retire, we will be spending more time traveling than not.
I joined IAW in 2010 to connect with women in ag. I have made so many lifetime friends and connects. I am always looking forward to our next event. The resources this organization connects you to are invaluable as well.
IARC Liaison: Krista Lottinville Robertson
Krista works for Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) and has
She enjoys jeeping and going to concerts.
She started her IAW involvement through Penny Lauritzen and WCFA.
Membership Chair: Margie Menacher
Iām in my 20th year at Farm Credit Illinois. My role is creative design specialist in the marketplace engagement department.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my grandson. I love to be creative and enjoy art and music.
I joined IAW to meet and learn from other women in agriculture. I have been blessed with many examples of leadership and resilience. I am honored to serve IAW and help with the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture career exploration program.
My husband Tim is a full-time farmer, and we have been blessed with four sons, three daughters-in-law, and one grandson (and another grandchild on the way š)
Policy and Procedures Chair: Lisa Muirheid Martin
Program Coordinator, Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Program and farm hand š
Hobbies include traveling, cheering for the Illini, volunteering, reading and random gardening
I joined IAW years ago when Heather Hampton Knodle told me I needed to because there were so many smart women to learn from involved in IAW
Married to Jim, who farms and sells insurance, Mom to Jamie, who blesses many and keeps me on my toes every day and Cori, who is currently serving as a campus missionary at Indiana University
East Regional Director: Tammy Miller
Tammy is a agriculture professor at Joliet Junior College.
She has helped support the WCFA event with several regional events hosted at Joliet Junior College.
Central West Regional Director: Diana Ropp
Diana Ropp lives in rural Normal and grew up on a purebred Jersey Dairy & Grain farm, residing in rural Normal.
Presently she is in partnership with her brother Darren (D & D Farms) raising corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Having spent 20 years in the grain industry working at several commodity brokerage firms, Diana is presently employed
as an Auto Injury Claim Specialist with a local insurance company.
She has held various offices within Illinois Agri Women and IARC Boards. Diana is very active at her church, singing in the choir and co-teaching Faith Formation, serves on the Normal Community High School Alumni Foundation board, coordinates the annual Iron Crush Golf Scramble and has been part of the Habitat for Humanity Choir. She has been a 4H Leader for over 40 years and currently serves as President of Timeless Clovers Alumni in McLean County. More recently she has been assisting the Old Rugged Barn event venue inTowanda with marketing and special event coordination.
While community service is important to Diana, she also likes to garden (flowers and vegetables) and spends a fair amount of time mowing the lawn!
Diana is passionate about her Illinois Agri-Women affiliation and loves the long term friendships and business associations which have been created within the agriculture community through this organization.
Southern Regional Director: Sarah Strutner
I am an Area Business Development Manager with Brevant Seeds.
I enjoying travel, reading, and embroidery.
I joined IAW to support women in agriculture and encourage others to learn more about Illinois agriculture.
