Our Board of Directors

TR McKenzie, Managing Broker – Business Development – Real Estate Development

“I don’t have a favorite Easterseals Wisconsin program as there are too many great services to choose only one. I like how Self-Employment Services empowers people to work for themselves and fosters each individuals’ unique skills set. I like how the Camp/Respite programs allow kids to have a summer camp experience which brings joy to their lives (while also giving a needed break to the campers’ parents or caregiver). I like how the FARM Program finds custom solutions to unique injuries and allows farmers to maintain their livelihood and continue to provide for their families.”

M3 Insurance, Senior Account Executive and Partner

“The Camps, in particular Respite Camp, got me involved with Easterseals Wisconsin, and not only what it brings to the individuals attending but their families as well. This service to the families that provide 24/7 care to their family members is a real difference maker. The respite time not only allows the kids to have a special time at camp but gives the families caring for the individual that respite to enjoy other facets of life they may not be able to while caring for their child or loved one.”

Wisconsin Financial Group, Financial Advisor

Zach Morley grew up in Maryville, Missouri and moved to Madison to attend the UW and play basketball for the Badgers. After retiring from professional basketball in Europe, he decided it was time to focus his attention on finding ways to be more involved in his own community here in Wisconsin. Zach attended the Starry Night event with a friend, was impressed by the Easterseals Wisconsin programs he was introduced to that night and knew that he’d found an organization he’d be proud to be a part of. When asked to serve on the Board, he quickly accepted and he’s excited to do his part in helping enhance the lives of those with disabilities. Zach is a financial advisor with Wisconsin Financial Group and lives in Middleton with his wife, Rachel, and kids Rowan, Fallon, and Collins.

Manager, Communication Programs at the United Soybean Board

Sara is Manager of Communication Programs at the United Soybean Board. She previously held roles with Genus plc, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Cooperative Network, Wisconsin FFA Foundation, and Agri-View. She is a proud alumnus of UW-Madison, where she majored in Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communications. She completed her Master of Agribusiness degree from Kansas State University in 2018 and is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University-Chicago.

When approached to serve on the Easterseals Wisconsin Board of Directors, she enthusiastically accepted, noting, “It is a privilege to be asked to be a part of this exceptional organization. I consider it an honor to work with the Easterseals Wisconsin Staff and Board of Directors to further the opportunities available to children and adults with disabilities across the state.”

Small Animal Veterinarian

“I have always been very passionate about the disability community, having grown up with a younger sister with tuberous sclerosis. My sister still resides with my parents, and I have seen firsthand how she benefits from programs targeted toward people with disabilities. I have been overly impressed with Easterseals Wisconsin after learning more about the organization and the various programs it offers. I have been particularly impressed with the Respite Camp and the unique experience and opportunities it provides for the campers. I look forward to being a contributing member of the Developmental Board of this wonderful organization.”

Buell Real Estate Group, Broker/Owner

“I was raised in Madison, WI and returned after attending University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. My amazing wife, Bridget, and I have two busy children, and we reside in Cottage Grove. Since 2005, I have worked to build a thriving real estate career, and lead a team of 6 agents. Through the success of that business, I have been able to pursue one of my passions, which is supporting our local community. My family has been proud to support Easterseals Wisconsin for almost 40 years. From the days of the telethon, to 24-hour relays; the Easterseals community has been an influential part of my life. I look forward to serving on the Easterseals Wisconsin Board and helping to make an impact on the community that Easterseals serves.”

Convene Communications, Founder & President

“A life-changing moment occurred in 1978 when, as a university student, I was invited to serve as a summer Camp Counselor at Easterseals Wisconsin Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells. It forever shaped who I am and what I inspire to do in life. The mission of Easterseals represents an absolute commitment to increasing independence, maximizing opportunities, minimizing barriers, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. To serve this organization in helping to shape others’ today and tomorrow is indeed a privilege and a shared passion.”

Aqua Finance, VP – Funding

Born and raised and currently residing in Athens, WI. I’m the VP of Funding for Aqua Finance and just celebrating my 16th work anniversary in December. My intro to Easterseals ties to my uncle Sylvester “Skip” Ellenbecker and his memorial golf outing. I golfed and participated the first few years which turned into being asked to be on the golf planning committee a few years ago.

This year, I was surprised and flattered by the request to consider being on the board for Easterseals Wisconsin. I have tons to learn, but the minimal exposure I’ve had so far has been very exciting. I look forward to learning more and being more immersed in all the amazing things Easterseals Wisconsin brings to so many and helping expand exposure in central Wisconsin and the Northwoods.

KleenMark, Business Development Manager

“I support the organization and mission because of the opportunity to help give families reason to smile. I want my kids to look back at me (dad) and say this is what he did for so many families and I want to help do the same.”

Farmer

“As a farmer, I was introduced to Easterseals Wisconsin through AgrAbility Wisconsin, where I worked with the Easterseals Wisconsin FARM Program. They helped me by making suggestions for changes and improvements that would make my farming operation safer and easier. I have spoken at both Starry Night and Blizzard Blast fundraising events about my experiences with the FARM Program.

I serve on the Leeds Town Board, am past-president of Equity Columbian Co-op, and have worked on the Columbia County Board of Adjustment, my Church Council, and the Columbia County Snowmobile Council.

I’m looking forward to working with an organization that helped me and so many other people.”

Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, Attorney

“Respite Camp services saved our family for many years when our daughter, Rachel, spent weekends and summer weeks there, giving us time to spend with our other children. We appreciate the passion and effectiveness that Easterseals Wisconsin brings to serving people with disabilities and their families in Wisconsin.”

