Dear ESP Members,

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer. I am excited to be writing to you as your Chapter President (again!) As some of you may know, I had the privilege of serving as the President of our great Wisconsin Alpha Sigma ESP chapter about 15 years ago. At the time, I was some 10+ years into my career but still fairly new to Extension’s Professional Associations, including ESP. Serving the chapter and learning about ESP really became such an important part of my personal and professional development. From my chapter leadership role and my first time attending an ESP National Conference, I felt like I had found a home where I could learn, grow and connect. I went on to serve on National Committees, as the North Central Regional Vice President and President of the ESP National Board. My involvement in ESP has been an anchor for me professionally as the seas of Extension and public service have provided plenty of ups and downs over the years. My advice for you -whether new to ESP or more seasoned – is to get involved in the work and leadership of our chapter and our national organization. We have members serving on national committees and also our own Paul Roback is currently on the National Board as the North Central Region Vice President. Would you like to get more involved? Contact me to learn more about our chapter committees and where we have openings and about opportunities for involvement in our national association.

Our National ESP Conference is fast approaching, and Wisconsin ESP will be well represented in award recipients, leadership, and session presenters. Our Wisconsin treasure, Jerry Apps will be receiving the Distinguished Service Ruby Award. Jerry is just the third Ruby Award recipient from Wisconsin, joining Gale VandeBerg, 1982 and Patrick Boyle, 1992, in a list of those having received this highest ESP honor. 4-H Volunteers Norb and Barb Yogerst will be receiving one of three National Friend of Extension awards. Our Wisconsin Chapter members will also be receiving these North Central Region recognition awards: Bev Doll-Distinguished Service; Hannah Zellmer -Early Career Service; Annie Jones - Diversity Individual; Reentry Ready Team (Todd Wenzel, Katie Gellings, Jeanne Walsh, Amanda Kostman, Tahnee Aguirre, and Jenny Abel) - Distinguished Team.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and our ESP Chapter.

Peggy Damann
Peg.damann@wisc.edu

The registration is now open for the National ESP Conference in Fort Worth, TX October 6-9, 2025! The National ESP Conference is an excellent opportunity to not only participate in professional development, but also a great way to meet Extension colleagues from across the country. 

Our Wisconsin Alpha SIgma ESP Chapter also has a lot to celebrate at this conference. Jerry Apps will receive the National Distinguished Ruby Award. ESP’s most prestigious Award!   4-H volunteers Barb and Norb Yogerst will receive the Friend of Extension (Volunteer / Lay Leader) Award. Additionally, we have several colleagues receiving North Central Region Awards. Bev Doll will receive the Distinguished Service Award, Hannah Zellner will receive the Early Career Service Award, Annie Jones will receive the Diversity Individual Award, and Reentry Ready: Focus on Finances (Todd Wenzel, Katie Gellings, Jeanne Walsh, Amanda Kostman and others) will receive the Distinguished Team Award! 

While making your travel arrangements, consider making the most of your Fort Worth stay before and after the conference. Before the conference, there are several tours that have been planned by the local host committee. There’s also plenty of fun waiting after the final session wraps! Fort Worth and the surrounding area are buzzing with can't-miss entertainment, legendary music, and classic Texas experiences. Check out a few ideas on the hotel/transportation page on the conference website!

2025 - 2026 ESP Professional Development Grants: 
Applications are due by August 1, 2025/February 1, 2026

For more grant information see the ESP Grants website. 

Meritorious Support Service Award
Designed to pay tribute to the many staff in our system who support our Extension mission and programs.

Gwen Prom, Office Coordinator, Extension Pepin County

As part of the support staff in Buffalo and Pepin Counties, Gwen exemplifies excellence in customer service, talent, and eagerness to learn. Gwen plays a crucial role in developing and submitting the annual budget, ensuring smooth office operations, and stepping up during staffing gaps. Gwen has served as a part-time interim 4-H educator, maintained the Buffalo/Pepin Shooting Sports program, and was instrumental in advocating for the rehiring of the 4-H Youth Development educator position and supporting agriculture education during vacancies. Gwen also provides ongoing support for Human Development and Relationships Institute programming, preparing materials, registering participants, and offering wise counsel. She uses her skills to support educators and builds positive relationships with the county and local clients.

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Gwen Prom

Ingrid Gottfried, Financial Specialist III, Office of Financial Services

Ingrid exemplifies excellence in her support roles across multiple departments. As a dedicated member of Extension since 1998, she has worked for the Office of Financial Services since 2015, and currently supports the Agriculture Institute, Dean's Office, Extension Human Resources, Educational Technology, and the Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Community Development. Ingrid's unmatched attention to detail and expertise in the travel expense report system have made her an indispensable resource for her colleagues. Her prompt, helpful, and polite assistance ensures that everyone receives the support they need, and she consistently supports her colleagues with a positive attitude. Ingrid's willingness to step in during staffing shortages and her contributions to division-wide teams highlight her commitment to the Extension's mission. 

