WRLP Outstanding Alumni Awards

2008 Outstanding Alumni Award

George Johnson Receives Outstanding Alumni Award

George is known throughout Wisconsin for his 35+ years as hospital administrator in Reedsburg, WI. Truly, George’s leadership turned a small local hospital into a state-of-the-art medical center (Reedsburg Area Medical Center). Skilled at forging partnerships and collaborations, George became known over the years as someone who could be counted on to tackle a new initiative, approach, or critical issue and then implement change in a systematic way.  Through his leadership the Reedsburg Area Medical Center grew as a facility that has led small rural hospitals in areas of excellence.  He effectively shared the vision with others to achieve a common goal of improving the healthcare of the community. He is known for showing respect for whomever he encounters for their opinions and ideas.

It was apparent that George’s consistent, meticulous, and measured growth of Reedsburg Area Medical Center, led to “ahead of the curve” healthcare services for the surrounding community.  With that more businesses came into the community, more professional services settled to the locale, and more educational offerings are happening at MATC-Reedsburg and UW-Baraboo to accommodate workforce needs, bringing hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in economic development revenues to the surrounding community.

George’s approach to hospital development and staff development served as a model to other employers of the value of social capital and community-building. The growth at RAMC and his coordinated work with other rural healthcare facility administrators led to the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. There, too, George’s quiet, persistent, steadfast approach to solution-seeking rather than just problem-solving set the tone for productive change. Tim Size of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative and Steve Brenton of the Wisconsin Hospital Association can attest to that fact. However, not one to be impressed by hype, George would probably be the first to give the credit wholly to his staff or WI Hospital Association colleagues rather than claim any for himself. Yet, the reality is that throughout Wisconsin, he set the pace and kept the pace for rural hospital organizational development.

As a member of the Lions Club of Reedsburg, his personal church as well as participation in many organizations he is a well known member of the community. One of the most sincere community stewardship actions he took recently related to his decision to permit use of the vacant RAMC nursing home facility for a period of time for homeless housing. For George it was the right thing to do.

George has also made significant contribution to the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program as a Board of Director, Board President, and donor.  As Group VI participant graduating from the program in 1996 he saw the benefits of having a program such as this to help build local community leaders. It was through his experience that he, along with other leaders in Sauk County, used WRLP to role model the development of the Sauk County Institute of Leadership that will be celebrating 10 years of building leaders this year.

In January of this year George retired from his role as President of the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. His retirement was well deserved however the corridors of RAMC are not quite the same. He left behind a legacy of achieving excellence by teaching those around him to develop their own leadership skills, to lead by example, and to respect what others have to offer.

Four other outstanding alumns were recognized at the 2008Legacy of Leadership celebration.

Daphne Holterman
Daphne is a Group III alumnus portrays the epitome of leadership in both her business and the community. At Rosy-Lane Holsteins, Daphne fulfills several roles – farm tour and community relations coordinator, office manager, calf raiser and bookkeeper. Daphne has demonstrated uncommon leadership in modern dairy financial analysis and planning, modern calf management and animal well-being initiatives, farmland preservation and environmental programs, as well as community and consumer relations.  Wisconsin agriculture – the state’s No. 1 industry – benefits from her insightfulness and passion. Name an agricultural industry group or board locally, in the county or state, – you’ll find Daphne is involved.   

The Jefferson County Animal Agricultural Alliance is an example of Daphne’s passion and innovation for Wisconsin agriculture. Daphne’s vision led her to pull together a coalition to address educating non-farm local leaders about the importance of agriculture to the community. This group regularly communicates with local elected leaders, has developed useful support materials and created positive visibility at community events.  Daphne is a bright, intelligent and innovative woman. Dependable, capable, visionary, articulate and outstanding farm business partner are all terms that describe Daphne Holterman.

Ruth Lindegarde
Ruth is an alumnus of group VIII is currently the owner of CHD Associates and the Executive Director of High Expectations.  Throughout Dodge County, the state and country more and more we see the need to provide constructive activities for youth.  Ruth started High Expectations in 1998 showing her commitment to lowering high risk behaviors in youth.  She is a trainer, a Community leader, a community organizer of several grassroots community organizations for Restorative Justice, Public Health Community Assessment and youth services.

Ruth is an advocate for youth throughout Dodge County in various areas of youth with special needs, schools and community organizations.  She tirelessly works to help change community norms that support youth to becoming mature and responsible adults.

Norm Monsen
Norm is an alum of Group VII.  He works as an economic development consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, DATCP.  During the past seven years, Norm has served at the forefront of statewide efforts to revitalize Wisconsin's dairy industry, a huge economic engine for Wisconsin.  In fact, dairy means more to Wisconsin than citrus does to Florida, or potatoes do to Idaho, contributing $20.6 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy.

