The Branch County Conservation District is governed by a locally elected, five-member Board of Directors. The Directors make decisions regarding the District’s programs and activities and hire qualified staff.
Meet the Board:
Chair-Art Doner (2021-Present)
Art Doner is a former Fortune 500 Executive with a wide range of expertise in strategic planning, business development, customer service and operations. During his extensive career, he served in progressive leadership roles leading to Senior Vice President positions at two separate national financial services organizations. He provided services to Fortune 100 companies, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and high net worth individuals. Art also held positions as an Independent Management Consultant and Chief Financial Officer at a privately held organization. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Art earned a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance from Wayne State University and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Master’s degree in Management from Walsh College. He has served on different boards including roles as Chairman of the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce and current Chairman of the Branch County Conservation District. Art currently lives with his wife in Bronson, Michigan. Their son lives in Indiana and their daughter resides in Utah. Art enjoys golfing, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Treasurer-William Wolf (2022 – Present)
Bill, younger generation, was born on the farm which has been in his family since 1836, where he currently resides today with his wife Jeanna and their daughter JessieLee. The Wolfs have been involved with the MAEAP program since its inception. Together, the family has been involved with cattle, horses, rabbits, chickens, and many more if JessieLee had her way! Bill has worked in Coldwater manufacturing his entire career. As a family, they are heavily involved in the property leasing industry. When not enjoying the farm life, the family can be found on the North Chain of Lakes here in Coldwater.
Director-Marty Gruner (2024-present)
Director-Emily Smith (2025-present)
Director-Vacant
Associate Director-Charity Krueger (2019-present)
Charity Krueger served as the Executive Director for the National Audubon Society’s Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, near Dayton Ohio for 33 years. Under Charity’s leadership, many national, international, and regional education/conservation initiatives were implemented. Currently Charity is retired and a part-time farmer in Reading Township, Michigan. Charity has been a board member for Kimball YMCA Camp since 2021. She has served since 2019 as an Associate Board Member for the Branch County Conservation District since as a conservationist and expert in non-profit management she has expertise that may benefit BCCD. She is also a member of the Association Nature Center Administrators. Charity graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science - Natural Resources.