Board of Directors

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve organization is overseen by a volunteer board of directors. Directors serve 3-year terms with the option of renewing. Current board members are:

Officers

• President: Ron Zimmerman, retired, UWSP Schmeeckle Reserve director
• Vice-President: Gary Speckmann, retired, Portage County Parks director
• Treasurer: Rick Rothman, retired, UWSP financial specialist
• Secretary: Barbara Dixson, retired, UWSP faculty
• Past President: Jerry Lineberger, retired, UWSP University Centers administrator

General Membership

• Becca Franzen, UWSP faculty
• Michael Gross,retired UWSP faculty
• Bernard Hlavac, retired, Sentry Insurance executive
• Dan Marx, retired, UPS
• Sue McKenzie, Portage County Parks administrative associate
• Mike Orella, retired, UWSP Facility Services
• Ross Rettler, Rettler Corporation project manager
• Will Scheder, UWSP administrative specialist-online programs and grants
• Chris Thompson, Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital pharmacist
• Karl Wolf, retired radiography
• Rick Wyman, retired, Kickapoo Valley Cheese CFO/controller

UWSP Student Representatives

• Rae Henneman
• Connor McKenzie

Schmeeckle Reserve Staff Members (non-voting)

• Jim Buchholz, director
• Melissa Ruether, outreach coordinator
• Alex Mentele, graduate assistant

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of every other month, starting in January, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. The meetings are open to anyone interested.

Committees

The Friends group also has several standing committees chaired by board members. Any Friends members are welcome and encouraged to join!

• Executive Committee: Ron Zimmerman, chair
• Advancement Committee: Jerry Lineberger, chair
• Lands, Trails, and Facilities Committee: Gary Speckmann, chair
• Finance Committee: Rick Rothman, chair
• Community Outreach Committee: Melissa Ruether, chair
  • Arts Contest subcommittee
  • Annual Member Meeting subcommittee
  • Candlelight Hike Festival subcommittee