Contributed Photo Members of the Shawano Area Community Foundation board meet regularly to move the mission of the organization forward. Pictured are, from left, Todd Raether, Melissa Wegner, Curt Knoke, Char Larsen, Mike Groth, Raquel Strayer, Nina Nolan Rouse, Todd Swedberg, Gordon Holten and Gail Bartz. Not pictured are Paul Seveska, Nancy Smith and Kelly Baumann.
Curt Knoke was there when Shawano Area Community Foundation was established in 1990 by volunteers who wanted to preserve and improve the quality of life in the Shawano area.
During his tenure on the SACF board, he saw assets go from less than $1 million to more than $5 million and, more importantly, grants go from $20,000 to $214,000 per year.
“It’s gratifying to know that what we are accomplishing now will benefit the community for generations to come,” Knoke said.
Other board members share that interest in helping the community.
“I love the Shawano area and want to do my part to make it an even better place,” current SACF board member Todd Swedberg added.
Paul Seveska had his choice of board positions after his company acquired The Shawano Leader in 2005. He chose the SACF because of “its broad commitment to improve the quality of life for all Shawano County residents.”
Gail Bartz, SACF board and grants committee member, said, “Serving on the board has proved to me over and over again the value of sharing with those in need.”
Here is the full list of board members:
• Todd Raether, chairman, partner, Sovereign Financial Group;
• Paul Seveska, vice chair, president/CEO, Wolf River Media, The Shawano Leader;
• Melissa Wegner, treasurer, associate vice president, SAP, Cooperative Resources International;
• Nancy Smith, secretary, executive director, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce;
• Gail Bartz, vice president of finance, Premier Community Bank;
• Kelly Baumann, owner, The Gathering and Farm Inn on Main;
• Michael Groth, owner, Computer Haus and Alpine Pack & Ship;
• Curt Knoke, retired president, Image Studios;
• Char Larsen, financial consultant, Premier Investment Services;
• Nina Nolan Rouse, senior web and social media specialist, St. Norbert College;
• Raquel Strayer, community volunteer;
• Todd Swedberg, owner/director, Swedberg Funeral Homes;
• Wendy Crawford, consultant, program coordinator, Leadership Shawano County;
• Gordon Holten, consultant, retired executive, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.