
Sherry Jasper, President
Sherry Jasper’s connection to Our Nawakwa is rooted in her lifelong belief in young people and the power of nature to help them grow. After retiring in 2020 from a 32-year career as a elementary school counselor, Sherry didn’t step away from service — she leaned into it. Supporting youth, listening deeply, and helping organizations grow in healthy ways has always been at the heart of her work.
A lifelong Girl Scout and outdoor enthusiast, Sherry knows firsthand how time outside can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. As President of Our Nawakwa, she is passionate about preserving Camp Nawakwa as a safe, welcoming place where kids can slow down, explore, and discover who they are. She is grateful to work alongside dedicated volunteers and partners who share a love for this special place and its future.

Martha Pings, Vice-President
Martha Pings is a Camp Nawakwa alumna whose lifelong appreciation for outdoor education has shaped both her personal and professional life. As a former camper, camp counselor, educator, hiker, canoeist, and prairie restoration volunteer, she understands the important role outdoor experiences play in developing character and leadership.
Martha holds a Master of Science in Training and Talent Development and has worked as a trainer for nonprofit and government organizations. She is passionate about supporting Our Nawakwa’s mission and sharing the beauty and benefits of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes with others.

Sharon Pickering-Polzin, Treasurer
Sharon is a lifelong camper and outdoor enthusiast whose love for camp began as a youth attending Summer Thing, a Girl Scout camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her camping experiences evolved into more than two decades of volunteer service, helping to shape meaningful experiences for future generations.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Management and Organizational Behavior. Sharon has served as Chief Financial Officer for the YMCA of the Fox Cities, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. In 2023, she was recognized as Insight Magazine’s Nonprofit CFO of the Year. Sharon brings extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and nonprofit leadership to Our Nawakwa.

Amanda Stephens, Secretary
Amanda Stephens is a dedicated leader with a passion for youth development and community engagement. She brings nearly 15 years of volunteer experience with Girl Scouts, where she has helped youth build leadership skills, confidence, and teamwork.
With a degree in Business Management and professional experience in project management, Amanda provides strong organizational leadership and strategic thinking to the board. She is committed to helping Our Nawakwa create meaningful opportunities for youth and families through outdoor experiences.

Nancy “Baters” Felix, At Large Board Member
Nancy “Baters” is a dedicated volunteer and board member of Our Nawakwa with a passion for camp, outdoor programming, and preserving Camp Nawakwa for future generations. She especially enjoys coordinating property improvement projects that bring volunteers together to strengthen and enhance the camp experience.
Nancy brings extensive experience in the human services, education, and nonprofit sectors. She studied Industrial Psychology and Organizational Management at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, which laid the foundation for a career centered on leadership, program development, and community impact.
Her professional background includes serving with Girl Scouts as a Camp Director and Program and Property Manager, supporting mental health services in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties, and working in special education for the Chippewa Falls Area School District. Nancy’s diverse experiences and commitment to youth development make her a valuable member of the Our Nawakwa Board of Directors.

LaNette Flunker, At Large Board Member
LaNette’s commitment to youth and community service began early, inspired by parents who modeled the importance of supporting young people and giving back. As the parent of two active children, she spent many years coaching youth volleyball and soccer, emphasizing personal growth, teamwork, and enjoyment over perfection.
Her dedication to community involvement has included service on several nonprofit boards and committees, including the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club, Eau Claire Senior Center, her church’s finance committee, and the Island Chain of Lakes Association. Her connection to Camp Nawakwa is personal—her daughter attended camp, and her son earned his Eagle Scout rank, creating lasting memories through his camping experiences.
LaNette and her husband live near Camp Nawakwa and deeply appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that northern Wisconsin provides. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and dual MBA degrees in Marketing and Management. Her professional career included leadership roles in long-term care before transitioning to higher education, where she taught in the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire College of Business for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2017.
LaNette brings extensive experience in education, nonprofit governance, and organizational leadership to the Our Nawakwa Board of Directors, along with a strong commitment to preserving opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and connect through outdoor experiences.

Al Matano, At Large Board Member
Al brings a lifelong commitment to public service, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation to the Our Nawakwa Board of Directors. Based in Madison, he has become a frequent visitor and camp host at Camp Nawakwa and is passionate about preserving its natural resources for future generations.
An attorney by training, Al has worked in Wisconsin state government for more than 34 years. His dedication to environmental advocacy has taken many forms throughout his career, from active involvement with the Sierra Club to serving as an elected member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. More recently, he has focused on environmental restoration efforts, including prairie management and prescribed burning.
At Our Nawakwa, Al looks forward to providing leadership in land stewardship and conservation initiatives, helping ensure that the camp’s forests, lake, trails, and natural habitats remain healthy and vibrant. When visiting Camp Nawakwa, he enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and walking across the frozen lake in winter. Beyond camp, Al can often be found canoeing on the Wisconsin River or bicycling the scenic backroads of southern Wisconsin.

Jordan Blue, At Large Board Member
Jordan Blue is pleased to serve on the Our Nawakwa Board of Directors, bringing a strong passion for youth development, community engagement, and outdoor education. As the Chippewa County 4-H Positive Youth Development Educator, Jordan is dedicated to creating meaningful, high-quality learning experiences that help young people build leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
His commitment to experiential education is rooted in his own youth experiences. Growing up in southern Wisconsin, Jordan was actively involved in both 4-H and Scouting, where he discovered the lasting impact of outdoor learning, service, and positive adult mentorship. Those experiences continue to shape his approach to working with youth and families today.
Jordan was drawn to Our Nawakwa because of its mission and the dedicated community of volunteers working to preserve Camp Nawakwa’s legacy. He believes deeply in the importance of providing a welcoming outdoor space where youth—from first-time campers to returning participants—can connect with nature, build friendships, develop life skills, and grow into their best selves.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Communication. Through his experience in youth development, program leadership, and community collaboration, Jordan is committed to helping ensure Camp Nawakwa remains a vibrant resource for youth, families, and communities for generations to come.

Interested in joining our Board of Directors?
We’re seeking passionate leaders to join Our Nawakwa’s Board of Directors. Share your skills in finance, fundraising, leadership, and/or project management to keep youth connected with nature.
