Founder and Director John Durbrow, after leading the organization through its founding and early years of visionary growth, has formally stepped down from his positions at VBDA. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to this beautiful natural area that will grow as a community asset to Two Rivers and Northeast Wisconsin.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
New Executive Director
Lyssa Schmidt, previously the Development and Community Engagement Director, has been promoted to Executive Director of the organization. Schmidt brings a decade of experience working with mission-driven organizations, including leadership roles in media, marketing, and nonprofit development. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Print Journalism from UW-Eau Claire, an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Management. She is the founder of a small business that provides grant writing services to small and early stage nonprofits. As Executive Director, she will lead efforts to expand environmental education partnerships, deepen community engagement, and secure sustainable funding for VDBA’s restoration and programming initiatives.
New Board Chair
Erin Gonnerman, previously board secretary, will now hold position as Board Chair. Gonnerman is a long-time resident of Two Rivers and active community member. Erin is a shift manager at Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant and is looking forward to using her managerial skills to lead and grow a healthy and vibrant board and organization. She formerly served as Vice President of the Two Rivers City Council, and brings her commitment to the city and its residents to her role as Chair of the VDBA Board.
Additional Board Members
Brian Henrickson, an existing member, moves to board secretary. Brian is a special Education Teacher with the Lighthouse Learning Academy at Two Rivers High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, a minor in Natural and Applied Sciences, and Interdisciplinary in Ornithology and Geology from UW-Green Bay; in 2010, he also earned an Education Minor/Teaching Certification to teach grades 5-12. He has a wealth of experience with field research and other professional settings related to birds and small mammals.
Jen Klein joins the board as vice chair. Jennifer grew up in Two Rivers and is a Washington High School alumni. She is a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at L.B. Clarke Middle school with certification and licensing in Cross Categorical Special Education (K-12) and Elementary/Middle School Education (1-8). She holds a Bachelor’s of Science with a Double Major in Biology, with an emphasis in Animal Biology, and Environmental Science from UW-Green Bay and has been a certified pesticide applicator and certified arborist, among other things. She brings her knowledge from 6 years of experience with the DNR in many roles including aquatic plant management and invasive species monitoring and outreach, and Woodland Dunes Nature Center where she was the Land Management Coordinator for almost 10 years.
As the arboretum now enters this new chapter, we remain especially committed to seeing VDBA thrive not only as a conservation space, but as a vital community resource for generations to come.
