Interested in joining the BOARD: Click here for the board application *The Application will be reviewed at the next board meeting and you will receive a follow-up call for next steps.

Interested in joining a COMMITTEE: email potawatomiwildlifepark@gmail.com *This position is not a board member position and nonvoting

Interested in joining the Advisory Committee: email potawatomiwildlifepark@gmail.com(1) A little about yourself, (2) your expertise, (3) the reason you would like to serve on the advisory committee.

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Article IV - Board of Directors (Section 1 - Number and Term of Directors)

The business, property and affairs of this corporation shall be manager by a board of directors composed of up to twenty (20) persons as follows:

Appointed Members: The board shall be comprised FIVE (5) of the persons representing the five (5) service club organization from the Trition Kiwanis, Bremen Kiwania, Etna Green Lions, Mentone Lions, and Bourbon Lions. Those board members are to be elected to the position by each club with the term limits designated by the particular club being represented.

Elected Members: Up to fifteen (15) persons shall be elected comprised of individuals interested in Potawatomi Park, Inc., and aiding in developing and achieving its long term objectives. Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties shall be represented by a least (1) member each with that member either residing or having business interest in the county represented. The remaining (10) members will be selected as at-large members.

Current Committees

• Steering Committee: provides support, guidance and oversight of progress. This committee facilitates the implementation and maintenance of the organization’s strategic plan. 

  • Members (Chair: Larry Beeson) with Wyatt Stephan 

• Grounds, Buildings & Maintenance Committee: is concerned with the state and condition of facilities and property, their maintenance and upkeep. The committee prioritizes and presents needs as part of the budget process and identifies any situations which require immediate action to the Finance Council. 

  • Members: (Chair: -Jeff Klinefelter) with Tim Gochenour, J.H. Northrop, Keith McIntire, River Watson, Tommy Devros (Volunteer)

    • Providing Specific Guidance: Jeff - buildings, Tim - equipment & tile, J.H. Northrop - forest management, Keith - safety, River - environmental opportunities, concerns, and threats 

• Finance Committee: provides financial analysis, advice, and oversight of the organization's budget. Their sole responsibility is to ensure the organization is operating with the financial resources. 

  • Members: (Chair: Larry Beeson) with Wyatt Stephan

• Donor Relations Committee: helps fulfill the fundraising goals laid out in the Strategic Plan and Advancement Plan by identifying inclined donors, inviting them in through a strategic point of entry, and moving them along customized cultivation paths to fully cultivated gifts. 

  • Members: (Chair: Wyatt Stephan) with Mark Espich

• Human Resources & Administration Committee: responsible for creating and/or monitoring values-based systems and policies to ensure that the organization is following local, state and federal laws and certain best practices relating to its employees and creating an attractive environment for current and prospective employees. This committee also oversees the onboarding of new employees and board members and keeping board governance documents up to date and available. 

  • Members: (Chair: Larry Beeson) with J.H. Northrop, and Amber VanNess

• Events & Marketing Committee: is responsible for creating a comprehensive event plan including goals/desired outcomes and theme of the event. Creating and agreeing on a comprehensive funding plan. This committee meets regularly to plan monthly community events for the entire year and recruit volunteers to help facilitate the event. 

  • Members: (Chair: Holly Sellers *Volunteer) with Mark Espich, J.H. Northrop, Mandy Nifong, Tana Beeson, Keith McIntire, & Amber VanNess