Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Expands Northwest Region Board of Directors

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Junior Achievement of Wisconsin announced today a new expansion of the Board of Directors for its Northwest Region of the state. Two new appointments, Taree Ryan, Human Resource Manager for Cardinal FG out of Menomonie, and Nathan Kalepp, Principal at Bauman Associates, Ltd. out of Altoona, bring extensive expertise representing Wisconsin’s industrial and finance sectors to the growing nonprofit group.

 

Ryan comes to her new role with a history of supporting community and nonprofit groups since her time at Winona State University where she graduated with a degree in Human Resources Management and Business Administration. She has worked for Cardinal FG Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cardinal Glass Industries, in Menomonie since 2023.

 

“It has been a pleasure getting to know and being a part of this community. I have always been passionate about causes that help kids succeed,” said Ryan. “I look forward to doing my part to impact the lives of the young people served by JA in our local communities.

 

Kalepp, who has been with Bauman Associates, Ltd. since 2004, currently serves as a principal and head of the firm's attest department. He is instrumental in providing comprehensive audit and accounting services to a wide range of clients, with a particular focus on nonprofit organizations. 

 

“I’ve always made it a priority to save a little of myself to invest personally and professionally in my local community,” said Kalepp. “I think it’s important to give something back and I’m excited to be able to contribute to the continued success of JA of Wisconsin as we help our area youth navigate their way towards economic and financial success.”

 

Kalepp is a 2010 alumnus of Leadership Eau Claire, a program designed to develop and inspire future community leaders. He resides in Altoona with his wife and two children, where he follows Wisconsin favorites, the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. Additionally, he enjoys coaching and participating in a range of outdoor activities.

 

Ryan will work to support and grow JA’s K-12 educational programming in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship and open new pathways as it seeks to expand programming to 18-to-25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills. She shares a country home with her husband and four children who help raise a variety of farm animals including horses, chickens, dogs and cats.

 

Both of JA’s new Board Members begin their terms in February, where they will seek to help empower area young people to own their financial futures and career success.

 

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA learning experiences are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on lessons that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Junior Achievement is expanding its reach to 18-to-25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills. Since 2021, Junior Achievement volunteers have taught life skills learning experiences for 40,450 northwest Wisconsin students. For more information, visit northwestwisconsin.ja.org.