Division Staff
Office Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Seifert, John
State Forester
jseifert@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4116
Jack’s employment with the Division of Forestry began in 2005 when he was hired as State Forester and Director of the Division of Forestry. Previously he served as Extension Research Forester for Purdue University from 1979 to 2005 where he did applied research in plantation and natural stand management. He provided continuing education for professional foresters and woodland owners for 27 years, impacting thousands of landowners and authoring more than 50 research publications. He oversees certification of state and private forestlands under the North American and international sustainability “green” standards, and is active with the Indiana Tree Farm program, the Indiana Woodland Owners Association, the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association and the Indiana Forest Industry Council.
Jack earned his forestry degrees from the University of Missouri. His hobbies and interests include furniture design and construction, tree planting, timber stand improvement work, taking walks through one the family tree farms, and traveling internationally with his family.
(317) 232-4116
Jack’s employment with the Division of Forestry began in 2005 when he was hired as State Forester and Director of the Division of Forestry. Previously he served as Extension Research Forester for Purdue University from 1979 to 2005 where he did applied research in plantation and natural stand management. He provided continuing education for professional foresters and woodland owners for 27 years, impacting thousands of landowners and authoring more than 50 research publications. He oversees certification of state and private forestlands under the North American and international sustainability “green” standards, and is active with the Indiana Tree Farm program, the Indiana Woodland Owners Association, the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association and the Indiana Forest Industry Council.
Jack earned his forestry degrees from the University of Missouri. His hobbies and interests include furniture design and construction, tree planting, timber stand improvement work, taking walks through one the family tree farms, and traveling internationally with his family.
Ariens, A.J.
Forest Archaeologist
aariens@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-0141
A.J. began her career as an Intermittent Forest Archaeologist in 2002 and took on her role as our full-time Archaeologist in 2004.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Indiana State University in 2000 and her Master’s degree in anthropology in 2003 from the University of Cincinnati where she specialized in Midwest archaeology. Her hobbies include photography, gardening, hiking and camping.
(317) 232-0141
A.J. began her career as an Intermittent Forest Archaeologist in 2002 and took on her role as our full-time Archaeologist in 2004.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Indiana State University in 2000 and her Master’s degree in anthropology in 2003 from the University of Cincinnati where she specialized in Midwest archaeology. Her hobbies include photography, gardening, hiking and camping.
Carman, Sam
Education Director
scarman@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4119
Sam has been with the Division of Forestry since 1978, and was previously a junior high school biology and general science teacher. In addition to his work in conservation education, he manages the Division of Forestry’s website and coordinates Indiana’s Demonstration Forests program.
He received his B.S. degree in life sciences from Indiana State University and a M.S. in natural resources from Ball State University. His hobbies include playing and listening to music, running, disc golf and geocaching.
(317) 232-4119
Sam has been with the Division of Forestry since 1978, and was previously a junior high school biology and general science teacher. In addition to his work in conservation education, he manages the Division of Forestry’s website and coordinates Indiana’s Demonstration Forests program.
He received his B.S. degree in life sciences from Indiana State University and a M.S. in natural resources from Ball State University. His hobbies include playing and listening to music, running, disc golf and geocaching.
Eger, Janet
Big Tree Register
jeger@dnr.IN.gov
(812) 247-2479
Janet joined the Division of Forestry in 1978 and has been a district forester since 1993. Previously, she worked on four state forest properties in southwestern Indiana as a resource forester. In addition to her duties as District Forester, she is also the state’s Big Tree program coordinator, a founding member of the White River RC&D Forestry committee, and a board member for the Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation. A member of the Society of American Foresters since 1978, she was elected a Fellow in 2006. She’s a life member of the American Forestry Association and a member of the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
She earned her B.S. degree in forestry from Purdue University in 1978. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, crocheting, and camping.