Norm works hard to support and encourage Wisconsin cheese companies that make the decision to shift to specialty cheese, as well as to dozens of new farmstead dairies where farm owners are building their own facilities and creating their own marketing approaches to connect with urban consumers. The result has been a true renaissance in Wisconsin's dairy industry.  For the first time in decades, the dairy industry in Wisconsin is again growing, and Norm has played a significant part in this turn of events.  Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said about Norm's impact: “Every dairy plant operator, big or small, that I encounter in my travels, knows of Norm Monsen and his abilities to help connect them to the great resources that Wisconsin has configured to help dairy plants with new ventures.  Norm is a true "ambassador" for dairy development in Wisconsin.  His role is vital and irreplaceable".

Norm created the Wisconsin Dairy Artisan Network.   The network provides a forum for small, similarly situated dairy entrepreneurs to share information, seek regulatory reforms, and publicize their offerings to better market their products.

Will Hughes, Administrator of the Division of Agricultural Development, says this of Norm's work to fuse the myriad of dairy interests in America’s Dairyland:  "Norm's work is magical. Somehow he brings folks from such disparate dairy interests together- small and large, cow and sheep, cheesemakers and bottlers--you wonder what might result.  What has resulted is a true and deep respect for how important each is to the other.  Now the dairy industry is one when it comes to quality and image.  Norm's work is powerful." 

Martina Stanton
Marty of Group IX has been a leader and mentor in many different ways. Marty’s leadership qualities consist of being a solid team leader of High Expectations and the Teen Center of Beaver Dam. Marty has the ability to look at a situation, activity or program from many different angles and take staff’s suggestions to create an activity or program to meet the goals and objectives.

She is a coordinator and trainer, she’s has presented several state conferences.  She is a successful Grant writer, Administrator and mentor. She has provided leadership and stability in her work in youth development.  She has made a huge difference in the lives of the youth of Dodge County community.

2006 Outstanding Alumni Award

Rep. Jean Hundertmark Receives 2006 Outstanding Alumni Award

Winston Churchill once said that “We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give."  Wisconsin is a special place to live, in part, due to the dedication and energy of our alumni who give of themselves.  This award was established in 1998 to recognize an individual whose professional and volunteer efforts have improved the lives of their fellow citizens.  As the award criteria describes – “The recipient serves as a role model for all to emulate. Their life serves as an inspiration to others and they are best known for doing ‘the right thing.’”

During the Group XI Graduation celebration, July 15th, WRLP Alumni Association Board President Darren Schroeder (VIII) and Vice President, Michelle Zahn, (X) presented the 2006 Outstanding Alumni Award to Rep. Jean Hundertmark, Group VII.

Jean was recognized for taking the leadership training she received through WRLP to successfully run for the Wisconsin State Assembly representing portions of Waupaca, Shawano, and Outagamie County.  She has been re-elected to this seat three times by overwhelming margins.  Assembly leadership has shown faith in her abilities by giving her many responsibilities including chairing a number of challenging committees. This November Jean is running for Lieutenant Governor.  Jean has the ability to work on legislation that affects not only her district, but the entire state.  During her third session, Jean’s colleagues recognized her leadership and elected her the Assistant Majority Leader. 

Jean also worked with UW-Extension to create a leadership development program called Leadership Waupaca County.  Each class also attends a two day program on state government that Jean organizes. 

2004 Outstanding Alumni Award

Mark Cook Receives 2004 Outstanding Alumni Award

The Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Alumni Association (WRLPAA) recognizes one individual every two years for their outstanding leadership contributions. The 2004 Outstanding Alumni Award was awarded to Mark Cook, Group III, on July 17, 2004, during Group X’s graduation ceremony.

Mark has dedicated his professional life and much of his personal energies to resolving stray voltage concerns in the State of Wisconsin. Mark is the manager of the Rural Electric Power Services Program, which is jointly administered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Mark’s leadership, professionalism, and generous spirit have been tried and tested through his 18+ year involvement in this highly controversial issue. He has managed to navigate the technical complexities and highly emotionally charged environment with integrity, skill and untiring dedication.

The Rural Electric Power Services Program is unique in the nation as a cooperative effort between multiple agencies including PSCW, DATCP, the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Technical College system and has served as model for other states to follow. Mark’s knowledge and experience in public service has been invaluable in forging links between these agencies and in making these collaborations work effectively. And that’s no small accomplishment, as anyone who has ever been involved in inter-agency programs can attest.

Mark has played a pivotal role in reversing the heightening of distrust between farmers and electrical energy providers. Through his work, he has personally overseen the development of a program of farmstead rewiring and the upgrading of both services and service capacity to rural residents. No one else has been at both the farm and the policy levels, nor could anyone else have maintained such composure.
He has spent many long days and late nights building countless new bridges and mending old ones to bring together several state agencies, electric utilities, rural electric power cooperatives, farmers, electricians, equipment dealers and other agriculture professionals to make a positive difference in the lives of Wisconsin’s rural residents.

