Birch Creek Board of Trustees
Birch Creek is governed by a 19-member board selected to serve three-year terms. Trustees are Door County residents identified for their accomplishments in the arts, humanities, business, education or public service. The board includes members from urban and rural areas across Door County and from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. Board members set policy for Birch Creek and work with the executive director to approve budgets annually.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Steve Gomoll, President
Scott Brunswick, Vice President
Patti Vickman, Secretary
Stephen Kase, Treasurer
Steven Kane, Development Chair
TRUSTEES
Donna Altepeter
John Belmont, President – The Associates
Jane Berg
Jim Blair
Greg Britton
Carla Byrnes
Jim Flint
Tammie Grossman
Joan Guasta
Steven Johnson
Lynn Kaczmarek
David Long
Carl Shakal
Birch Creek Administrative Staff
Jenna Ferdon
Executive Director, the Steve and Jackie Kane Chair
Jenna Ferdon began as Birch Creek’s Executive Director in 2025, with over fifteen years of experience as a musician, instructor, and arts administrator, most recently in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jenna’s lifelong work in the arts began here at Birch Creek as a student of the Academy’s Symphony Session, which she wholeheartedly believes handed her the key to unlocking a fulfilling and successful career in the musical arts. By blending her knowledge and experience in performance, education, and administration, she has picked up the baton to direct the upcoming chapters of Birch Creek’s long, impactful and meaningful legacy.
Mona Christensen
Executive Director Emeritus
Mona Christensen has successfully led Birch Creek as Executive Director for 10 years. Now serving as Executive Director Emeritus, she is honored to celebrate the organization’s 50th season with new Executive Director Jenna Ferdon, while supporting the academy, staff, patrons, and donors. Throughout her career, Mona has effectively engaged faculty and volunteers to serve a diverse clientele in various programming environments. With her expertise in developing music programs and the technologies needed, Birch Creek is well-positioned for a bright future. Mona will fully retire at the end of the season. She continues to be an active flute player and managed a longstanding private studio in Green Bay.
Paul Greenlaw
Facilities Manager
Paul joined Birch Creek in late 2022 as facilities manager. With degrees in engineering and medicine, he brings a desire to ensure Birch Creek’s facilities work appropriately to allow the music and learning to continue. Paul played percussion in high school and as an undergraduate student.
Bob Shogren
Development & Operations Manager
Bob returned to Door County in 2024 and took on the role of Development & Operations Manager at Birch Creek. With a public service career spanning 40 years, Bob has a wealth of experience in education, administration, and nonprofit leadership. His career includes serving as a public-school teacher and district administrator, a program administrator and commission director in the office of the governor, and five years as a nonprofit director. Recently appointed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to the Wisconsin National and Community Service Board, Bob represents community-based agencies and is passionate about supporting Door County's nonprofit sector. Bob plays tenor saxophone and ukulele.
Michelle Naese
Office and Registration Manager
Michelle started with Birch Creek in 2015 as Administrative and Office Support Assistant and she is currently the Academy’s Registrar and Office Manager. She holds an Administrative Professional Associate Degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College–Green Bay. Michelle has 10 years of experience as a law office clerk. A musician herself, she played the trumpet throughout middle school and high school.
Laura Smith
Marketing & Communications Manager
Laura Smith joins the Birch Creek Staff with six years of marketing experience in the jewelry insurance industry. Her past work also includes a career as a TV news reporter and anchor serving Northeast Wisconsin. She is experienced in building relationships, communicating with people, video production and photography. She holds degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Office Support
Ellen Fredrich
Bookkeeping and Operations Assistant, Volunteer Liaison
Ellen joined Birch Creek in 2023 as the Bookkeeping and Operations Assistant. She also serves as Volunteer Liaison. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a minor in English from UW-Eau Claire and an Accounting Assistant diploma from Northwoods Technical College. Her background includes project management, administrative, marketing, and customer service roles. Ellen played clarinet in high school.
Robin Walker
Administrative Assistant
Robin started with Birch Creek in 2023 as a part-time administrative assistant. With experience as legal and executive secretaries, and a career in a large music publishing company, she brings refined organizational skills and excellent customer service to her role. Robin is a graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Maintenance Support
Bill Schutté
Lead Maintenance Technician
Bill joins the Birch Creek Staff with extensive maintenance and groundskeeping experience, having spent many years in a similar position at several Door County resorts. He also has several years of experience as a carpenter and property manager. Bill is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College.