ISAP STAFF

Helen VanBeck serves as the Manager of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership. A Senior Program Manager for AFT, Helen works closely with partners across Illinois to advance the adoption of conservation practices proven to build soil health, improve water quality, and support climate resiliency. In addition to her work with ISAP, she provides leadership to AFT’s Farmer Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) initiative and sits on the Steering Committee for Illinois Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR). Helen earned her Bachelor of Science in environmental policy with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture from the University of California, Davis.

 

Jim Isermann is an independent agronomist focused on conservation and soil health practices. He serves as a Soil Health Specialist with the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership, leads the 5 Year Soil Health Transition Program offered through Precision Conservation Management and assists the Illinois Soybean Association with its On Farm Trial Network. He lives and farms with his family near Streator, Illinois, where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle. His background includes more than 20 years of experience with cover crops, row crop integration with livestock and rotational grazing of cattle, along with more than 10 years experience of working directly with farmers on soil health trials.

 

Maddy Kangas serves as the ISAP Coordinator and supports partners in advancing soil health practices, building regional networks, and strengthening on-the-ground implementation of sustainable agriculture initiatives. She also helps connect resources across agencies and practitioners, ensuring farmers have the tools and support they need to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape. Maddy holds a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois.

 

 

Alex Ramirez is an Outreach Associate for Illinois Extension and is based at the Urbana-Champaign campus and serves statewide. She develops programs, coordinates outreach events, and shares information on sustainable agriculture. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Studies at Central Michigan University and a M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.