Board of Directors

Melinda Messineo, PhD

PRESIDENT

Melinda is Chairperson and associate professor of sociology at Ball State University. Messineo has received four teaching awards at her current institution and one from the North Central Sociological Association. She currently serves as Director of the Freshman Connections Program, an award winning living and learning community program targeting first year students. This program works with MDCB each year on the White River Cleanup as part of its community service and sustainability objectives. Melinda is a California native and loves running, riding and roller-blading on the trails of our community.

Adrienne Gruver

SECRETARY

Colton Kinsey, CPA

TREASURER

Colton is an accountant at Estep Burkey Simmons in Muncie. He joined MDCB in 2020. Colton enjoys hiking with his wife in the Indiana State Parks.

Lindsey Cox

VICE PRESIDENT

Lindsey Cox is a Muncie community member, Ball State graduate and native of Farmland, Indiana. Past interest- and job-exploration in non-profits, local food and horticulture led to her current position as Community Wellness Coordinator with Purdue Extension – Delaware and Blackford counties. She cares deeply about the environment, equity and her community. During spare time, she can be found spending time with her husband and their pets, hiking, reading and gardening. Lindsey joined the MDCB board in 2019 and now serves as Vice President

Clair Burt

Clair joined MDCB in 2019. She is a Ball State graduate with a B.S. in biology. Her work experience includes horticulture, invasive species management, grant writing, and watershed planning. Clair is a Delaware County native and enjoys listening to audiobooks, growing native plants, and hiking.

JoAnna Darda

JoAnna Darda is an artist and Muncie community enthusiast. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Herron School of Art and Design. Her creative practice includes digital art/design, surface design, public art, and both functional and decorative textiles. JoAnna joined MDCB in 2019, is a also proud member of the Gilbert Neighborhood Association and Muncie Arts and Culture Council. JoAnna is passionate about working towards a cleaner, safer, more colorful and equitable future for Muncie.

Ken Ring

Austin Weiland

Austin Weiland is a Horticulture Specialist at Minnetrista Gathering Place. A relatively new member to the board, he joined in 2019. He is an Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman who likes taking care of his animals and plants, kayaking, fishing, and disc golfing.