(812) 247-2479
Janet joined the Division of Forestry in 1978 and has been a district forester since 1993. Previously, she worked on four state forest properties in southwestern Indiana as a resource forester. In addition to her duties as District Forester, she is also the state’s Big Tree program coordinator, a founding member of the White River RC&D Forestry committee, and a board member for the Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation. A member of the Society of American Foresters since 1978, she was elected a Fellow in 2006. She’s a life member of the American Forestry Association and a member of the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
She earned her B.S. degree in forestry from Purdue University in 1978. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, crocheting, and camping.
Ernst, Dan
Ass't State Forester, Properties
dernst@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4101
Dan joined the Division of Forestry in 1977 as Assistant District Forester and later served as District Forester and Regional Forester before becoming an Assistant State Forester in 2009. Aside from his principle duties, he is also active with the Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association and the Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation.
Dan earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forest management from Michigan State University. In his free time he enjoys hunting, woodworking and running.
(317) 232-4101
Dan joined the Division of Forestry in 1977 as Assistant District Forester and later served as District Forester and Regional Forester before becoming an Assistant State Forester in 2009. Aside from his principle duties, he is also active with the Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association and the Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation.
Dan earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forest management from Michigan State University. In his free time he enjoys hunting, woodworking and running.
Friedrich, John
Property Specialist
jfriedrich@dnr.IN.gov
317) 232-4118
John’s career with the Division of Forestry began in 1984 as Timber Specialist at Jackson-Washington State Forest, where he later became Property Manager. He assumed his current position of Property Specialist in 1993 and has since taken on many additional duties including property accounting administration.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. His hobbies and interests include fishing for smallmouth bass, gardening and experimenting with growing trees that are difficult to grow in Indiana.
317) 232-4118
John’s career with the Division of Forestry began in 1984 as Timber Specialist at Jackson-Washington State Forest, where he later became Property Manager. He assumed his current position of Property Specialist in 1993 and has since taken on many additional duties including property accounting administration.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. His hobbies and interests include fishing for smallmouth bass, gardening and experimenting with growing trees that are difficult to grow in Indiana.
Gonso, Chris
Ecosystem Services Specialist
cgonso@dnr.in.gov
(812) 829-2462
Chris began his employment with the Division in 2008 as Ecosystem Services Specialist, where he works toward developing landowners’ abilities to receive payment for ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water quality and biological diversity. In addition to these duties, he has worked with statewide forest planning, grants and alternative funding sources.
Chris has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in finance & accounting, and enjoys spending his free time working with fruit tree cultivation and maple syrup production.
(812) 829-2462
Chris began his employment with the Division in 2008 as Ecosystem Services Specialist, where he works toward developing landowners’ abilities to receive payment for ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water quality and biological diversity. In addition to these duties, he has worked with statewide forest planning, grants and alternative funding sources.
Chris has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in finance & accounting, and enjoys spending his free time working with fruit tree cultivation and maple syrup production.
Haulton, Scott
Forestry Wildlife Specialist
shaulton@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 234-5725
Scott’s service with the Division of Forestry began in 2007 when he was hired to coordinate the Division’s state forest wildlife habitat management program and provide guidance on forest wildlife habitat to various sections of the Division, other resource management professionals and the general public.
Scott earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York-Geneseo and a Bachelor's in environmental and forest biology from the State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He also holds a Master’s degree in wildlife science from Virginia Tech. His hobbies include hiking, camping, canoeing, photography and fanatically following the Colts.
(317) 234-5725
Scott’s service with the Division of Forestry began in 2007 when he was hired to coordinate the Division’s state forest wildlife habitat management program and provide guidance on forest wildlife habitat to various sections of the Division, other resource management professionals and the general public.
Scott earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York-Geneseo and a Bachelor's in environmental and forest biology from the State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He also holds a Master’s degree in wildlife science from Virginia Tech. His hobbies include hiking, camping, canoeing, photography and fanatically following the Colts.
Hawkins, Bob
Nursery Supervisor
bhawkins@dnr.IN.gov
(812) 358-3621
Bob started working for the Division of Forestry in 1987 as an intermittent in our tree improvement program. He later became Nursery Operations Manager and has served as the Nursery Section Supervisor since 2004. In addition to his usual duties at the nursery, Bob also provides Arbor Day tree seedlings for all DNR programs and offers a leaf collection trail for school children with more than 100 trees identified.
Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in forest management from Purdue University, and his interests include hunting, fishing, hiking, vacationing with family, exercising and rafting.
(812) 358-3621
Bob started working for the Division of Forestry in 1987 as an intermittent in our tree improvement program. He later became Nursery Operations Manager and has served as the Nursery Section Supervisor since 2004. In addition to his usual duties at the nursery, Bob also provides Arbor Day tree seedlings for all DNR programs and offers a leaf collection trail for school children with more than 100 trees identified.
Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in forest management from Purdue University, and his interests include hunting, fishing, hiking, vacationing with family, exercising and rafting.
Huter, Brenda
Stewardship Coordinator
bhuter@dnr.in.gov
(317) 232-0142
Brenda’s career with the Division of Forestry began at Yellowwood State Forest where she served as a GIS Intern and later became a Resource Specialist. She assumed her current duties in 2004. She also serves as a meeting facilitator and is trained in wildland firefighting.
Brenda graduated from Carroll College with a Bachelor’s degree in biology and geology. She also holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science focused on applied ecology, and a Master of Public Affairs in natural resource management, both from Indiana University. Her hobbies and interests include kayaking, backpacking, gardening, cooking and reading.
(317) 232-0142
Brenda’s career with the Division of Forestry began at Yellowwood State Forest where she served as a GIS Intern and later became a Resource Specialist. She assumed her current duties in 2004. She also serves as a meeting facilitator and is trained in wildland firefighting.
Brenda graduated from Carroll College with a Bachelor’s degree in biology and geology. She also holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science focused on applied ecology, and a Master of Public Affairs in natural resource management, both from Indiana University. Her hobbies and interests include kayaking, backpacking, gardening, cooking and reading.
Drew Daily
Fire Coordinator
ddaily@dnr.IN.gov
(765) 342-4701
Drew began his employment with DNR in 1993 as an Ecologist with the Division of Nature Preserves. He later worked as an Assistant Property Manager at both Potato Creek State Park and McCormick’s Creek State Park. He came to the Division of Forestry in 2003 as Assistant State Fire Coordinator, and assumed the role of State Fire Coordinator in 2010. He also coordinates the Division’s all-hazard response in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Drew earned a Bachelor’s degree in ecology and environmental biology from Taylor University. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and growing up with his three girls.
(765) 342-4701
Drew began his employment with DNR in 1993 as an Ecologist with the Division of Nature Preserves. He later worked as an Assistant Property Manager at both Potato Creek State Park and McCormick’s Creek State Park. He came to the Division of Forestry in 2003 as Assistant State Fire Coordinator, and assumed the role of State Fire Coordinator in 2010. He also coordinates the Division’s all-hazard response in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Drew earned a Bachelor’s degree in ecology and environmental biology from Taylor University. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and growing up with his three girls.
Carrie Tauscher
Urban Forestry Specialist
ctauscher@dnr.in.gov
(317) 234-4386
Carrie began her career with DNR in March, 2012 and works with the Indiana Community Tree Stewards training program, statewide community urban forestry assistance, and grants programs.
Carrie Graduated from Iowa State University in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and is an ISA Certified Arborist. She began her career at The Morton Arboretum as an Inventory Technician for the 2010 Tree Census i-Tree eco study of the seven county Chicagoland area. She then continued her work with the Community Trees Program at the Arboretum working with the municipal urban forestry programs on education, outreach, and awareness including working on urban wood utilization as a way to mitigate the effects of EAB infestation.
When not working, Carrie enjoys bicycling, gardening and biological watercolor painting.
(317) 234-4386
Carrie began her career with DNR in March, 2012 and works with the Indiana Community Tree Stewards training program, statewide community urban forestry assistance, and grants programs.
