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President
Gabe Schlake Vistra Global Director, Affiliate Management Executive Board Full Board |
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Gabe Schlake is a Global Director of Affiliate Management at Vistra, an organization that helps companies expand their business into new countries. He has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, an MBA with a focus in Organizational Leadership, and a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. Gabe has served on the NDAC Board of Directors since 2023 and lives with his wife and 3 dogs in Mason.
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Vice President
Sarah McDowell Xcel Energy Sr. Operations Work Coordinator Executive Board Full Board |
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Sarah McDowell is a dedicated employee for Electric Operations at Xcel Energy, recently recognized with a Good Energy Award for her community engagement. Outside of work she enjoys an active lifestyle by Lake Superior, hiking, biking, and rock picking. She also loves renovating her house, crafting, and spending quality time with her family and dogs.
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Secretary
Brenda Thom Cirrus Aircraft Paralegal Executive Board Full Board |
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Brenda Thom brings over 25 years of experience in the legal industry to her role as a New Day board member, combining her expertise as a paralegal and legal operations leader with a deep commitment to community service. A long-time supporter of non-profit organizations, including My Very Own Bed (Minneapolis) and Northern Stars (Ramsey, MN), Brenda joined the New Day board in 2022, drawn to the organization's mission and vital contributions to the surrounding communities. Her passion for giving back extends beyond her professional life, as she enjoys spending time in nature with her family and dogs, exploring her creative side with home projects, and continually seeking new opportunities to serve her community.
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Treasurer
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Executive Director
(ex-officio) Lyle Poppe All Committees Executive Board Full Board |
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Lyle Poppe has dedicated over 15 years to the nonprofit sector, beginning his career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2021, he has been honored to lead the vital work of New Day Advocacy Center. Passionate about serving his community and helping others, Lyle lives in Bayfield County with his husband and two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys lake life, gardening, gaming, and traveling.
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Full Board
Jeff Muse Retired Full Board |
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Born and raised in Ashland and a member of the Bad River Tribe of Lake Superior Chippewa, Jeff is a graduate of Northland College with a background in the Liberal Arts. He has spent most of his career working in the field of non-profits. Active in civic leadership, Muse has served on the Wisconsin Public Radio Association Board of Directors, Northland College Alumni Board, The Brick Board, St. Agnes Cemetery Association and the Ashland Historical Preservation Commission. Jeff is active in the Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks. Jeff has served on the New Day Board off and on since the 1990s.
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Full Board
Kristen Radzak Healing Fields Owner, Licensed Therapist (MSW, APSW, LGSW) Full Board |
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Kristen is a graduate of St. Scholastica with a Masters in Social Work. She worked for nearly a decade in child welfare, with a particular emphasis in the field of child sexual abuse. After returning to school for her masters degree, she transitioned to the field of mental health therapy. In 2023, she moved to Iron River and opened a private therapy practice. Kristen enjoys spending time with her favorite humans and being in nature.
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Full Board
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Responsibilities of a Board of Directors
Every organization defines its unique purpose, and its Board of Directors functions and adapts to the needs of the organization it serves. However, there are a few core responsibilities shared by all Boards regardless of size or mission:
- Mission and Vision: The board is responsible for establishing and ensuring the organization's mission and vision are clear, relevant, and aligned with the community's needs.
- Strategic Planning: The board guides the development and implementation of strategic plans that outline the organization's goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving its mission.
- Financial Oversight: The board is accountable for the organization's financial health, including approving budgets, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
- Executive Leadership: The board hires, supports, and evaluates the performance of the executive director, providing guidance and oversight while supporting their operational authority and autonomy.
- Legal and Ethical Compliance: The board ensures the organization operates within legal and ethical standards, adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Fundraising and Resource Development: The board plays a crucial role in securing funding and resources for the organization, including participating in fundraising activities, cultivating relationships with the community and donors, and overseeing resource allocation.
- Public Relations and Advocacy: The board serves as ambassadors for the organization, promoting its mission and programs, advocating for its interests, and building relationships throughout the community.
- Board Governance: The board is responsible for its own effectiveness, including recruiting and orienting new members, evaluating its performance, and ensuring diversity and representation.
Being on the Board of Directors for New Day Advocacy Center
Our Board of Directors is made of local community members who are passionate about our mission. We dedicate our time, energy, and resources to helping New Day Advocacy Center further its mission to provide critical support and services. We are also raising families, working full-time jobs, running businesses, and serving and volunteering within our local communities.
Our full board members:
Our executive board members:
Our ad hoc volunteers are involved in any number of the following based on their availability:
Our full board members:
- Meet every other month, and many members are fully virtual; preparing for meetings typically includes reviewing agendas and any materials provided by the executive director in advance of the meeting
- Have the option of participating in any committee, such as the NDAC Events planning committee
- Participate in events: NDAC typically holds 6 community awareness and/or fundraising events each year, such as trivia nights, raffles, cook-offs, and golf tournaments
- Participate in fundraising: Depending on the event, this may include soliciting donations or gifts from local donors, preparing mailings, or identifying new funding opportunities
- Help recruit new board members (as needed)
- Contribute financially to New Day
- Note: The level of financial contribution of each member is confidential and does not impact the qualification of Board Members in any way
Our executive board members:
- Meet every other month, alternating with the Full Board meetings
- Our executive Board is also primarily virtual and meetings are scheduled around typical business working hours
- As with Full Board meetings, preparing for meetings typically includes reviewing agendas and any materials provided by the executive director in advance of the meeting
- In addition to the responsibilities of being a Full Board member, our Executive Board members:
- Hold specific leadership positions supporting the Executive Director, the Full Board, and New Day Advocacy Center (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary)
- Ensure day-to-day, quarterly, and annual activities align with New Day's Vision and Mission
- Review and approve policies and procedures governing organization and board roles, responsibilities, and operating best practices
- Hire, guide, and empower the Executive Director
- Approve annual budgets
Our ad hoc volunteers are involved in any number of the following based on their availability:
- Volunteer at events to help with setup/cleanup, take tickets, distribute prizes, run games, etc.
- May join any committee, such as the New Day Events planning committee
- Participate in fundraising
