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 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 – Owner, Lead The Way Social, 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
2024-2025 Class Project
The 2024-25 Leadership Watertown class is
working to revitalize the 1st Street alleyway in
Historic Downtown Watertown. The project will
create a vibrant and welcoming public space for
all. Further, it will support back-door accessibility,
which will be a vital resource during the 2028 Main
Street construction project. The art installations
will be visible from the Watertown Public Library
and Bentzin Family Town Square. This project will
serve as a pilot initiative, showcasing the
transformative power of enhancing underutilized
alleyways, fostering community engagement, and
inspiring future improvements within Downtown
Watertown and beyond.
Sponsorship Opportunities
| PROJECT PARTNER $2,000 | PROJECT CHAMPION $1,000 |
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| PROJECT SUPPORTER $500 | PROJECT SUPPORTER $100+ |
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Thank you, 2025 Project Donors!
Project Partner ($2000+):
- Johnsonville
- Watertown Redevelopment Authority
- YES! Watertown
- Rainbow Community Care
Project Champion ($1000):
- Bank of Lake Mills
- Fort Community Credit Union
- Grinwald Ford
- Ixonia Bank
- John and Denise Grinwald
- Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
- Watertown Main Street Program
- Watertown Regional Medical Center
- Watertown Tourism
Project Supporter ($500):
- Edward Jones- Ron Counsell
- Mass Brothers Construction
- The Marquardt
Project Advocate ($100+):
- Ameriprise Financial Services
- Dave and Nancy Zimmermann
- Domani Salon and Spa
- Draegers Floral
- Richter Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
- Sandra D’s Bridal
2023-2024 Class Project
The 2023-2024 Leadership Watertown Class has committed to two community projects. The first initiative is to provide kayak rentals at Riverside Park, located off Division Street. The second project focuses on beautifying the area outside the visitor center at the Octagon House. Originally aiming to raise $13,500, the class is delighted to announce that, thanks to the generous contributions of community members and local businesses, a total of $14,555.55 has been raised!
Both projects are nearing completion and are expected to be finished 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
