Madison Needs Network Board of Directors
Katy Hager is the founder and president of the Madison Needs Network. Katy is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a certificate in Gender and Women's Studies. In her professional life, Katy works in sales.
In addition to her charitable work with the Madison Needs Network, Katy is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Madison. Katy recently completed a 3.5-year board term with the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society. During that time, she sat on the committee that created Gallery 21, a unique celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, which is March 21st. Additionally, Katy and her brother, Michael, traveled to Capitol Hill on behalf of the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society in October of 2017 to attend a hearing on the importance of funding for Down syndrome research. Katy is a graduate of the 23rd class of Leadership Greater Madison and is a former member of the Wisconsibs adult sibling advisory group and the UW Carbone Cancer Center's Emerging Leaders Board. Katy was a featured speaker at the 2016 National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Orlando, speaking on the topic of sibling advocacy.
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In her spare time, Katy attempts to read one book per week and enjoys exploring U.S. cities and trying new recipes. She married her husband Ben in a New Year's Eve ceremony in 2015.
Brittany Pierick is excited to be a part of the Madison Needs Network. She is an attorney for an insurance company in Middleton, Wisconsin. She is passionate about giving back to the community and is looking forward to the great things that the Madison Needs Network can accomplish.
Brittany graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in English. She was a member of the University of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Team from 2005-2006 before suffering a career-ending injury. After graduating, she went on to get her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She passed the Minnesota State Bar Examination and is licensed to practice law in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Brittany and her husband, Jacob, live in Waunakee with their daughters, Emma and Everly, and their French Bulldog, Aston. They are avid Badger and Packer fans.
Christina Derene started working in sales at a US Cellular agent back in October of 2001. In November of 2013, the opportunity arose to take over in B2B sales for another US Cellular agent. She is currently happily employed at Quality Cellular, doing her best to keep her business customers up-to-date with the newest technology.
Christina is delighted to have become an original part of the Board of Directors of the Madison Needs Network along with the other amazing members. She cannot wait to be able to make a difference in her community. The rest of her time is spent shuttling between sporting events for her children, Austin, 15 and Taylor, 12. Between hockey, baseball, and training, she keeps very busy but enjoys every moment.
Kate Hattery-Groskopf is a Human Resources professional for the State of Wisconsin, beginning her career with the state in October 2011. She worked for the Department of Health Services and is currently with the Department of Workforce Development, where she administers the agency's job classification and compensation programs. Even though most would believe the contrary, Kate dislikes telling people, "No, you can't do that." Instead, she makes every effort to identify creative solutions to each HR and non-HR related issue that comes her way.
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She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and she is an avid UW sports fan. Kate married her husband, Brian, in August 2012, and is the mother of two beautiful fur-babies, Penelope and Odysseus (Penny and Odie for short) who are the loves of her life so far. In her free time, Kate enjoys being part of multiple organizations focused on supporting and empowering women and children in her community and across the Midwest, as well as traveling, reading, crafting, boating, and staying physically active.
Mollie Simms is an office manager and designer at Wisconsin Landscapes and Remodeling. After years of working in the landscaping and remodeling/construction business, her experience now allows for her to work directly with clients to help design their dream spaces indoors and out.
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Mollie lives in Daleyville with her husband, Beau, and her daughters, Daisy and Dani. She enjoys going on walks with her family, trying new restaurants with her friends, and cheering on Wisconsin sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, and UW Men’s Basketball.
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Mollie is thrilled to be joining the Madison Needs Network and doing whatever she can to help improve the lives of others facing hardships in our community.
Heather Tyler is honored to be part of the Madison Needs Network. Heather currently works for Oregon Community Bank as the Director of Marketing. Heather's passion for photography lead her to begin Heather Tyler Photography in early 2012. Her love for helping people and photography were recently combined as she donated her time for families featured in the Gallery 21 Exhibit for the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society. She is a graduate of Edgewood College with a degree in Business Marketing and Management.
Heather resides in Oregon with her husband, Jeremy, their three daughters and their french bulldog, Diesel. In her free time, she enjoys being active, volunteering at her daughters' school, and trying new restaurants with friends.
Laura Felker is excited to join the Madison Needs Network and give back to the Madison community. She is ready to dive right in and help support the Network’s ongoing campaigns. Laura currently works for Quartz Health Solutions, a local health insurance company, as the Manger of Underwriting. Laura is a founding member of her company’s Diversity and Inclusion change team where she is passionate about creating inclusive environments and building diverse teams.
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Laura graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and moved back to her home state of Wisconsin after graduation. She is also an Associate in the Society of Actuaries.
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Laura and her husband, Matt, live in McFarland with their Standard Poodle, Buche. They love to travel and are avid fans of House Hunters International.
Interested in joining our board? Board members will exhibit a strong desire to help those in need in our community. Board terms are one year, and monthly meetings are required. Please follow the board application link below and submit the Google Form. If you have questions about positions on our board of directors, please contact us!
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