TREASURER - FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mark Beckman grew up in Blue Island, Illinois, and came to Hayward in 1980 when his parents purchased Hayward Electric Supply.
Today, Mark is a CPA & Partner in Anderson Hager & Moe CPAs. Mark has been on the HFEE board since 2007 and is currently part of the finance committee. “An HFEE original founding member and former work partner who was cutting back and moving towards retirement asked me to complete the remainder of his term, as he thought I would be a good fit for HFEE." Mark stated.
He enjoys fishing, boating, volleyball league, watching sports, and spending time with his family, which consists of his wife Sherry, two adult children who attended Hayward Schools, and two grandchildren.
When asked what being a HFEE volunteer means to him, Mark said, "It’s a great organization; it provides funds to enhance education through unique opportunities and innovative educational programs in an ever-changing world. Our funding of grants has allowed the school system to add programs, technology, and services that they may not have been able to purchase within their current budget or curriculum requirements.”
Thanks for so many years of dedication, Mark!

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SECRETARY - MARKETING COMMITTEE

Salle Beckwith, Secretary of HFEE, was born and raised in central Ohio, but has lived in Hayward since 2003.
She and her husband, Dustin, own Century 21 Woods to Water Realty and have three children in the Hayward Community School District.
With a master's degree in Tourism Administration, she worked at Grand Pines Resort - Hayward, WI for more than eight years, served two terms on the board of directors for the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, and currently works part-time at Mainstream Boutique and as a Substitute Teacher for the HCSD.
Salle is on the Marketing committee of HFEE and works to promote the organization and the schools through photos of students and teachers using equipment and projects that have been awarded. She has been on the board for ten years and is motivated to continue volunteering because "HFEE is such a necessary organization for our schools" she says. "I have personally seen my children's educational experiences thrive from grants that were awarded by HFEE, including the Outdoor Classroom, tower gardens, 3D vision goggles, tech ed equipment, and so much more."
In her spare time, Salle enjoys lifting weights and coaching at Twig Training, cooking, and spending time at the lake with her family.
Thank you for your dedication Salle!

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PRESIDENT - FINANCE & GRANTS COMMITTEE

Michelle was born and raised in Hayward. After college, she worked for IDS (American Express Financial Advisors) for 6 years before returning home. She then purchased and operated a restaurant called Bayside Lodge on Round Lake for several years before going to work for her family’s business - Beehive Botanicals, where she now handles day to day operations as a partner with her mother.
Over the years, Michelle has been involved in several organizations in Hayward. She is very active in the School Parent Advisory Committee in the Hayward Community School District and has been a board member with the Northwoods Humane Society since 2004.
In 2010, board member Bob Stuchal asked Michelle to join HFEE. With kids entering the school system, it felt like a natural fit to help raise money for an organization that gives back to local schools to enhance the learning experience in classrooms.
Michelle is now the president on the HFEE board, where she works on the Finance and Golf Committee – which has been especially rewarding. “I have met so many different people and worked with many businesses who are so generous to our cause.” Michelle says.
Aside from her busy schedule, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors (especially summer and fall!) with her husband Russ and their children Mackenzie and Parker. This includes time on the water, working in her flower gardens, walking the dog, travel, and photography.
Thank you, Michelle Graham-Forrester, for all you have done for our community!

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GRANTS COMMITTEE

Kate Laier was born and raised in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She grew up as a Lumberjill, played bass clarinet, volleyball, basketball, golf, and later became instrumental in starting the girls’ golf team.
Upon graduation, Kate attended Mount Scenario College in Ladysmith where she majored in Elementary Education with a Science minor. She also earned her Reading Teacher license from Northland College and a master’s degree from UW-Lacrosse.
Kate moved to Hayward 26 years ago, when she was hired to teach 6th grade in the Hayward Community School District. She moved up one grade each year before securing a permanent position in the 8th grade - where she taught Reading and English for 18 years. Kate then returned to the 6th grade and has been the Reading Interventionist for grades 6-8 for the past 4 years.
Away from school, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two children – one who attends UW-Eau Claire and the other who attends Hayward High School. They enjoy camping, gardening, and fishing.
Kate has been on the HFEE board for about 18 years and is currently part of the grant committee. When asked why she joined the board, Kate says “I joined HFEE to be the contact person between the board and the teachers. I had written a few grants before joining and learned the school representative was retiring and applied for the position.”
Thank you Kate, for so many years spent contributing to Hayward Schools and HFEE!

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MARKETING COMMITTEE

Matthew Lobitz grew up on a dairy farm in Birchwood, Wisconsin, where his parents and two older brothers stayed until 2022 when his father retired from farming.
He has lived in Hayward for 12 years but started coming to the area when he met his wife, Karie, in 2002. “My beautiful wife Karie grew up here in Hayward, and we decided that Hayward would give our children Wyatt (17) and Dylan (15) the best opportunity for activities in the area. It is close enough to both of our families for any quick trips.” Matthew says.
Matthew works as the training coordinator for Arclin Surfaces, where he was previously a supervisor on the production floor for five years.
His wife works at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Water's Edge, and his children attend Hayward schools, where they are involved in soccer and basketball.
The family enjoys ice fishing, camping, hunting, live music, and watching sports - including the Hayward Hawks Baseball!
Matthew is the assistant coach for Hayward High School Boys Soccer. He also enjoys grilling and smoking meats for his family and friends.
When asked why he joined the board and what it means to him, Matthew said “Being active in the schools and community is something that has always peaked my interest and I wanted to be a part of a team that helps make a great difference. I'm very new to the organization, but I’m excited for the things to come.”
Thank you Matthew, and welcome to HFEE!