Carrie Graduated from Iowa State University in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and is an ISA Certified Arborist. She began her career at The Morton Arboretum as an Inventory Technician for the 2010 Tree Census i-Tree eco study of the seven county Chicagoland area. She then continued her work with the Community Trees Program at the Arboretum working with the municipal urban forestry programs on education, outreach, and awareness including working on urban wood utilization as a way to mitigate the effects of EAB infestation.
When not working, Carrie enjoys bicycling, gardening and biological watercolor painting.
Marshall, Phil
Insect & Disease Specialist
Director, Division of Entomology
Director, Division of Entomology
pmarshall@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4120
Phil joined the Division of Forestry as Forest Health Specialist in 1974 and assumed his current duel role as Forest Health Specialist and the Director of the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology in 2007. He is also a forest health monitoring surveyor and trainer, ozone surveyor and conducts aerial surveys for forest pest damage.
Phil holds a Master’s degree in forestry from Duke University, and his other interests include history and pharmacy.
(317) 232-4120
Phil joined the Division of Forestry as Forest Health Specialist in 1974 and assumed his current duel role as Forest Health Specialist and the Director of the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology in 2007. He is also a forest health monitoring surveyor and trainer, ozone surveyor and conducts aerial surveys for forest pest damage.
Phil holds a Master’s degree in forestry from Duke University, and his other interests include history and pharmacy.
Martin, Brett
GIS Coordinator
bmartin@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4106
Brett joined the Division of Forestry as its GIS Coordinator in 2005, and also serves as our unofficial Social Activities Coordinator.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and earned a Master’s degree in forestry from Purdue University specializing in GIS and remote sensing. Brett’s hobbies include listening to classical music, reading, playing video games and trying to stay healthy so he can enjoy biking and disc golf.
(317) 232-4106
Brett joined the Division of Forestry as its GIS Coordinator in 2005, and also serves as our unofficial Social Activities Coordinator.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and earned a Master’s degree in forestry from Purdue University specializing in GIS and remote sensing. Brett’s hobbies include listening to classical music, reading, playing video games and trying to stay healthy so he can enjoy biking and disc golf.
McCoy, Duane
Timber Buyer Licensing Forester
dmccoy@dnr.in.gov
(317) 232-4112
Duane joined the Division of Forestry in 1996 as an intermittent employee, in 1997 he became the Improved Harvesting Practices (IHP) Forester before becoming the LTB Forester in 2006. Duane works on the Timber Buyers Licensing program, Indiana Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) program, Watershed Conservation through Forestry program, and the Hoosier Ecosystem Experimental (HEE) Research Forest project.
Duane studied Pre-Forestry at Ball State University, received a BS degree in Forest Management from Oregon State University as well as a Masters Degree in Forest Management. His hobbies include family, fishing, and golf.
(317) 232-4112
Duane joined the Division of Forestry in 1996 as an intermittent employee, in 1997 he became the Improved Harvesting Practices (IHP) Forester before becoming the LTB Forester in 2006. Duane works on the Timber Buyers Licensing program, Indiana Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) program, Watershed Conservation through Forestry program, and the Hoosier Ecosystem Experimental (HEE) Research Forest project.
Duane studied Pre-Forestry at Ball State University, received a BS degree in Forest Management from Oregon State University as well as a Masters Degree in Forest Management. His hobbies include family, fishing, and golf.
O'Connor, Phil
Tree Improvement Specialist
poconnor@dnr.IN.gov
(812) 358-3621
Phil’s career with the Division of Forestry began in 2000 when he was hired as Tree Improvement Specialist. In addition to the duties entailed in this position, he also represents the Division of Forestry on the Invasive Plant Species Assessment working group and the state’s Invasive Species Task Force.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in forestry and Master’s in forest genetics, both from the University of Illinois. Phil’s hobbies include backpacking, sailing, fishing, hunting, shooting, and reading.
(812) 358-3621
Phil’s career with the Division of Forestry began in 2000 when he was hired as Tree Improvement Specialist. In addition to the duties entailed in this position, he also represents the Division of Forestry on the Invasive Plant Species Assessment working group and the state’s Invasive Species Task Force.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in forestry and Master’s in forest genetics, both from the University of Illinois. Phil’s hobbies include backpacking, sailing, fishing, hunting, shooting, and reading.
