Marshfield, WI — Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Marshfield announces the appointment of two new members of its Board of Directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2019.
Joining the Board of Directors are Jessica Merkel and Cindy Schecklman. “As we enter our 35th year of helping families with hospitalized children, I am pleased to welcome our new board members. Our Board of Directors embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue our mission of keeping families close,” said Iilee Pederson, Executive Director.
Jessica Merkel is currently an attorney at the Wausau-based law firm, Ruder Ware. Prior to becoming an attorney, Jessica worked in public sector leadership in both Human Services and Public Health. She utilized skills developed through her Master of Social Work degree to advance relationships with families and strengthen community partnerships. Jessica has advanced expertise working with families experiencing challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
At Ruder Ware, Jessica continues her passion for advocacy, this time for our elderly clients providing counsel on the use of irrevocable trusts for asset protection, medical assistance eligibility, and special needs trusts. Jessica engages families by listening, empathizing, and supporting their choices to achieve their goals. In addition, she counsels clients on estate and trust planning, taxation, powers of attorney, probate, and trust administration.
A Marshfield native (and current resident), Jessica and her husband, Ryan, enjoy introducing the world to their toddler by attending community events, spending time outdoors, gardening, and fishing.
Jessica states, “I was drawn to Ronald McDonald House based upon the strong mission and it’s leadership’s vision for the future. Having my roots in Marshfield, I have seen RMH help countless families over the years and I wanted to offer my service to this local organization that has such a lasting and far reaching impact on children and families. Whether it was collecting pop tabs, attending Sweet Affaire Gala + Auction, helping to make a meal for residents, or as a social worker, helping families access RMH, I’ve always seen RMH as a valuable community resource, of which I would like to help continue to thrive and grow.”
Cindy Schecklman is employed by Nelson-Jameson, Inc. in Marshfield. Currently a Pricing Administrator/Billing Specialist, she has dedicated more than 31 years to the company. Cindy continues to be a dedicated, long-time volunteer, stating “I became involved as a volunteer with Ronald McDonald House in 2003 because I felt that I needed to do something more rewarding by helping others.”
“For more than fifteen years, Cindy has provided compassionate hospitality to our families with her heart for service. Her collective experience and talents will provide invaluable leadership as we continue to advance our mission of keeping families together as their children heal in the hospital,” commented Pederson.
Cindy graduated from Loyal High School and has attended UW-Eau Claire and received an associate degree at Mid-State Technical College. She is an avid Green Bay Packers fan, Badgers fan and a Chicago Cubs fan and loves spending time with her family.
RMHC of Marshfield would also like to thank two past board members for their service, dedication and guidance. Board members, Elizabeth Kracht and Lisa Roy recently resigned to pursue other charitable passions.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children’s programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield, call 715-387-5899, visit rmhc-marshfield.org or like on Facebook.
The slate of board members for 2019 is listed below:
Carol Adler, President
Pamela Acker, Vice-President
Carol Willfahrt, Secretary
Ronald Fish, Treasurer
Dr. Adrienne Cruz
Joe Dolezal
Heidi Giese
Kevin “Krauty” Krautkramer
Jessica Merkel
Amy Nystrom
Cindy Schecklman
Iilee Pederson, Executive Director
Author: News Desk
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