We have some very exciting news to share-

We welcome 4 new board members and our new PROJECT MANAGER!

Pictured above, from left to right:

Susan Vette, Tracy Vinz, Project Manager Laura Schwartzburg, Warren Bergman, and Peter Westort.

Susan Vette is a longtime Oshkosh resident and has served on numerous community boards such as President of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services (founder Men Who Cook); and the Grand Opera House Foundation- to name a few!  She is a graduate of Rose C. Swart Campus School, Oshkosh High School, and UW Madison. Her professional career as an advertising copywriter and account executive, along with her marketing and communications expertise, will be an excellent addition to the Food Co-op Board.

Tracy Vinz has been farming her entire life, and currently runs her farm Olden Organics, a year round Certified Organic fresh produce farm located in the Town of Rosendale. She sells their produce and line of Veggie Creations at local farmers markets, privately owned local grocery stores, and to other WI Food Co-ops. Additionally, she proudly serves as a member of the Oshkosh Farmers Market Board of Directors.  We welcome Tracy's perspective as a producer to our Board!

Project Manager Laura Schwartzburg has worked in fundraising in the non-profit industry for more than 15 years. Through her consulting practice, she helps non-profits generate the support they need to be successful. She is passionate about poverty and the effects it has on people and communities. She sees the benefits a Food Co-op can bring to people living in a food desert.  Laura obtained CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) accreditation in 2017 and holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian University.  She served as Board President for Mahala’s Hope and Chair of the Equal Opportunity Commission in Fond du Lac. She also enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society, letting large dogs take her for walks. She has spent summers working on an organic farm, learning about all things produce farm related.

Warren Bergmann is a "semi retired" teacher, bringing his skills in communications and public relations to our Board. Warren is active as a music festival adjudicator, camp orchestra director, and substitute teacher in Oshkosh and Neenah. He also  volunteers with the social justice organization FitOshkosh.   His personal commitment to living a healthy lifestyle and supporting the local food system are an inspiration.  

Peter Westort returns to the Board with a wealth of expertise in Accounting and Taxation.  Peter earned a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Oregon, an MBA from the University of Southern Maine, and a bachelor’s degree from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. He is also a CPA and was a Fulbright Scholar in Alexandria, Egypt for the 2011-2012 academic year.   Peter has been involved in not-for-profit organizations in a variety of capacities including AFS (American Field Service), United Way, Boy Scouts of America, UW Oshkosh Credit Union Assets and Liability Committee.   

We are so excited for this HUGE milestone in our project.   Can't you just feel the #comentum?