State of the Board

Who is on the PCA’s Board of Directors? Since this question is probably asked almost daily, let’s answer it here. Currently, there are eleven members for this 13-person board, which means there are two vacancies. While the board member terms are three years long, note that the officer terms are just two years.

Joe Jacquinot has started his second term as president, and 3rd term on the board. He’s a local dentist, an avid runner, a youth soccer coach, and father of three school-aged kids to chase around. Joe has been the driving force for our land acquisition efforts.

Brian Laufenberg will serve as vice president again. He’s in his 3rd term, is a runner and a local business owner. Brian has helped with our Monster Dash and is a major part of the charge on our Planning Committee to fundraise for land. 

Dianne Jentz was elected treasurer for her 3rd term, which keeps a certain level of stability that is much needed. Dianne works for a local credit union, keeps fit running, serves on a weekly crew and the Finance Committee, runs in the Monster Dash, and brings her daughter to volunteer.

Gene Weber was elected to another term on the board (his 7th), making him the longest-tenured member. If you don’t know anything about Gene, then where have you been? He volunteers for the Monday crew and has been the face of the PCA since the beginning. He also serves on the Inspiring Community Board and helps raise scholarship funds.

Our newest member is Alyssa Schaeffer, who has volunteered for a weekly crew, along with other non-profit organizations. Her work on Platteville’s Bike and Pedestrian Plan for the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission also connected her to the PCA.

Our second newest member is Amanda Kroll. She joined the board in August and brings a knowledge of fundraising and charity efforts through her co-ownership of the local Culver’s with her husband Ben. She has joined the steering committee to fundraise for land.

Robin Fatzinger is in her 5th term on the board. A retired teacher, she is our liaison to the City’s Safe Routes Committee, and she also serves on the Marketing & Membership Committee where she is leading a charge to increase our membership.

Also in their 5th term is Dr. Mike Penn. Mike’s long hair picture adorned the old newsletters because he served as president until 2018. He’s a civil engineering professor at UW-Platteville and serves on the Ecology Committee as well.

Former president Bob Hundhausen continues to be as busy in his 3rd term. His guidance with our Activities Committee, specifically the Monster Dash event, has been a big boost. Bob also serves on the Regional Chamber’s board, and seemingly knows almost everyone in town.

Dave Carnahan joined the board in March of 2023, making him the 3rd newest board member. However, he was part of the organization long ago when it was called FORB (Friends of the Rountree Branch). He’s a retired teacher who will be biking by you if it’s not during the Monday morning crew work time. Dave also helps with the Monster Dash and the Ecology Committee.

Spider Fromader has begun his second term, but has volunteered for trail maintenance since the tornado hit town in 2014. A retired fourth grade teacher, he still assists with track & field athletes. Spider also helps with the Monster Dash and the Ecology committee.

Currently, there are two vacancies on the board. The secretary position has been vacant since August 2024, so in the interim, one of the PCA’s part-time employees, Don Francis, has taken on the role. We are open to filling these positions.

The Board of Directors meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at Mound City Bank. Board members should also be part of one of the five committees in the PCA: Activities, Ecology, Finance, Marketing & Membership, and Planning. 

If you’re interested in being in the room where it happens, complete the brief online application on this webpage: https://www.plattevillearboretum.org/people