Board Members
Meet Our Board of Directors
President
Jim Miller
Washburn
Vice President
Wendy Gorman
Ashland
Secretary
Tricia Shields
Ashland
Treasurer
Julie Van Stappen
Washburn
Board Member
Laura Martinsen
Ashland
Board Member
Kelly Westlund
Ashland
Board Member
Roger Lindgren
Cornucopia
Board Member
Dale Chesley
Ashland
Board Member
Gail Amundson
Cornucopia
President
Jim Miller
Jim and his wife Kathy live outside Washburn. He is a retired college VP/Dean who worked at Northland College, UW-Superior, and several other colleges and universities. He has served as a Supervisor and Board Chair for the Town of Washburn and President of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. He currently also serves on the board of Ashwabay Alliance, which includes Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay.
Vice President
Wendy Gorman
Wendy and her husband Owen have been part of the Ashland community since 1999. Wendy was employed Northland College for 21 years as Professor and Academic Dean. She currently volunteers with The BRICK’s Food Shelf Program.
Secretary
Tricia Shields
Tricia Shields is a Human Resources executive specializing in technology automation and AI. With over 20 years of experience in business and technology, she focuses on HR strategy, employee experience, and driving technology adoption. Originally from the Madison area, Tricia relocated to Ashland in 2021 with her husband, Jeff. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, spending time with her growing family, and relaxing at the lake cabin.
Treasurer
Julie Van Stappen
Julie Van Stappen has enjoyed living in the Washburn area since 1988, where she moved with her family for a position with Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Thirty-five years later she retired as the park’s Resource Stewardship Director. In retirement, she’s been able to start focusing on some of her other passions, including helping those in need, especially related to food insecurity. She enjoys volunteering at The BRICK and enjoys working with others on the Board.
Board Member
Dale Chesley
Dale is a retired pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is married with two adult daughters and a third daughter of heart. He is presently serving as co-interim pastor for Saron Lutheran Church in Ashland. It is his heartfelt passion that we are called to care for those in need around us as a number one priority.
Board Member
Laura Martinsen
Laura Martinsen, her husband Brett, and their young son live on the outskirts of Ashland with their two dogs. Laura currently works as the Social Worker at the Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center and Clerk for the Town of Gingles. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, reading, writing, cooking, and traveling. Laura’s philosophy in life is to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through.
Board Member
Kelly Westlund
Kelly is a career public servant, currently working as the Bayfield County Deputy Administrator. She is in her first term with The BRICK’s Board of Directors and is excited about helping to build a more welcoming and supportive community for those in need. She and her husband, Caleb, live in Ashland with too many pets.
Board Member
Roger Lindgren
Roger Lindgren and his wife Nancy grew up in Minneapolis, have roots in Cornucopia, and have resided there since 2012. In 2010, Roger ended his 41-year career in steel manufacturing and retired as President of a steel company serving the energy industry. After relocating, Roger served as Town of Bell Chairman. Roger and Nancy are very proud parents of three children and seven grandchildren and remain active in community affairs.
Board Member
Gail Amundson
Gail Amundson is a retired primary care physician living outside Cornucopia with her husband Peter Rothe. She had a clinical practice in Saint Paul, MN, and also worked as a healthcare executive specializing in healthcare quality for many years. After leaving Minnesota, Gail led a healthcare collaborative in Illinois. She has served on numerous state and national committees including Clearway Minnesota’s Board, the organization charged with reducing harm from tobacco use statewide.