Meet the Executive Board
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Rona Neri
Executive Board - President
Rona Neri is a founding member of Create Waunakee and a dedicated strategist on its Executive Board. An accomplished wildlife photographer, Rona’s creative practice is defined by an intensive study of both global and local landscapes. Her work is a disciplined exploration of the natural world, fueled by a profound commitment to environmental conservation and sophisticated community engagement. By utilizing her art to foster meaningful connections between people and nature, Rona brings a unique, observational lens to the board’s vision. Her leadership ensures that the nonprofit remains a vital advocate for the intersection of ecological awareness and cultural innovation within the community.
Brian Benz
Executive Board - Treasurer
Brian Benz serves as the Treasurer for Create Waunakee, bringing extensive financial expertise to the village’s arts community. Outside of his board service, Brian is a Vice President at First Business Specialty Finance, LLC, a subsidiary of First Business Bank. A true pillar of the Waunakee community, he is dedicated to fostering local growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the arts. Brian’s leadership combines professional rigor with a deep-seated passion for seeing Waunakee thrive as a vibrant cultural hub for all residents.
Elizabeth Weller
Executive Board - Secretary
Elizabeth is a vital strategist on the Create Waunakee Executive Board, bringing a sophisticated lens to the community’s cultural development. A retired educator with a career defined by deep expertise in human development, Elizabeth possesses a keen eye for the diverse ways individuals perceive and interact with the arts. An accomplished vocalist, Elizabeth remains a lifelong practitioner of the arts. By bridging the gap between educational insight and creative expression, she ensures that Waunakee’s cultural landscape remains a resonant and high-caliber environment for all.
Edgar Steenwinkel
Executive Board Member
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Edgar is a social entrepreneur who brings a unique blend of engineering logic and civic passion to the Create Waunakee Executive Board. Following a distinguished 32-year career in the renewable energy industry, Edgar transitioned his focus toward fostering a more inclusive community. As the founder of Especially Stroopwafels and DJ Dutch, he is a dedicated advocate for the "Focus on Abilities" mission, creating dignified, meaningful employment for young adults with cognitive disabilities. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and social enterprise, Edgar ensures that Waunakee’s creative economy remains a space where every individual is valued and empowered to contribute.
Todd Schmidt
Executive Board
Todd Schmidt is the visionary founder of Create Waunakee and a dedicated leader on its Executive Board. Serving as the Village Administrator for the Village of Waunakee since 2010, Todd has been a primary architect of the community’s strategic growth and modernization. A passionate advocate for the creative economy, he believes that cultural vitality is essential to a thriving municipality. Through his expert leadership, Todd successfully bridges the gap between civic governance and cultural innovation, ensuring that Waunakee remains a premier destination for artists and creators. By fostering a climate of excellence, he continues to champion the transformative power of the arts in public life.
Melissa Hunt
Executive Board
Melissa Hunt is a distinguished leader in economic development and a vital member of the Create Waunakee Executive Board. As the President and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), Melissa brings decades of expertise in crafting strategies that drive community prosperity. A "People and Culture" champion and a Certified Economic Developer, she is dedicated to the principle of servant leadership. Melissa’s visionary approach ensures that cultural innovation remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economic growth, making her an invaluable advocate for Waunakee’s creative future.
Meet the Advisory Team
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Erin Chicoine
Advisory Team
Erin is the talented Owner and Photographer behind Studio E Photography, capturing moments with a keen artistic eye. Her foundation in photography from Illinois State University informs her professional approach and creative vision. As a member of Create Waunakee, she brings her photographic expertise to enrich the local arts community.
Deb Nies
Advisory Team - Chair of Groundlings Theater
Deb Nies is a passionate community builder in Waunakee, best known for creating interactive public art installations on Main Street like the Wishing Tree, the Waunakee Chalkboard, and the Wind Phone. Professionally, she is the CMO of eight restaurants and the Executive Producer of Groundlings Theater. Deb channels her passion for connection into mentoring as a Big Sister and supporting others through After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD).
Dave Perek
Advisory Team - Chair of Make Music Waunakee, Grocery Getaway
Dave Perek is a dedicated community member and musician in Waunakee, best known for his commitment to building a vibrant local music scene. As the new chairperson of Make Music - Waunakee and the music organizer for Grocery Get Away, Dave provides platforms for local artists to connect with the community. He channels his passion for performance and sound through his band, Only Lemons, and his dedication to creating shared musical experiences for everyone.
Greg Watson
Advisory Team
Greg Watson brings a unique expertise in creative solutions and large-scale structural engineering to the Create Waunakee Advisory Board. As the principal of GSWatson Designs, Greg has spent over 16 years mastering the art of "elegant simplicity" through high-level pre-construction and operations management. A seasoned boat builder and sailor, his work is defined by a disciplined understanding of technical precision and environmental resilience. His leadership as a Temple Builder for Burning Man exemplifies his ability to bridge the gap between complex engineering and profound cultural expression. Greg’s specialized perspective on the "built environment" provides an essential layer of innovation to the group’s structural and artistic initiatives.
Kylie West
Advisory Team
Kylie West’s strategic role within the Village of Waunakee has been foundational to the development of Create Waunakee’s long-term programming, organization, and administration. Their expertise in navigating complex civic structures has been essential in shaping the nonprofit’s internal framework and its most vital community initiatives. By providing a disciplined bridge between municipal operations and cultural growth, Kylie ensures that the group’s initiatives are both sustainable and high-impact. Continuing their leadership across numerous specialized committees, they remain a driving force in the group’s evolution. Their commitment to professional excellence ensures that Create Waunakee’s administrative backbone is as robust as its creative vision.
Meet the Staff
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Jennifer Norback
Development Director
As the Development Director at Create Waunakee, Jennifer Norback offers a rich history in the arts, holding a BA in Art History and having worked across various facets of the industry. From managing galleries in Chicago and Paris to directing arts residencies, her experience aligns perfectly with the organization's mission. Jennifer's passion for the arts and expertise in fundraising are key to advancing Create Waunakee's goals.