Leadership Program

Be a Part of
Leadership Watertown

Leadership Watertown is more than a program—it’s a movement to empower individuals to become community leaders. We’re committed to developing informed, dynamic leaders who are passionate about enhancing the Watertown area. If you’re interested in joining our next class or have any questions, please contact us.

Leadership Watertown Brochure

Leadership Program Application

Leadership Watertown Committee Members

Julia Chidley – Bender, Larson, Chidley, Koppes & Associates SC Attorneys At Law
Stephanie Curtis, Chairperson – Watertown Family Center
Karen Gibbs – Church Health Services
Stacey Johnson – Ixonia Bank
Tiffany Nehls – Rock River Chimney & Fireplace
Ben Olsen – Watertown Police Department
Sarah Oudenhoven – Watertown Unified School District
Linden Peacy – Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Kim Schooley – Watertown Area YMCA
Casey Schuett – Watertown Family Practice
Sue Trepte – House of Peace

Class of 2024-2025

First row: Mikey Holmes – Hope Church, Jill VanSickle – Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Robin Kaufmann – Watertown Tourism, Jody Purtell – Watertown Main Street Program, Kris Meloy – Watertown Unified School District, Jenny Rogers – Edward Jones, Andres Morales – Fort Community Credit Union

Second row: Kate Abitz – Watertown Regional Medical Center, Kelly Hilderbrand, Jodi Dabrowski – Watertown Area YMCA, Ashley Peirick – Watertown Unified School District, Erin Stai – Thrivent Financial, Heidi Opps – Watertown Family Connections, Ashley Oldenhoff – Ixonia Bank, Jenny DaWalt – The Marquardt, Rebekah Faas – Watertown Unified School District, Dave Roedl – Bank of Lake Mills

Not pictured: Michele Altman – Cornerstone of Grace and Amanda Combs – Safe Families for Children

Kayak Rentals and Octagon House Beautification

The 2023-2024 Leadership Watertown Class has dedicated itself to two community projects this year. The first initiative is to offer kayak rentals at Riverside Park, located off Division Street, and the second is a beautification endeavor outside the visitor center at the Octagon House. Initially aiming to raise $13,500, they are thrilled to report that, thanks to the generous contributions from community members and local businesses, a total of $14,555.55 has been collected!

Both projects are nearing completion and are expected to be finalized by the end of June. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone for their incredible support.

Thank you, 2024 Project Donors!

Platinum ($2000+):

Dr. Michael Janowak
Greater Watertown Health Foundation

Gold ($1,000+):

Chickens Unlimited
The Marquardt
Thrivent- Rock River Financial Advisors
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Watertown Rotary Club
Watertown Turner Hall

Silver ($500+):

Clasen Quality Chocolate
Fort Community Credit Union
Heidi Roth
Julie Janowak- First Weber Realtors
YES! Watertown

Additional and In-Kind Donations:

Draeger’s Floral, Grinwald Ford, Oudenhoven Family, Peacy Family, Watertown Park & Rec. Department, & Watertown Tourism

From the Class of 2023:

Pedal Us Forward Bike Rentals at Interurban Trailhead

As part of our 2023 Class Project, Leadership Watertown partnered with Surf Shack Rentals LLC. Together, we’re launching a bike rental locker station at the Interurban Trail on Clark Street to promote healthy living and sustainable transportation in our community.

Our ambition is to house four adult bikes and two children’s bikes, complete with helmets, in three state-of-the-art bike locker units. But to turn this vision into reality, we need your support! We’re seeking donations to cover the costs, which include $7,500 for the lockers, $4,200 for bikes and helmets, and $2,800 for essential hardware, signage, and a concrete pad. Additionally, we aim to raise an extra $2,000 to provide bike rental vouchers for low-income households, redeemable at the Friends of the Watertown Public Library.