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

• Dr. Michael Gross,retired UWSP faculty
• Bernard Hlavac, retired, Sentry Insurance executive
• Sue McKenzie, Portage County Parks administrative associate
• Jackie Meyers, Stevens Point Area YMCA health enhancement coordinator
• Mike Orella, retired, UWSP Facility Services
• Ross Rettler, Rettler Corporation project manager
• Will Scheder, Stevens Point Area Public School District substitute teacher
• Tim Taschwer, retired, TKE Educational Foundation president/CEO
• Chris Thompson, Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital pharmacist
• Lionel Weaver, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP counsel
• Karl Wolf, retired radiography
• Rick Wyman, retired, Kickapoo Valley Cheese CFO/controller

UWSP Student Representatives

• Connor McKenzie
• Liz Schmutzer

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of every other month, starting in January, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. The meetings are open to anyone interested.

Committees

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

• Executive Committee: Ron Zimmerman, chair
• Advancement Committee: Michael Gross and Jerry Lineberger, co-chairs
• Lands, Trails, and Facilities Committee: Ron Zimmerman, chair
• Finance Committee: Rick Rothmann, chair
• Community Outreach Committee: Melissa Ruether, chair
  • Friends Events subcommittee
  • Arts Contest subcommittee
  • Candlelight Hike Festival subcommittee