By Press Times Staff
2021 was a year full of unique challenges – especially so, for those in leadership roles.
If 2022 is anything like the past 20 months, it’s safe to say change and uncertainty will continue to be major themes.
As those in leadership look toward the new year, they take pause to reflect on what’s been and what’s next – both professionally and personally.
Take a look at what’s on the minds of some area leaders as they look to 2022:
Dennis Krueger, West De Pere Superintendent
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“The continuation of COVID, local and national political positions and movements and district accomplishments.”
As superintendent, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
Continuous improvement guided by a strategic plan coupled with more ‘normalcy.’”
On a personal note – what is your goal for 2022?
“Health and wellness.”
Laura McCoy, Green Bay School Board Vice President
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“I’m reflecting on the enormous and ongoing challenges of the pandemic. There’s been too much loss, too much sacrifice and not enough time to heal.”
As a member of the school board, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“My plan/goal is to continue to serve our community and support the students, families and staff of our school district. Our community is very resilient, but it’s been a rough year for everyone.
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“My personal goals for 2022 are the usual: eat better and get more exercise. Also, I’d like to go on a trip that involves actually getting on a plane. It’s been awhile since that’s happened.”
Richard Schadewald, Brown County Supervisor, District 24
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“As a County Board supervisor and chairman of the Brown County Board of Health, I am extremely grateful and appreciative the efforts of all the people involved in both public health and the medical community as they have faced the challenges of the pandemic. Also, I am so thankful for all the doctors, nurses, staff members, EMTs, support staff, medical personnel, public health workers, nursing home workers, etc. who are still working so hard to help those whose lives have been impacted by the pandemic.”
As a county supervisor, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“For 2022, we have to continue to face the challenges of the effects of the pandemic on our businesses, schools, health systems, communities, mental health concerns and those individuals who are experiencing the long-term effects of the pandemic.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“Personally, one goal I have, as chairman of the Brown County Administration Committee, is to continue our efforts toward the expansion of broadband access and affordability for all residents of Brown County.”
Jenni Fuss, West De Pere School Board President
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“Much like 2020, 2021 challenged us in a variety of ways. Although COVID-19-related decisions remained our top priority, the West De Pere School District didn’t allow it to keep us from other important matters. We’ve successfully completed our capital project, enhancing our vision of pride and excellence. Additionally, we’ve developed a multi-year strategic plan, focusing on the diverse needs of our students, recruiting and remaining staff, and supporting the growth of our district. Lastly, our academic success continues, despite the many obstacles presented to our students and staff. We have many things to celebrate in West De Pere.
As a member of the school board, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“My hope is that 2022 brings unity to our community. West De Pere is a district of choice, because we do great things here. By coming together, we can focus on making decisions that are in the best interest of our children, staff, and community.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“On a personal note, my goal is to continue to find ways to spread kindness in our community.”
Laurie Asher, Seymour Superintendent
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“It has been a year unlike any other I have experienced in my 34 years in education. While it has been challenging, it really has brought out the best in people. Our staff and students have shown up to school each day with a positive attitude and continue to grow as teachers and students. This would not have been possible without the support of our community and families.”
As superintendent, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“We have completed our strategic planning process and I look forward to implementing the action steps that are aligned with the strategic plan. I am excited about our work related to early literacy. I also plan to work with the planning committee for our new technology facility. We plan to break ground in early spring with an early fall completion.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“One lesson I have learned over this past year is to celebrate small successes. My goal for myself for 2022 is to continue to find those small successes and celebrate them with others.”
Patrick Evans, Brown County Supervisor, District 9
As a county supervisor, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“For 2022 I’m looking forward to the continuous developments of the projects we are using the half-percent sales tax proceeds for. In addition, the projects we are using American Rescue Plan Act funds for as well. There should not be any issues, but keeping an eye on that is important for the taxpayers. With the transition of having a new human services director, it provides the opportunity to look at some areas in child protective services and foster care, where, I feel, we could provide some additional resources to help the vulnerable children being served in those areas.”
Steve Murley, Green Bay Superintendent
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“This has been a year of challenges and opportunities for our students, staff, families and community. Our entire society continues to struggle with a pandemic. Recently, we have struggled with threats of school violence. And yet we have so much to be grateful for. We were able to bring our students back to school safely and keep them in classes.”
As superintendent, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“We are excited for 2022 and completing the second half of the 2021-22 school year, In addition to all of the great things going on in classrooms and schools, the board, district and community will embark on the process to create a 10-year Facilities Master Plan, which will create a blueprint for the work that lies in front of us and the details to consider going out to the community to support a referendum.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“Well, the pandemic has not been kind to my physical fitness and waistline, so I am hoping to get back into a personal routine that includes working out and eating right.”
