I’ve called Monona home since 2007. Before moving, I spent over two decades in Chicago. My love for the outdoors kept pulling me north—teaching kayaking at Rutabaga Paddlesports, biking through the countryside, paddling, camping, and soaking in everything this metro area has to offer. When it was time to leave Chicago, Monona was the obvious choice: a smaller, vibrant community with that unmistakable “Midwest nice.”

For many years, my skills as a group facilitator, kayaker, passion for and knowledge of our natural world, and interest in other cultures have been channeled into part-time service as an international Expedition Leader for several companies, most recently Natural Habitat Adventures in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund. I’ve enjoyed getting “lost” with others in the smells, sounds, sights and warmth of differing cultures, among them the Philippines, Galapagos, Belize, Chile, Greenland, Cuba, Panama, Portugal, and Croatia. I suffered from permanent wanderlust!  But I’m more of a homebody now; local adventures, including as a civil servant and volunteer, have become my cup of tea. I’m also passionate about the arts, including live music and great food.  

I live simply, with one big exception—spoiling my cat, Gabby. Growing up in a frugal New England household taught me the value of investing in quality, maintaining what I have, and making things last. That mindset—living within my means, saving wisely, and being resourceful—shapes not just my personal life but also my approach to public decision-making.

For 25 years, I’ve worked as an independent consultant in the nonprofit sector—first with arts and cultural organizations, then with conservation groups—partnering with clients across the country. I’m winding down those commitments now, ready for a new chapter (dare I say retirement) and eager to focus more of my time and expertise locally.

My consultancy was generated from a lifetime in nonprofit leadership and management, including 9 years as an administrator at Northwestern University and 11 years as Executive Director of an arts organization in Chicago. I also served as a Senior Examiner for Illinois Performance Excellence, helping organizations across all sectors strengthen their operations. My expertise includes strategic planning, process improvement, program development, and evaluation, all grounded in a strong business acumen, vision, and strategic thinking.

And for the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of serving my community as a City Council member.

About two decades ago, I was feeling stuck – personally and professionally.  Wanting to be more intentional in my life, I gathered a small group of respected friends and colleagues to help me create a vision for my future. It wasn’t about what I’d do, but who I wanted to more powerfully be.

The vision created that day was:

• leadership, 

• navigating for the common good, 

• kindness, 

• love, and 

• gratitude  

My move to Monona, my international guiding, and my community service were all generated out of this vision.  It sits on my desk as a gentle and constant reminder to guide me. I consciously work to live in and up to that vision every day. 

I share this story, first, because it not only represents some of my values, but because it reflects my leadership style.  First, I don’t like being stuck!  I’m a creator and problem-solver.  I have been and will continue to be as Mayor of Monona.  

Second, I am committed to listening, to visioning and strategic thinking, and to collaborating with others to generate solutions and growth.  I see challenges as opportunities.  I believe that possibility comes from creating, not coping.  

Literally anything is possible – in our lives and in Monona.  Or, to harken back to one of my favorite childhood books, I think Monona is “The Little Engine That Could.”  Let’s work together in creating Monona’s next chapter.