"Message From The Executive Director"

Ken Blomberg
WRWA Executive Director
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Cell Ph. (715) 204-0490

I'm pleased to present the Wisconsin Rural Water Association staff.

WRWA's dedicated and professional office staff members work daily to maintain our association's financial security, provide quality member services, maintain the WRWA website, produce publications, organize association events and coordinate the hundreds of training sessions and meetings we provide each year. I'm proud to work with our office staff as they serve the largest and finest utility organization in our state.

With hundreds of years of combined experience, the Wisconsin Rural Water Association field staff are dedicated, professionals who provide training and technical assistance to our membership and all water & wastewater systems in our state each year. Through thousands of on-site visits and hundreds of training sessions, our field staff works tirelessly to protect our state's natural resources and protect human health through keeping public systems in compliance with state and federal regulations. I'm proud to work with our field staff as they serve the largest and finest utility organization in our state.

Dave Lawrence
Assistant Director
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Cell Ph. (715) 340-7046

Dave started with WRWA in 2000, and after serving in different training & technical assistance capacities he currently holds the position of Assistant Director. With over 37 years experience in the water & public works industry, Dave oversees the operations of the association and coordinates all events, publications and staff activities. Dave and his wife Kathy currently reside near Packwaukee WI where they enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. They have two children- Jeremy (Claire) in Lynchburg VA, and Aundra (Travis)& grandson Elijah in Bangor, ME.

Sue Wojtalewicz
Chief Financial Officer
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Sue has been with WRWA since 1991, and currently is the association's Chief Financial Officer. In that capacity she oversees all of WRWA's financial, accounting and recordkeeping activities, as well as compliance with all state and federal programs. She also supervises all WRWA office staff and financial/managerial assistance field staff.

Scott Giese
Training Supervisor
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Cell Ph. (715) 498-7778

Working with WRWA since 1988, Scott currently holds the position of Training Supervisor.  With over 30 years experience in the water industry, Scott directs the training activities of all WRWA's trainers, in addition to setting training agendas for all special events.  Scott has 3 grown children and enjoys riding his Harley.

Initially hired as a small system Circuit Rider in 2000, Jeff has worked his way up to his current position as Field Staff Supervisor.  In addition to his duties as a municipal Circuit Rider covering the western half of the state, Jeff also oversees the activities of all the field staff providing technical assistance to the different classifications of water systems in Wisconsin.

Andrew Aslesen
Source Water Specialist
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Cell Ph. (715) 321-3451

Hired in March 2010 as a Source Water Specialist, Andrew helps municipalities protect their groundwater resources by providing assistance in wellhead protection planning. Andrew has a graduate degree in Hydrogeology and worked for the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey prior to joining WRWA. Andrew, his wife Jenny and daughter Cali live in Sun Prairie WI. They enjoy hanging with friends, and outdoor adventures when not working.

Kim Carroll
Administrative Assistant
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Kim joined the WRWA Office Staff in 2005 to assist in the daily operations of the Association and also maintains the WRWA website.  Kim attended the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and earned her degree in Business Administration.  She comes to us with a background in Finance and Member Relations.  Kim and her husband currently reside in Plover, WI.  She enjoys the outdoors and traveling.

Jesse Claflin
Wastewater Circuit Rider
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Cell Ph. (715) 340-8827

Hired by WRWA in 2000, Jesse has worked for the past 9 years as a Wastewater Technician.  In that capacity, he provides technical assistance to wastewater system operators across the entire state of Wisconsin.

With WRWA since 2000 as WRWA's Wastewater Trainer, Chris currently provides training and assistance to wastewater system operators across the state. With over 25 years of experience in the industry and graduate degrees in both Microbiology and Water Chemistry, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the association. Chris enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and anything else he can do outside. Chris was recognized by National Rural Water with a Wastewater Peer Leadership award in 2010 which mirrors his concern for the environment and its protection.

Patrick Harrington
Training Specialist
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Cell Ph. (715) 498-0383

Patrick joined WRWA in 2004 as a source water specialist. As a source water specialist Patrick worked with communities developing wellhead protection plans and providing technical assistance throughout the State. Patrick has worked as a training specialist for WRWA since the spring of 2010 under WRWA’s advanced training program. When not working to provide training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s municipal water utilities, Patrick enjoys spending time hunting, fishing and dog training.

Ed Hendzel
Municipal Water Circuit Rider
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Cell Ph. (715) 498-0100

Hired as a small system Circuit Rider in 2001, Ed brings around 27 years of experience to his current position of municipal Circuit Rider.  In that capacity, he currently provides technical assistance to water systems primarily in the eastern half of the state.  Ed and his wife Rachel reside in Gilman. When not working, Ed enjoys spending time with his wife, children & grandchildren, fishing, & hunting.

Janis Klismith
Financial Assistant
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Hired as one of WRWA's first employees, Janis has been with the association since 1987.  Janis lives near Ellis, WI with her son Codi and Fiance Larry Ramczyk. She enjoys gardening and being outdoors when she is not working.

Renee Koback
Member Services Coordinator 
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Renee has been with Rural Water since 1994. As WRWA’s Membership Coordinator, Renee is in charge of maintaining all WRWA membership listings in both postal and electronic formats, assists in developing WRWA publications such as the Membership Directory and the Rural Water Journal, and works in the production of all membership related activities & events and sits on the WRWA Membership Committee. She is also in charge of all advertising for the Rural Water Journal &the Membership Directory. Renee also plays a big part in planning and producing the WRWA Annual Technical Conference. Renee enjoys scrapbooking and going to and watching NASCAR races with her husband on Sunday afternoons. She also enjoys watching her children in all the sports they participate in.

David Tichinel
OTM/NN Water Circuit Rider
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Cell Ph. (715) 340-9713

Hired in September of 2008, Dave brings over 20 years of experience in the water industry to his position of small water system Circuit Rider.  Dave currently provides assistance and training to OTM & NN system operators throughout the central part of the state.  Dave, his wife Michelle and their four children currently reside in Clintonville.  David enjoys hunting, fishing and camping.

Kelly Thomas
OTM/NN Water Circuit Rider
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Cell Ph. (715) 204-0488

Working as a small water system Circuit Rider since 2002, Kelly brings almost 18 years experience in the water & wastewater industries to his role of assisting OTM & NN water systems in the southern and southeastern part of the state.
When not at work, Kelly enjoys Golf, Bowling, Hunting, and plays/manages a Softball team for his Church. Kelly is also very active on his local fire department for 13 years, and has been Fire Chief since April of 2010. Kelly resides in Brownsville in Southeastern Wisconsin with his wife, Amy and daughter Tori.

Since April of 2004, Eric has held the position of small water system Circuit Rider providing assistance to OTM & NN systems.  With 15 years of experience in the industry and technical degrees in water & wastewater operations, Eric provides assistance to water system operators in the northern part of Wisconsin.  Eric resides in Wausaukee with his wife Jenny and their two children. While not working the VanLaanens enjoy hunting and fishing.