Junior League of Eau Claire

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Jill Fenn - President

Jill has lived in Eau Claire for over 13 years. Originally from Green Bay, she moved to the area to attend college at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where she obtained a double BA degree in Psychology and Organizational Communications. Jill met her husband, Andy, while attending UWEC, and in August 2009 they will celebrate 8 years of marriage. Together they have a 6 year old daughter, Megan. Professionally, she wears two hats. She’s been with NBI for nearly 8 years, overseeing the Marketing Communications Department. She also recently began her own business, Serendipity Photography, specializing in portraits of families and children. Jill serves on the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Literacy Volunteers of the Chippewa Valley Board of Directors, the Leadership Eau Claire Curriculum Committee and the Sherman Elementary School PTA Executive Board. She is a 2008 Leadership Eau Claire graduate, and is in her 4th year serving on the Junior League of Eau Claire Board of Directors.

Kathryn Wahl - President Elect

Kathryn was born and raised in Eau Claire and returned to the community after graduating from law school. While being raised in Eau Claire she attended Memorial High School. Kathryn continued her education and obtained a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. She also completed police recruit school at CVTC and earned her law enforcecment certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board. In additiona, Kathryn also completed Department of Justice Correctional Training and earned her correctional officer certification. After working in law enforcement and juvenile corrections she attended Hamline University School of Law were she earned her Juris Doctor in 2006. In 2006 Kathryn went on to pass the Wisconsin Bar Exam. She is an Associate Attorney with Ryberg & Happe, S.C. in Eau Claire where she focuses on litigation. In addition to her involvement with Junior League Kathryn is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Eau Claire; she is Secretary of the Eau Claire County Bar Association; and she is a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Additionally, Kathryn serves on other volunteer committees and tries to positively contribute to the community that she proudly calls “home.”

Kate Gillet - Past President

Kate has lived in Eau Claire for over 9 years. Originally from New Era, MI, Kate moved to the area in order to finish her accounting degree at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has worked in both public and private accounting before becoming a stay at home wife and mother of two. Kate is a recent graduate of the 2009 Leadership Eau Claire program and has been involved with League for four years. In addition to her board involvement, she has co-chaired Casino Night and served on the Celebration of Women and Casino Night committees for multiple years. Kate met her husband, Jesse, in 2000, and will soon be celebrating their 8th anniversary.

Lynda Lavicka - V.P. of Communications

Lynda has always lived in Eau Claire. She has worked at her family’s business Classic Moving & Storage for the last 18 years as an Office Manager and in accounting. She is married to her husband Bill and they have two children and one grandchild. They enjoy spending time at their cabin in Birchwood, boating and golfing. Lynda has also recently become a representative for Wildtree All Natural Food Products. She has volunteered over the years through her church and other local organizations. She has enjoyed being a part of Junior League for the last two years and looks forward to being the VP of Communications.

Sadie Gunderson - V.P. of Community

Sadie was born and raised in Eau Claire, then moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota. After graduating, Sadie began her career in sports marketing and promotions, and then moved on to nonprofit event management. After marrying her husband Scott and moving back to Eau Claire, she decided to open an event planning firm, Sadie Jane Events. She now manages numerous parties, weddings and corporate events each year. Last summer, Sadie and Scott became parents to a beautiful baby girl. There’s another member of the family too – a black lab named Ike. 2010-11 will be Sadie’s third year as a member of JLEC. In the past, she served as a member of League’s Public Relations and Research & Development committees. Sadie also volunteers for the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, The Eau Claire Community Foundation, and UW-Eau Claire.

Mandy Brash - V.P. of Finance

Having grown up in Indiana, Mandy moved to Eau Claire in 2006. She attended Purdue University and graduated from the School of Nursing in 2000. Upon graduation, she moved to Rochester, Minnesota and worked as a nurse at Mayo Clinic in medical cardiology for nearly six years. It was while she was there that she met Patrick. Patrick was born and raised in Eau Claire, and moved back to the area upon his college graduation. Mandy moved to Eau Claire to be closer to Patrick and his family. Since arriving, she has worked at Luther Midelfort in Cardiology where she focuses on implantable cardiac devices and cardiac arrhythmias. Patrick and Mandy live on the East Hill and share their home with their two Great Danes, Finn and Maeve. Mandy has been involved with Junior League for just one year, but looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that a position on the Board will bring. In addition to Junior League, Mandy is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society, and participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eau Claire.

Kirsten Holbrook - V.P. of Membership

Kirsten Holbrook is originally from Eau Claire. She attended the University of Wis-Eau Claire and obtained her bachelor's degree in art\art history. After college she was a nanny in Boston, MA. She returned to the Eau Claire area in 2002 where she worked as a legal assistant for a local law firm. Currently she is a stay at home mom for her 6 year old daughter, Holly. In her free time she enjoys boating with her husband, gardening, pottery and cooking. She looks forward to the next year as VP of Membership for JLEC.

Laurie Klinkhammer - Treasurer

Laurie Klinkhammer is an attorney at Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci, S.C. Prior to practicing law, she taught 4th grade in the Amery school district. Her husband, John, grew up in Eau Claire. They have two sons and stay busy with baseball, gardening, and trips to the family cabin.

Rachel Zacho - Recording Secretary

Rachel Zacho was raised in Medford, WI and moved to Menomonie when she was 18, where she met her husband Brett of 2 ½ years in 2003. With her marriage she also gained two beautiful step children who are 13 and 11. Rachel has worked for LOGICARE Corporation as the Office Manager for over 6 years and loves her job. Rachel has been involved with Jr. League for 3 years, joining the board half way through 2008 as the recording secretary. In addition to her board involvement, she has served on the Casino Night committee and helped out with other various local volunteering events.