Our board members are the ones who keep this event running every year. They organize the events, gather the donations and connect with the community to make sure your Two-Day Fishing Excursion is as fun as it can be! They deserve a round of applause for their hard efforts!
Board of Directors
Todd Sweeney, Chairman / Kitchen
Todd has been a regular for many years. Usually found in the kitchen providing great meals for a few hundred people. In 2014 he stepped up to take on the responsibility of General Chair.
Jenny Staebell, Co-Chair / Outreach
Jenny joined our board in 2014 to assist with fundraising, event publicity, and online communications. In 2019 she was elected Co-Chair. She is responsible for development of the Madison Chapter’s Website and Social Media. Please check out our Facebook page!
Jim Bakken, Grounds
Jim served in the background for several years. When the National Guard was no longer able to attend our Event Jim came to the rescue. He recruited Madison Fire Fighters Local #311. They put up and take down our ambulatory dock and provide some of the boat loading manpower. Jim is also responsible for loading participants on the pontoon dock.
Debbie Bongard, Medical Boats / EMT
Debbie has also been with us since the very first event. She leads our crew of EMT’s who have kept us safe on the water every year. These great volunteers were very visible 2016, sporting their new bright orange water medic shirts..
Dawn Cutrell, Bait
Dawn is our bait coordinator, ensuring your boat is stocked with water, ice and bait! Dawn joined the board as her father’s protege, shadowing him and learning the ropes. Her sons have joined the event as volunteers for many years as well!
Pat Holzem, Treasurer
Pat keeps our books in perfect condition and handles the annual report to National. He has not been seen on the dock for the past few years but he continues to serve as an integral piece of our chapter.
Heather Horn, Boats
Heather is an employee of Governor Nelson State Park, joined our board in 2016 as an assistant to Boat Chairperson.
Joann Jansen, Corresponding Secretary
Joann has been active in many capacities since her husband Bill started the Madison chapter all those years ago. Her primary job at this time is to write the semi-annual newsletter and assist with the bi-monthly e-newsletter. Subscribe to start receiving the newsletter!
Katie Meyer, Newsletter
Katie has been part of the FHNB Madison family since the beginning of time! You may recognize her as part of the Sweeney Clan found in the kitchen. She officially joined the Board in 2018 as our electronic newsletter producer, and physical newsletter editor in chief.
Jimmy Stewart, Donations Coordinator
Jimmy joined the Board in late 2016 as fundraiser and grant writer. Funds raised help the Madison Chapter keep participant fees down for the fisherfolk.
Mary Sweeney, Kitchen
Mary and many of her family and friends have been the crew that provides meals for over 200 people for the last many years. Mary agreed to join the board when her husband, Todd, became busy as the newly appointed Chairperson in 2014. This was really providing a title to what she had been doing for many of the past years.
Jim Valley, Equipment
Jim is in charge of equipment but handles many other jobs throughout the year. This is also a family event for the Valley’s.
Jane Wendricks, Participant Registration
Jane is the lady handling participant registration. As Bernie’s wife she was just naturally drawn into helping with FHNB. She is now in charge of the most important component of our Event, our Anglers with Disabilities. Jane works from February until the days of the Event to meet the special needs of our participants.
In Memory Of Bernie Wendricks
Co-Chairman Bernie Wendricks had been with our event every year through the 2016 event as the Grounds coordinator and Co-Chairman, and he had the t-shirt collection to prove it. On January 20, 2017 Bernie left this world after celebrating his 80th birthday. This beautiful obituary shares a little more about his life and amazing accomplishments. He is so very missed. Rest In Peace, Sarge.
In Memory of Marv Cutrell
For many years Marvin manned the bait station, ensuring every participant had sufficient bait, water and ice on their boat, coordinating a strong relationship with our bait supplier Gollon Bait & Fish Farms. His wife, daughter and grandson all joined the organization as volunteers, thanks to the love that Marv held for this cause. He attended the 2022 event and passed away shortly after on August 8, 2022. Read more about his amazing life in this obituary. He is dearly missed. Rest in peace, Rebel.