Mark is the kind of individual in which any investment of time or support will be repaid time and again. Mark is analytical and objective. He is strategic, tactful and diplomatic. His bigger sense of purpose and of institutions, combined with compassion for the people he serves, is heroic. Mark has generously contributed countless hours of lectures to educational programs though the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Technical College system and other professional associations. He has also found time to author no less than 40 technical papers and reports. These papers have provided a wealth of knowledge to people all around the world dealing with electrical safety on farms and stray voltage issues.

Mark is also a farmer and is an elected member of the Cambridge School Board of Education. Recently, Mark arranged for the recognition by the community and by the full Board of Education for a student and his teachers who had received a National FFA Award. Mark’s nominator told us he is a quiet, astute observer. He is respectful of the opinions, sensitivities and rights of others. While he has ascended to positions of great power and authority, he has taken the responsibilities of these assignments very seriously and just as humbly. He is the kind of person that is easy to look up to and about whom the label, friend, would also seen right. He is the kind of person that the WRLP Alumni Association takes great pride in recognizing as an Outstanding Alumni.

Darren Schroeder (left), WRLPAA President, presenting award to Mark Cook

2002 Outstanding Alumni Award

Sandi Cihlar Receives 2002 Outstanding Alumni Award

The Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Alumni Association recognized four alumni at Group IX's Graduation Ceremony in Mosinee on July 13, 2002. Nominated for 2002 Outstanding WRLP Alumnus were Bonnie Peterson, Gary Kirking, and Linda Hodorff. Sandi Cihlar received the 2002 Alumni Award.

Sandi Cihlar, Group IV
A surprised Sandi commented, "I was so overwhelmed at receiving the award. This is very special honor for me because it came from an exceptionaly special group!"

Sandi was recognized for her years of effective leadership and community service. She has a passion to serve and assist people while maintaining a high degree of integrity. Sandi has demonstrated this through her tireless and diligent efforts in her recent campaign for state assembly, serving as a director on the Milk Marketing Board, a past director on the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Board of Directors and as secretary of the Wisconsin Rural Health Association Board of Directors. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

Other involvement of Sandi's includes the Dairy Council of Wisconsin, Marathon County Dairy Leader Group, Marathon County Farm Bureau, Friends of Rib Mountain, Marathon County 4-H, National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, Wisconsin Women in Agriculture, and the Mosinee Bike Safety and Bike Rodeo Committee.

Sandi addresses the needs in the community by providing a grassroots effort and strong voice to advocate for those out in the field, who work hard and deserve an opportunity to excel.

Recently Sandi served as the Chair for the Selection of Group X WRLP participants. Sandi took the time and energy to travel the state and help to interview each and every candidate for the program.

Sandi takes the time to reach out and make a difference for any community she is involved in and she takes the initiative to be actively involved in many. She is truly a catalyst for making her community and Wisconsin a better place to live. Congratulations Sandi!

Gary Kirking, Group V
Gary is employed by the Western Wisconsin Technical College and is currently the regional manager of the Black River Falls Campus. Gary serves many local, regional and international organizations including the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation Board, the European Rural University International Steering Community, the Jackson County Rural Health Network as Board member and as a Corporate Treasurer. Recently Gary completed a term as a member and President of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Board of Directors. Gary was the first WRLP alumni to be President.

Linda Hodorff, Group III
Linda's most notable leadership role is as a national director for the Holstein Association, USA, the national breed group for Holstein dairy cattle. She represents breeders across Wisconsin and has taken a key role in food safety and animal identification. As a woman in the dairy world, Linda earned the respect of leaders in the industry. Linda served on the Wisconsin Dairy 2020 Council, and has been involved internationally as a US Dairy Ambassador.

Linda and her husband Doug have been partners in Second Look Holsteins since 1982. Along with their son, the Hodorff's milk more than 750 cows and operate a heifer-raising facility in Nebraska.

Other involvement that demonstrates the impact of Linda's leadership is with her church - Sunday school teacher and president of United Methodist Women. She spends countless hours and days working with youth in her county - 4-H, dairy cattle judging team, and Junior Holstein Association. She strives for excellence daily in her business and in her family and inspires those around her to do the same.

Bonnie Peterson, Group VII
Bonnie is the owner of Word Emporium, a communications business. Bonnie spends an enormous amount of time devoted to assisting with the growth of her community. She is a leader in tourism activities like the Juneau County Lake Fest and the Necedah Whooping Crane Festivities. She has also developed marketing materials for her county's economic development committee.

Other activities that demonstrate Bonnie's leadership include her role as a board member of the Wisconsin Rural Partners organization. Last fall she took a lead role in planning and implementing the Governor's Rural Summit. Bonnie is also a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program. As Communications Chair for WRLP, she led efforts to create a new set of marketing materials for the program. Bonnie can always be counted on to produce extremely high quality materials for all forms of media.

L-R: Gary Kirking, Sandi Cihlar, Connie Loden (WRLPAA President and presenter of award), Bonnie Peterson (missing).

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