Lynn Gerlach, Green Bay City Alderperson, District 3
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“I can’t help but reflect on the pandemic, now realizing, sadly, that I assumed we’d have it fully behind us at this point.”
As a city alderperson, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“My goal is to have the pandemic behind us and be able to attend a ‘normal’ City Council meeting in chambers with the staff present, all the alders sitting side-by-side, the clerk and attorney with us, and the public in the gallery. I’ve never experienced that as an alder.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“My personal goal is to work with city staff to have an alder orientation manual ready for the April election so the next new alder(s) can make use of it. On a personal note, my life can just keep moving forward, just as it is, and that will be fine.”
Eric Genrich, Green Bay Mayor
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“The regional, state and national economy bounced back rapidly on the heels of the pandemic-caused recession of 2020. I think we’re all prepared to close the book on 2021 – which was filled with uncertainty and anxiety, which is understandable – recognizing all we’ve endured, and in spite of a myriad of challenges, accomplished.”
As mayor, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“We’re probably all seeking a return to normalcy in 2022, given the unprecedented degree of turbulence we’ve experienced, but we can’t ever stop evolving and growing as a community.
These opportunities for growth are what give me the most hope for 2022. In the coming year, we’re planning a long list of groundbreakings on a number of multi-family housing developments, park improvements and business expansions.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“More exercise (again).”
Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“I am very fortunate to be working with so many dedicated men and women who day-in-and-day-out provide essential services for the residents of Brown County and the visiting public.
Whether calling 911, having the roads plowed or visiting the NEW Zoo, our staff have remained committed to serving the public during these past two difficult years.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have accomplished a lot in 2021 and we should all be very proud.”
As county executive, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
• Working on Securing National Estuarine Research Reserve System location in Brown County.
• Progress in Development of Phoenix Innovation Park.
• 2022 is the “Year of Pals.”
• Engineering work done for South Bridge Connector/more investment.
• Development of Renard Island.
• Progress in port expansion for Pulliam Plant Site.
• Completion of Highway 29/VV Interchange Project, NEW Zoo Canopy Tour and $6 Million in park system improvements – fairgrounds, Barkhausen, Reforestation Camp, Pamperin, Duck Creek, Bay Shore.
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“Continuing to be a good father, husband and son. Every year is an opportunity to enjoy more time with loved ones.”
James Boyd, De Pere Mayor
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
“Though 2021 saw the continuation of the pandemic, I am continually amazed on the resiliency and determination of both our residents and businesses. Despite the pandemic, a number of large projects started in 2021 including, the Mulva Cultural Center, the Cobblestone Hotel and large additions to our industrial parks by Georgia Pacific, Green Bay Packaging and Belmark.”
As mayor, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“Our primary focus is to build on the successes of 2021 and navigate any challenges that come our way in 2022. We will continue to do all we can to respond to the pandemic and encourage growth in our downtowns and business parks. With announcements on new developments coming soon, our downtown will continue to evolve and change in 2022 and beyond – most of which will be addressed in the State of De Pere speech that I will deliver in late January.”
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
“I will be handing in my nomination papers for a second term as mayor. I am hopeful that our residents will give me another chance to lead this great city. With an outstanding city workforce and Common Council, I really believe that De Pere is in a very good place and will continue to thrive and prosper.”
Richard Heidel, Hobart Village President
As 2021 comes to an end, what are you reflecting on?
2021 reflections/accomplishments:
• Sincere gratitude for zero fatalities and serious injuries incurred by our public safety personnel: police, fire, first responders
• Another year of successful village operations and budget management despite the contagion of the coronavirus
• Effective and outstanding performance of staff and citizens who volunteer their time and efforts on our commissions, committees and boards. Without all of these individuals, our provision of municipal services would be impossible.
• Continued growth of the village of Hobart’s tax base, particularly the TID #1 of Centennial Centre at Hobart and TID #2 in the southern reaches of the village.
• A healthy municipal balance sheet and exceptional credit rating
As board president, what are your plans/goals for 2022?
“Continued improvement of all of 2021’s accomplishments (listed above).
On a personal note – what is a goal of yours for 2022?
Self-critiquing and improvement on my leadership skills: leading by serving and serving by leading, continue to support village staff as best I can, particularly our public safety personnel and continue my personal physical fitness workouts and spiritual health practices.