Elected Officials and Staff - We are here to serve!

Kama Dick, Trustee, Vice President

Kama has been a licensed Ohio realtor for over 30 years and owns Kandi Enterprises LTD, a business based in Bethel Township. She has specialized in the acquisition of residential and commercial investment real estate for over 30 years. Mrs. Dick was elected to the Bethel Township Board of Trustees in November of 2023. Previously she served on the Bethel Board of Education.

She has been married to David Dick for over 45 years and has lived in Bethel Township for over 30 years.

In her own words:

I believe in ethical conduct. I believe in transparency. I believe that all voices matter. Most of all, I believe that the Bethel Experience is something we all cherish and want to keep. I see the value in keeping Bethel's rural way of life.

As a realtor, I've seen what happens to an area when that rural way of life disappears. Changes to zoning laws and annexation can hurt our area and I understand that. I will work hard to protect our rural way of life.

I also believe it is important to have a harmonious relationship with our local Bethel School Board. We all need to work together.

Mrs. Dick's term expires on December 31, 2027.

Julie Reese, Trustee, President

Julie was elected in November, 2021, and 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 a Tipp City Eagles Past Madam President (a charity organization) and Vice Chairman for the Eagles District 15 Auxiliary. 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.

Beth van Haaren, Trustee

Beth van Haaren is a Township Trustee who, in May, 2005, 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.

Rhonda Ross, Fiscal Officer

Mrs. Ross was elected in November, 2023 but was appointed as Fiscal Officer 3 months earlier than planned to fill the unexpired term of Deborah Watson who resigned in December of 2023. She is a 1986 graduate of Bethel Local Schools. She is married to Tim Ross and has one son, Zach. She loves living the rural life and has never truly felt at home outside of Bethel Township.

Fiscal Officer Ross spent 20 years working as an accounts receivable representative within UVMC/Premier Health. She has additional experience working for Miami County Sanitary Engineering in the water/sewer department and as a software tester at Marias Technology. She currently works for Troy City Schools.

She is Madam President of the Auxiliary at Troy Eagles and has previously worked on the Troy Junior Basketball Board. She has also been the secretary for the Miami County Standardbred Horsemen's Association.

Her goals during her term are to:

Provide financial transparency to the Township's books
Answer to the taxpayers and do what is right and best for the Township
Be a good steward of the residents' tax dollars
Follow all laws and guidelines
Produce accurate meeting minutes in a timely manner

Mrs. Ross' term expires on March 31, 2028.

Cathy Fortunato, Assistant to the Fiscal Officer

Mrs. Fortunato is a long-time resident of the Township and graduated from Bethel Schools in 1978. She was appointed in January, 2024.

Cody Smith, Twp Admin/Planning & Zoning Director

Mr. Smith is excited to join Bethel Township as the Township Administrator and Zoning Director, where he will be dedicated to preserving the community's cherished rural character while providing the highest standard of service to residents. A graduate of Butler High School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University, equipping him with a strong foundation in governance and public service.

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has gained expertise in public administration, intergovernmental collaboration, and community engagement. He has successfully managed collaborative programs, overseen budgets, and worked with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. In his role with Bethel Township, Mr. Smith looks forward to working to protect the township’s identity and maintain its rural charm.

Outside of work, Mr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wife, Megan, and their two daughters, often camping, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. He also enjoys playing golf, where he values connecting with nature and spending time with friends.

Mr. Smith was appointed January 6, 2025.

Robert Yocum, Road Department

Robert Yocum is a lifetime resident of Bethel Township. Mr. Yocum started in the Township as a volunteer firefighter in 1976. He moved to the Road Department in 1986 and has been there ever since!

Eric Campbell, Road Department

Eric is also a lifetime resident of Bethel Township and a 2007 graduate of Bethel Local Schools (CTC). He enjoys farming, baling hay, raising cattle, and building fence in his spare time. Mr. Campbell was hired as a seasonal worker in June, 2024 and moved to a full-time permanent employee in August, 2024.