The Leadership Fox Cities (LFC) Class of 2026 recently celebrated their graduation at an event at Butte des Morts Country Club.
Leadership Fox Cities has shaped community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements since 1991. Starting in fall, class participants gathered monthly for day-long educational sessions in the community focused on topics including business, education, government and media, human services, health and wellness, law enforcement, environment, and the arts. They also participated in a hands-on project in small groups. A kickoff retreat was held in September and programming started in October.
The 2026 LFC graduates include:
- Jacquelyn Adamicki, McCarty Law, LLP
- Marcos Aguilar, Kelly Services
- Micah Beck, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
- Joe Benoit, Neenah Police Department
- Angela Beyer, Marion Body Works
- Karissa Buck, Community Clothes Closet
- Matthew Chamberlain, Goodwill NCW
- Addey Cronkrite, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department, She Hair Boutique
- Sara Dellise, Arden Property Group Inc.
- Amber Duerwaechter, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
- Sadie Dupont, McCarty Law, LLP
- Sterling Feathers, Coalesce Marketing & Design
- Frederick Fielding, VF Corporation
- Dan Fochs, Hawkins Ash CPSs
- Mel Gerrits, ThedaCare
- Dawn Grenzer-Stumpf, Miron Construction Co., Inc.
- Nicole Hardina-Wilhelm, Neenah Public Library
- Lynn Hardy, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
- Matt Harper, YMCA of the Fox Cities
- Jennifer Haydon, American National Bank Fox Cities
- Aimee Herrick, Fox Cities Chamber
- Megan Hietpas, Baisch Engineering Inc.
- Aaron Hunnel, St. Paul Elder Services
- Brian Hunter, VF Corporation
- Kellie Johnson, Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape
- Drew Koeppl, Prevea Health
- Raquel Lamal, Red Shoes, Inc.
- Shana Lammert, Simplicity Credit Union
- Jada Leonard, U.S. Energy
- David Maas, Grand Chute Police Department
- Joe Maestas, Johnson Financial Group
- Becky Pashouwer, Network Health
- Sam Predayna, Wipfli Advisory LLC
- Alexandria Quintana, City of Appleton Fire Department
- Kirsten Rice, YMCA of the Fox Cities
- Rachel Roloff, VF Corporation
- Jennifer Rottier, United Way Fox Cities
- Angela Savides, Ascension
- Randy Shannon, Midwest Communications
- Becka Szczepaniec, Capital Credit Union
- Morgan Teal, Community First Credit Union
- Kody Weisman, Capital Credit Union
- Heather Zweiger, National University
As part of the program, participants were divided into seven groups, each of which completed a community service project.
Projects included:
- Lifebridge: An Information Resource Center that Shares Practical Everyday Guidance - a digital resource hub and monthly newsletter that connects community members with accessible, practical guidance on essential life skills through partnerships with local organizations.
- Sharing Soles: Empowering Kids, One Pair of Shoes at a Time - a community-wide youth shoe drive, organized in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley and local businesses, to collect new shoes and donations to help children in need stay active, confident, and connected with their peers.
- Build a Bed, Build a Future - In partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace Appleton, this project brought together local sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations to build 53 beds for children experiencing bed poverty in the Fox Cities.
- Badger Elementary: Hydroponics for Learning - In partnership with Appleton Education Foundation and Fork Farms Foundation, this project installed a hydroponic growing system at Badger Elementary School to improve access to fresh food while teaching students about nutrition, sustainability, and healthy living.
- Dear Fox Cities - a community storytelling initiative that collected more than 600 anonymous reflections, stories, and messages from residents of all ages to promote intergenerational connection, mental wellness, and a stronger sense of belonging across the Fox Valley.
- Wellness Stations: Supporting Youth Wellness in the Fox Cities – stations were placed in five Fox Cities middle schools to provide students with free, discreet access to mental health resources, calming tools, and personal care items that support emotional wellbeing during the school day.
- Weekend Without Worry: Strengthening the St. Joseph’s Backpack Food Assistance Program - In partnership with St. Joseph Food Pantry, this project supported the Backpack Food Assistance Program through volunteer efforts, community outreach, and the creation of a sustainable sponsorship model to help fight childhood food insecurity across the Fox Valley.
- Together, these projects reflect LFC’s ongoing commitment to developing community-minded leaders who turn ideas into meaningful action. From supporting youth wellness and food security to fostering connection, accessibility, and opportunity, each initiative created a lasting impact while strengthening the Fox Cities community for future generations.
Applications are now open for the LFC class of 2026-2027. To apply, visit https://foxcitieschamber.com/leadership-fox-cities/. Application deadline is June 22, 2026.
