In Harmony Farm Board of Directors
Jennie Smith, President
Jennie is the worldwide director of sales excellence for Kemin Industries, helping global teams see the bigger picture—how the right approach, paired with the right tools, creates long-term success. After earning her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, Jennie received a graduate diploma in rural agriculture from Massey University in New Zealand and a Global Executive MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona. Outside the corporate world, Jennie owns Butcher Crick Farms in Carlisle, Iowa, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven Batchelor, and stepsons Holland and Ethan.
Sharon Krause, Founder
Sharon started her career in the engineering department of Bridgestone/Firestone Agricultural Tire Company, then launched multiple recycling and commercial waste reduction programs for Metro Waste Authority, and served as a process improvement consultant for RSM McGladrey before becoming Iowa’s first organically certified sheep rancher. In 2022, she transitioned Dalla Terra Ranch in Earlham, Iowa, into In Harmony Farm. Sharon has a passion for conservation, rural revitalization through arts and culture, and growing Iowa small farm businesses. She serves these missions through Bricker-Price Block, The Nature Conservancy, the Iowa State University College of Engineering Advisory Council, and Teamwork Ranch. Sharon holds a BS in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering from Iowa State University and an Executive MBA from the University of Iowa.
Gina Ross, Co-Founder
Gina Ross has a background in management and operations across various sectors, particularly non-profit and healthcare. She served as director of operations for the Iowa Health System Integrated Care Organization and director of project management and risk management for Iowa Health Physicians. Gina co-founded In Harmony Farm, serving as executive director and strategic business advisor for three years in addition to serving on the Board. She has also worked with Pro Iowa, focusing on revitalizing downtown Des Moines by enhancing the area with a professional soccer stadium and leading fundraising activities. Gina has lived in central Iowa her entire life, growing up in Des Moines, attending Des Moines East High School, and graduating from Upper Iowa University. She resides in Urbandale, Iowa, with her husband, Jim. They have two children, Sam and Jackson.
Jeremy Harder
Jeremy has worked in construction for most of his life, including serving as vice president of operations at Hansen Co. Inc., which built the In Harmony Farm campus. He earned the designation of Master Builder from Master Builders of Iowa in 2022. Jeremy enjoys partnering with clients who are building projects that make Iowa a better place to live. He and his wife, Shanna, are passionate about volunteering and working with nonprofits to provide resources and opportunities for under-resourced communities. He serves on the Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing Board of Directors and volunteers with Children and Families of Iowa.
Jim Miller
Jim’s background raising sheep and cattle on the family farm — combined with his love of the outdoors — inspired him to earn a degree in agricultural business from Iowa State University. After changing careers due to the Farm Crisis of the early 1980s, Jim enjoyed a nearly 40-year tenure at Morgan Stanley, where he earned Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Manager Analyst designations. He and his wife, Deb, live on a farm and are enjoying their retirement years.
Mak Sućeska
Mak serves as manager of operations for Global Neighbors Immigrant and Refugee Welcome Center through Polk County. Mak originates from Sarajevo, Bosnia and was transplanted to Des Moines in 1993 as a refugee, fleeing from war-torn Yugoslavia with his family. His professional career and volunteer efforts have been devoted to advocating and supporting refugees and immigrants across the state. He has more than 15 years of experience working with nonprofits and both state and county governments, and earned the Iowa International Center Passport to Prosperity Award in 2024. Mak earned a degree in political science from the University of Iowa and CPM and MPA degrees from Drake University, focusing on public policy. He plans to pursue a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake.
Lanny Benishek
Lanny has a 40-year background in the financial sector, including 25 years as senior vice president and senior regional credit officer for Wells Fargo, working with multiple states in the upper Midwest. Lanny earned a BS in business administration from Mount Mercy University and an MBA in finance from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. He enjoys serving his community, focusing on neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing through unique lending programs.
Lisa Foust Prater
Lisa has been writing about all things agriculture for Successful Farming magazine since 1999. As executive editor of family and rural issues, she focuses on telling farmer and rancher stories — including those of underserved producers — and delving into important topics like mental health, farm safety, succession planning, and family relationships. She also hosts two podcasts for Successful Farming. Lisa grew up in Indianola, Iowa, and Shadehill, South Dakota, population 8, and earned a communications degree from Grand View University. She and her husband, Jayson, and their sons, Jake, Luke, and Will, spent two decades raising cattle on their small farm in southeast Warren County.