La Crosse, WI (June 20, 2018) –La Crosse Promise announced today that they elected five new board members, to serve 3-year terms, at their 2018 Annual Meeting. They are: Juan Jimenez, Mark Etrheim, Keonte Turner, Joe Zoellner, and Dawn Wacek (bios below). La Crosse Promise also acknowledges outgoing board members Brad Sturm, Jim Fowler, and Andrew Bosshard for their service and commitment to the Promise mission. The three will remain advisors to the board.
“Our three retiring Board members were instrumental in the growth of La Crosse Promise from a fledgling organization to a robust presence in La Crosse schools and neighborhoods,” said Board President Margaret Dihlmann-Malzer. “I am privileged to have been able to work with all of them. I am excited about the energy and experience that our five new Board members bring and the roles they will play in the continuing growth of La Crosse Promise.”
Welcome La Crosse Promise Board Members:
Juan Jiménez, Associate Dean of General Studies, Western Technical College. Chicago native Jimenez is Viterbo University graduate and is President of their alumni association. Prior to his current role, Jimenez held teaching positions in middle and high schools. He is currently seeking his Doctor of Education Degree. “I am looking forward to this opportunity with the Promise because it supports my belief in education, especially public education, as well as it supports and sustains a diverse community,” said Jimenez.
Dawn Wacek, Youth Services Librarian, La Crosse Public Library. Wacek represents a Promise Scholarship Family, the first Promise client to demolish the existing condemned structure themselves and build a new home after purchasing the property from the city in 2017. Wacek has more than ten years of public library experience serving youth, families, and adults in diverse communities. “We were so excited to build our new home and be a part of the Promise program,” she commented. “I look forward to serving on the board.”
Keonte Turner – Banker, Associated Bank. Originally from Milwaukee, Turner made La Crosse his home about seven years ago graduating from Viterbo University. In addition to his new role on the La Crosse Board of Education. He is active in B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders acquiring Collective Knowledge) serving as their financial advisor and the Youth coordinator at Crossway Church. “From a childhood that might be deemed undesirable, I was determined to escape. I escaped it by way of education and I never looked back,” said Turner about his commitment to education and the La Crosse community.
Mark Etrheim – President, Mastercraft Homes, Inc. A custom home builder for 41 years, Etrheim’s other interests include a residential rental business, commercial office rentals, land development, and Shenanigans Family Entertainment Center. Ethrheim is an Active Rotarian, past president of La Crosse Builders Association, past president of Wisconsin Builders Association, and past president of RiverFront Foundation. “Affordable housing is needed and the La Crosse Promise is a step in the right direction,” said Etrheim.
Joe Zoellner – Market President, Coulee Bank. Zoellner was born and raised on the southside of La Crosse and attended UW-La Crosse, majoring in Finance and Economics. He began his banking career as a commercial credit analyst at First Business Bank. He has been with Coulee Bank for eight years. He noted, “What I like about the La Crosse Promise is its ability to jumpstart the revitalization of a neighborhood through good families, the reconstruction of the building stock and by promoting education.”