Trustees and Staff

Beth van Haaren, Trustee

Beth van Haaren is a Township Trustee who was recently re-elected to her forth full term. In May, 2005, she was selected to fill the Trustee seat left vacant by the death of Matt Davis and in November, 2005, she was elected for a four-year term. A graduate of Bethel High School in 1984, Beth attended North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 1994, she returned to Bethel Township with her husband and began working for Process Equipment Company. Almost 20 years of engineering and business management experience have developed Beth's leadership abilities, her fiscally conservative mindset and a pro-active attitude toward problem solving. Beth is married to Michael van Haaren and they have three children, Caleb, Marieke and Alexander all of whom attend Bethel Local Schools. They are active members of the West Charleston Church of the Brethren. She volunteers with a variety of non-profit organizations: Child Care Choices, Bethel Local Schools, Bethel's recreational soccer league (BAYSA), and several others.
Her goals for Bethel Township are:

Reduce annexation of Bethel Township land
Maintain quality of life in Bethel Township for all residents
Implement Bethel's Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Mrs. van Haaren's term expires on December 31, 2025.

Julie Reese, Trustee

Julie is a graduate of Bethel High School, class of 1978. She attended the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in Information Systems from the College of Business Administration. She spent 30+ years at the IBM Corporation where she gained a wealth of experience as a software engineer, team leader, project manager, conference/trade show organizer, and educator. She even spent some time in product marketing. Since retiring from the corporate world, she is enjoying farming and raising cattle with her husband, Bruce Durst.
She is a former member of both the Township’s Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Commission. She is also a former member of Bethel School’s Board of Education. She is the Tipp City Eagles Auxiliary President (a charity organization) and Auxiliary Chairman for the District. In addition, she is a member of the Farm Bureau, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the Miami County Cattlemen’s Association, and the American Hereford Association.
Her goals for Bethel Township are:

Preservation of our land and our rural lifestyle – stop future annexation and high-density development
Adoption of a land use plan that preserves farmland and controls growth
Improved communications between the Trustees and the community
Fiscal conservatism

She is honored to serve our community and is committed to being a citizen-directed Trustee.

Mrs. Reese's term expires on December 31, 2025.

Don Black, Trustee

Don brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Trustees. Don has been the administrator of the Ohio Operating Engineers Training Program for the last 30 years and he also farms 300 acres. Additionally, Don has been a 4-H advisor and has served on the Miami County Fair Board since 2007. Don was sworn in on July 14. Don and his wife, Debbie live on Singer Road. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Mr. Blacks term expires on December 31, 2023.

Deborah Watson, Fiscal Officer

Mrs. Watson was first elected in 2003 and is currently serving her second term as Fiscal Officer. A resident of Bethel Township for 20 years, she is also a former member of the Bethel Local School Board. Mrs. Watson was born in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of Hillsboro High School. She attended Wright State University. She is a mother of two sons, Anthony and Andrew. Mrs. Watson is a dedicated community member having served as the Treasurer of Pee-Wee Football, the Bethel Athletic Booster Club, Bethel Athletic Council and the Bethel Community Improvement Corporation. In April 2010, Mrs. Watson completed her state training and certification as an EMT-Basic, and serves a member of the Bethel Township Fire Department. Mrs. Watson is also a notary public.

Mrs. Watson's term expires on March 31, 2023.

Andy Ehrhart, Township Administrator/Fire Chief

Andy Ehrhart joined the Bethel Township team in April of 2009. Andy brings experience from working with Washington and Harrison Townships in Montgomery County. Andy is a 1993 Graduate of Sinclair Community College with an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement. Andy is also a member of the Bethel Township Fire Department serving as chief.

Mike Arnold, Assistant to the Township Administrator and Planning and Zoning Director

Mike started in this position in October of 2020. Mike has been with the Township since 2003 serving on the Fire Department and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mike has vast experience as a fire inspector and is transitioning that knowledge to the planning and zoning feild.

Robert Yocum, Road Department

Robert Yocum is a lifetime resident of Bethel Township. A graduate of Bethel Local School Mr. Yocum has been employed with the Township for thirty years serving in the Road Department for the entire length of his service. Robert's hobbies include photography and computers.