Bartels, 58, joined the Delta board in spring of 2019. He is the former co-owner, president and CEO of Martin’s Super Markets. A South Bend, Indiana native and a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Bartels devoted his professional life to the management of retail operations, beginning by bagging groceries, moving across multiple disciplines and management roles and into executive roles then president and CEO for more than a decade. He focused on team development and company culture stewardship. He was the third generation of family leadership for Martin’s.

He is a board member of Lake City Bank, serving on the audit and governance committees, and serves on the Beacon Medical Group Doctor’s Board, and the South Bend Education Foundation’s Board. Bartels has served Sunnyside Presbyterian Church as an elder and officer as well as working within the youth program for more than 15 years.

An active outdoorsman, Bartels enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing. He understands protecting, enhancing and improving our natural resources are important – especially through effective, science-based means. In addition to the Delta board, he serves on the Indiana Nature Conservancy Board.

He owns and manages 640 acres in Lake County Michigan, participating in the Michigan Private Landowner Stewardship Program, with a focus on soil improvement and biodiversity. He is a life member of the Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society.

Bartels is blessed with three sons Bobby, Andy and Will. He considers his noble purpose and greatest gift his mission as a father, sharing his own faith, vigor, goodwill and, above all, joy with his sons.