Lyle Wobker serves as Chairman of the Board for Miami County Rural Water District No. 2, providing steady leadership grounded in service, teamwork, long-range thinking, and trust. Serving over 17 years on the board of directors, his involvement with the District reflects a lifelong commitment to giving back to the community that has given so much to him and his family.
Lyle’s connection to MI-2 began long before he joined the Board. When his parents purchased property in the District in 1967, the rural water system was just being established, and service had not yet reached the west end of the district. Lyle recalls helping hand-dig the water line from the meter to the house—an early, firsthand experience that demonstrated the value and importance of reliable rural water service. Years later, after attending Kansas State University, serving in the U.S. Air Force, and returning home to farm, Lyle was asked by a neighbor who was moving out of the district if he would consider serving on the Board. He agreed, not out of ambition, but out of a sense of responsibility to the community.
Community involvement has always been part of Lyle’s life. Raised by parents who were actively engaged in local service, he learned early that participation and stewardship were simply part of being a good neighbor. Miami County, he notes, has been a great place to live and raise a family, and board service is his way of returning that investment.
As Chairman, Lyle views the Board’s role as setting policy and focusing on long-range planning to ensure the District can provide the best possible service at the lowest reasonable cost over the longest time horizon. He believes success starts with hiring capable, dedicated staff, supporting them, and then trusting them to do their jobs. That philosophy has helped guide MI-2 through growth while maintaining reliable service and affordability for its members.
Lyle’s approach to leadership is deliberate and thoughtful. He values gathering information from credible sources, taking time to review and understand it, and listening to the perspectives of fellow customers, board members, and district staff. He also recognizes that leadership requires flexibility—being willing to adjust decisions as conditions change. Balancing present needs with future investment, he says, is never perfect, but it is a responsibility the Board approaches with care and best effort.
A significant influence on Lyle’s leadership style is his military service. What began as an unexpected introduction to aviation during college led to a 30-year career as a pilot, including six years on active duty and 24 years with the Kansas Air National Guard flying KC-135 refueling aircraft. During his service, including deployment during Desert Storm, Lyle worked alongside individuals from many different professions, each with a critical role in achieving a common mission. Precision, accountability, and teamwork were essential—lessons that continue to shape how he approaches board governance today.
Lyle believes rural water districts play a vital role in providing safe, reliable water—something he considers non-negotiable for communities. Looking ahead, he sees cooperation and partnerships as key to addressing future challenges, including access to raw water supplies and pressures from expanding municipal boundaries. Through collaboration, he believes rural districts can continue to serve their members effectively and responsibly.
Today, serving as Chairman provides Lyle with an opportunity to stay engaged, challenged, and connected. Now partially retired, he values working with a diverse group of board members and staff who share a common goal: doing what is best for Miami County RWD No. 2 over the long term. He takes pride in the Board’s collaborative approach and its commitment to carefully evaluating decisions that will shape the District’s future.