Northwestern Mutual, Vice President & Chief Actuary

“My family became acquainted with Easterseals Wisconsin through its Respite Camp – a camp that my son, Casey, has benefited from for several years and that has benefited my family by providing respite and the chance to reconnect while having the confidence that Casey was being taken care of with the utmost care.”

Century 21 Dairyland Realty, Real Estate Agent & Development Professional

“I have been a proud supporter of and fundraiser for Easterseals Wisconsin for over 15 years, when the CENTURY 21 real estate franchise introduced us to the many national Easterseals programs at an annual conference. I have seen firsthand the ecstatic faces on campers at Camp Waubeek, talked with parents who can’t imagine life without Respite Camp, and even had the pleasure of meeting a farmer who can continue to farm thanks to Easterseals Wisconsin helping to retrofit his tractor after his disability made it impossible to operate. For all these reasons and so many more, I am excited to join the Easterseals Wisconsin Board of Directors and look forward to making an impact.”

Easterseals Wisconsin, President & CEO

Before being named CEO in September 2020, Paul held various leadership positions within the agency. He is known best for his deep commitment to the clients served through Easterseals Wisconsin and has spent much of his career leading the agency’s nationally honored FARM Program since its inception in 1989.

In response to his promotion as CEO and President of Easterseals Wisconsin, “I’m fortunate to have had the chance to work with and learn from Christine Fessler for so many years and am grateful that she is leaving the agency in a stable and strong position,” says Leverenz. “It’s also been a true privilege to work with the talented and skilled staff that we have in the organization. I look forward to collaborating with them to move our services forward.”

LH Capital Holdings/Artisan Graham Real Estate, Managing Partner

“Born and raised in Lancaster, WI, I am a true Wisconsin native. I am currently the Managing Partner of LH Capital Holdings and Artisan Graham Real Estate. I have spent my career influencing and guiding entrepreneurs, investors, and executives in real estate, public banking, and the private sector for over the past 15 years. I am an alumnus of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Bachelors), as well as Syracuse University (MBA).

Being asked to join the Easterseals Wisconsin Board has been a great honor and I am really excited to contribute to an organization that has such a collective impact on peoples’ lives. As a father of three amazing children, and husband to an incredible wife, I count my blessings every day. Knowing there are families that need additional assistance just to accomplish the day to day tasks that we take for granted, really excites me to lend a helping hand. I look forward to collaborating with this amazing group of people and am very optimistic of what the future has in store for this great organization!”

“Throughout my career I have worked with farmers who have been involved with Easterseals Wisconsin’s FARM Program and AgrAbility and I have witnessed the benefits to our state’s farmers. My wife and daughter, who are teachers, work with children with disabilities and I have seen the satisfaction they get when helping their students. Being on the board is one way that I can give back to the community.”

Jeff has many years of experience in the field of agriculture. He began his career as a writer at The Country Today, then as a legislative aide in Washington DC, assistant director for National Commission on Dairy Policy, 22 years at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and most recently, was the general manager at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. Lyon served for nearly eight years as the Deputy Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Jeff resides in Middleton with his wife Karen. They have two adult children.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Wisconsin State Manager

“People with disabilities have always held a very special place in my heart, as my older sister, Katie, has Down Syndrome. Although she never attended Camp Wawbeek, she was fortunate enough to spend a week every summer at a camp very similar in nature. She always spoke about her time at camp with such excitement, and we loved hearing about all the fun activities she did and the new friendships she formed with other campers and counselors.

After I attended a recruiting event about 6 years ago with board member Andy Crooks, and former board member Matt Bernstein, I knew this was an organization that made a difference in so many people’s lives, and that I needed to get involved through the philanthropic spirit of Tito’s. I am happy to have been asked to take my participation to another level by serving on the Board of Directors with such an amazing group of people!”

First Vice President, Business Banking – Park Bank

As First Vice President–Business Banking at Park Bank, Elyse helps her clients achieve financial success mostly through Commercial Real Estate and C&I lending. She brings over 21 years of banking experience, holding leadership positions and belonging to several non-profit boards. Elyse holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Finances from UW Whitewater.

Retired

“While attending a parent resource fair, I stopped by the Easterseals Wisconsin table and was excited to learn about an inclusive camp our daughter might enjoy. In the summer of 2007, our daughter Katherine attended ESW Respite Camp and life was forever changed. We were thrilled that campers with disabilities could participate in typical camp activities, such as sleeping under the stars, enjoying a campfire, trying the zip-line or even archery. Our daughter made new friends and tried new things, while our family had time to recharge. Camp showed us the importance of building a community of support so Katherine could live as independently as possible.

I’ve participated in a variety of ESW functions, including Giving Tuesday, Celebrity Basketball Experience, Fall Sprawl 5k, and the spectacular Elk’s “Dancing Under the Stars” prom for special needs at Respite Camp. I am honored to serve on the ESW Board of Directors.

I retired from the Medical Imaging Department at the UW Hospital & Clinics in Madison, where I worked as a Ultrasonographer. While at the UWHC, I helped establish Project Search, a program for transition students with disabilities to develop job skills. My advocacy for individuals with disabilities evolved from serving as the McFarland School District CESA 2 Parent Liaison building positive relationships between parents and schools to being active in various family led organizations working on state and local policies that improve access to community based living, jobs, transportation, healthcare and services for people with disabilities, especially in rural communities.”

Educator

“My husband and I have been part of Easterseals Wisconsin for over 30 years. We have focused on fundraising for this organization because of their complete commitment to individuals with disabilities. Whether focused on Camp Wawbeek, Respite Camp, Self-Employment or the FARM Program, Easterseals Wisconsin is truly dedicated to changing lives.

I have spent 31 years in education as an administrator and teacher. Special Education has always been a focus and true love. I look forward to continuing my dedication to this organization and am honored to be part of the Easterseals Wisconsin Board.”