Rogler, Donna
Project Learning Tree Coordinator
plt@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 234-5143
While Donna did seasonal work for various divisions of DNR during her college years, she began her full-time employment with the Division of Forestry as Project Learning Tree State Coordinator in 1999. In addition to her role as Project Learning Tree Coordinator, she also coordinates the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event, assists with prescribed fire, and is a Public Information Officer for wildland fire.
Donna received her Bachelor’s degree in forestry from Purdue University in 1979, a Master’s in resource management from State University of New York in 1986, and a Master’s in instructional development from Syracuse University in 1993. Her hobbies and interests include quilting, beading, gardening, hiking and camping.
(317) 234-5143
While Donna did seasonal work for various divisions of DNR during her college years, she began her full-time employment with the Division of Forestry as Project Learning Tree State Coordinator in 1999. In addition to her role as Project Learning Tree Coordinator, she also coordinates the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event, assists with prescribed fire, and is a Public Information Officer for wildland fire.
Donna received her Bachelor’s degree in forestry from Purdue University in 1979, a Master’s in resource management from State University of New York in 1986, and a Master’s in instructional development from Syracuse University in 1993. Her hobbies and interests include quilting, beading, gardening, hiking and camping.
Settle, Jeff
Forest Resource Information
jsettle@dnr.IN.gov
(812) 358-2160
Jeff began his career with the Department of Natural Resources in 1987 as an Interpretive Specialist at Lieber State Recreation Area before joining the Division of Forestry in 1987 as Assistant Property Manager at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area. He stepped into his current position in 1997.
Jeff has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in recreation with a management option, and enjoys hunting in his spare time. He also continues to coach high school football which he has done for more than 25 years.
(812) 358-2160
Jeff began his career with the Department of Natural Resources in 1987 as an Interpretive Specialist at Lieber State Recreation Area before joining the Division of Forestry in 1987 as Assistant Property Manager at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area. He stepped into his current position in 1997.
Jeff has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in recreation with a management option, and enjoys hunting in his spare time. He also continues to coach high school football which he has done for more than 25 years.
Smith, Zach
Forest Programs Coordinator
zsmith@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4117
Zach began his career with the Division of Forestry in August of 2000 as a Forest Entomologist and assumed his duties as Forest Programs Coordinator in August of 2006. In addition to his current job duties and continuing some duties as a Forest Entomologist, he also coordinates the division’s State Fair exhibit.
Zach graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1999. His hobbies include camping and fishing.
(317) 232-4117
Zach began his career with the Division of Forestry in August of 2000 as a Forest Entomologist and assumed his duties as Forest Programs Coordinator in August of 2006. In addition to his current job duties and continuing some duties as a Forest Entomologist, he also coordinates the division’s State Fair exhibit.
Zach graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1999. His hobbies include camping and fishing.
Wagner, Phil
Ass't State Forester, Coop. Forest Mgmt.
pwagner@dnr.IN.gov
(317) 232-4115
Phil began employment with the Division in 1973 as Timber Technician (now called Resource Specialist). He served in this capacity until 1976 when he became Assistant Fire Coordinator. In 1991 he left the Division of Forestry to become DNR’s Director of Safety and Training. In 2001 he rejoined the Division as Assistant State Forester. In addition to his official duties, he is also a trained meeting facilitator and wildland fire safety officer.
Phil earned his Bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Kentucky in 1972. His hobbies and interests include motorcycling, hiking and camping.
(317) 232-4115
Phil began employment with the Division in 1973 as Timber Technician (now called Resource Specialist). He served in this capacity until 1976 when he became Assistant Fire Coordinator. In 1991 he left the Division of Forestry to become DNR’s Director of Safety and Training. In 2001 he rejoined the Division as Assistant State Forester. In addition to his official duties, he is also a trained meeting facilitator and wildland fire safety officer.
Phil earned his Bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Kentucky in 1972. His hobbies and interests include motorcycling, hiking and camping.
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