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GRANTS COMMITTEE

Heather Sheehan was born and raised in Hayward. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Care Administration from UWEC before moving back home, where she spent 5 years as the Executive Director at Hayward Health Services.
Heather has been with Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center for the last 16 years, originally starting in the role of Vice President Senior Services. While in that role, she also attended UMN-Twin Cities and received her Master’s in Health Administration. Heather is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center.
In her spare time, Heather enjoys traveling, reading, hiking and spending time with her family. She has two children: a sophomore studying Economics and Accounting at UWEC, and a Junior attending Hayward High School.
Heather joined HFEE in 2020, and currently serves on the Grants committee.
When asked why she joined the board and what it means to her, Heather said “I had the benefit of a great education through the Hayward Community School District and believe that every student should have that same opportunity to receive a high-quality education. HFEE supports our schools by funding unique and innovative programs and materials that students might not otherwise have access to through normal school budgets.”

Thank you for your dedication to HFEE Heather!

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VICE PRESIDENT - FINANCE & GRANTS COMMITTEE

Mary Speros is from Sioux Falls, SD, and has lived in Hayward for 40 years. Her husband’s family business, Tiger Musky Resort, brought her to the area and is where she continues to work today!
Mary enjoys travel, gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, and family - including her husband Jason, sons Joshua and Jordan, daughters-in-law Ashley and Danielle, and her grandson Lennox.
Mary joined the board around 2004, where she is part of the finance and grants committees.
When asked why she joined the board and what it means to her, Mary said: “I was asked to join the board by my friend Harold Treland. He was involved with HFEE from the inception. Education has always been important to me as I feel it’s the key to opportunity. Education instills knowledge, skills, and critical thinking.”
Thank you, Mary, for your longstanding dedication to HFEE!

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GRANT & NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Amy Sportel grew up on a farm in the small town of Cromwell, MN. Her favorite pastime during her younger years was showing and training horses. Amy’s family was deeply involved with 4-H, and they showed their cattle and horses at county fairs and at the Minnesota State Fair. She was also able to participate in every sport Cromwell had to offer.
After high school, Amy attended the College of Saint Scholastica to pursue a career in nursing, where she was fortunate enough to also continue her basketball and softball careers. The highlight of Amy’s college experience was meeting her husband, Ryan. They both had a huge love for adventure, so after college, they moved to Missoula, MT, where they worked at a small hospital. A few years later, they moved to a bigger hospital in Eugene, OR.
From Oregon, Amy and Ryan headed back to Minnesota to start their family. After living in the Twin Cities for a while, they decided it was time to move back to a small town. In 2019, the family took a leap of faith and moved into their cabin in Hayward. Amy, Ryan, and their two children, Sullivan and Finley, have no regrets about the move. They love living in the Northwoods and have found the skiing, biking, and hiking possibilities to be endless!
Amy is currently employed at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital in the outpatient care unit. She also helps coach the Hayward Mountain Bike Team and the 5th/6th grade girls’ basketball team.
Amy serves on the Grant Committee for HFEE.
When asked why she joined the board and what it means to her, Amy said “During my first year living in Hayward, I was asked if I wanted to be on the HFEE board. I thought, “why not?" It's a great way to meet people and get involved with the school. This will be my third year on the HFEE board, and being part of this organization has been really fulfilling! It has been an honor to help the teachers and students thrive with new equipment for their classrooms.”
Thanks for all you do, Amy!

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SCHOOL BOARD LIAISON

Lynell Swenson was appointed to the HFEE Board in April 2023 by the School Board President. She serves as the liaison between the Hayward Community School District Board of Education and our HFEE Board.
Lynell was born in Texas and grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Her husband’s job brought her to Hayward in 1987, where she worked for 23 years at Hayward Community Credit Union. She also worked for 6 years at the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, and 6 years at the Big Fish Golf & Events before retiring!
She enjoys golf, quilting, weaving, and reading, as well as spending time with her husband Perry, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons.
When asked why she joined the board and what it means to her, Lynell said: “I have been on the Hayward School Board of Education for 13 years, and during that time watched the presentation of the grants. I wanted to know more and do what I can to raise funds for this program.”
Thanks for all you do Lynell!

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GRANTS & NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Kris Thompson grew up in the Minneapolis area and attended college at the University of Notre Dame. She did her graduate work at the University of Iowa in mathematics and mathematics education. After college Kris wandered around a bit and lived in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Iowa, Kentucky, and South Dakota before settling in Hayward in 2007.
She spent time working as a chemical engineer and then a math teacher at the middle school, high school and college levels. Currently she is an adjunct mathematics instructor at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.
Kris loves living in a small town in the Northwoods, with her husband and two children who attend Hayward High School. They have a couple of cats and a few chickens. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors - hiking, skiing, camping, and kayaking. She is also an avid reader.
Kris currently serves on the grants and nominating committees. When asked why she joined HFEE and what it means to her, Kris said “I joined HFEE in 2018 because I am passionate about education and delivering high-quality education for all students. Strong schools are the foundation of a thriving town and HFEE plays an important supporting role for our schools. HFEE grants allow teachers to continually improve by funding innovative ideas. After seven years on the board, I have seen the impact HFEE grants have had with my own kids’ education.”
Thank you, Kris, for your time and dedication to HFEE and Hayward Schools!

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