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left); Aerica Bjurstrom, Awards Committee Co-Chair and nominator (center) with Ingrid Gottfried

Friend of Extension

The highest recognition presented by ESP to a non-Extension person, business or organization, this award recognizes truly outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts.

Norb and Barb Yogerst, 4-H Volunteer Leaders

Norb and Barb have been 4-H adult volunteer leaders for over 35 years at the club, county, state, and national levels. They are a team who truly exemplify developing capacity in youth and adults. They are both 4-H alumni who embrace education and the principles of 4-H Youth Development who annually work with over 500 youth, 150 volunteers, and professional 4-H staff statewide. This adds up to over 7,500 educational contacts on behalf of Wisconsin-Extension. They are known for their involvement in the Shooting Sports program. Both are nationally certified Shooting Sports Trainers who travel throughout Wisconsin to help county volunteers and staff to start a shooting sports program, weaving in environmental education throughout. They have helped start or enhance over 20 counties’ Shooting Sports programs, and their mentorship has been pivotal in encouraging youth to take on leadership roles, with many attributing their growth and involvement in 4-H to the Yogersts' guidance.

PHOTO: (from left to right) Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025; Kandi O’Neil, nominator; Barb Yogerst; Norb Yogerst

Brown County Library

With five branch libraries, the Brown County Library provides convenient locations for Extension to hold programs and promote upcoming educational opportunities. This provides Extension an opportunity to hold programs and meet with members of the community in a location that may be more convenient to reach from their home, school, or business. Their collaboration in creating the Brown County Seed Library has been particularly transformative, distributing over 20,000 free packets of seeds annually and hosting an annual launch event attended by hundreds of residents. At this event, Extension provides educational programs and promotes other aspects of Extension, including 4-H, FoodWIse nutrition educational programs, and the community gardens, to many who might not have been reached otherwise. The library's partnership extends beyond horticulture, supporting 4-H programs and enabling direct education for over 225 youth. Their commitment to community engagement is evident through events like Kid's Day at the Brown County Fair and the UW Wonders of Physics shows, where Extension is invited to provide interactive learning experiences.

PHOTO: Melinda Pollen (second left) ESP member and nominator with Brown County Library Staff

Retiree Service Award

Kathi Vos, formerly Manitowoc County and State Specialist
4-H Youth Development 

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Kathi Vos

Diversity Individual Award

Annie Jones, Organizational Development & 
Tribal Nations Specialist

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Annie Jones

Distinguished Team Award

Reentry Ready: Focus on Finances

Todd Wenzel, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Katie Gellings, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Tahnee Aguirre, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Jeanne Walsh, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Amanda Kostman, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Jenny Abel, Financial Security Program Manager

Jonathon Ferguson, Financial Capability Learning Resource Specialist

PHOTO: Team members (from left) Katie Gellings, Amanda Kostman, Jeanne Walsh, Todd Wenzel

Early-Career Service Award

Hannah Zellmer, Human Development & Relationships Educator
Extension Marquette County

PHOTO: Peggy Damann, Awards Committee Co-Chair (left) with Hannah Zellmer

Mid-Career Service Award

Melissa Kono, Professor and Municipal Clerk Specialist
Community Resource Development

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Melissa Kono

Mid-Career Service Award

Neil Klemme, 4-H Youth Development Educator
Extension Iron County

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Neil Klemme

Distinguished Service Award

Bev Doll, Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator 
Extension Grant County

PHOTO: Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025 (left) with Bev Doll

Distinguished Service Award

Cathy Techtmann, Environmental Outreach Specialist
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

PHOTO: Cathy “Cat” Techtmann (left) with Hannah Zellmer, Chapter President 2024-2025

The Membership Committee met on June 16th.  Paul Roback and Mary Ann Schilling volunteered to co-chair the committee, with Cassi Worster and Christa Van Treeck also serving on the committee.  The committee discussed on-going membership recruitment efforts and the creation of a membership retention survey.  The committee would like to welcome Olga Meza and Kayla Rombalski as our newest chapter members!    

Respectfully Submitted by Paul Roback, Committee Chair

The Retiree Committee continues to serve as your link between Extension and retirement.  Members of the Retiree Committee include Jim Barthel, Ginny Hall, Christine Kniep, Linda Kustka, and Paul Roback. If you are interested in joining the committee, please reach out to paul.roback@wisc.edu!

Recently, Paul Roback had an opportunity to interview Matt Hanson to learn about what he’s been doing in retirement. 

What was your role with Extension and when did you retire?

At retirement on January 3, 2023, I had served as the Assistant Dean of the southern areas in Wisconsin. I knew fairly early in my life that I wanted to work as an Extension educator.  However, there was a hiring freeze when I finished my Master’s Degree. I began teaching as an instructor at UW-River Falls from 1995 through 1996, teaching Soils, Geology and Natural Resources. In 1997, I was hired as the Jefferson County Crops and Soils Educator. I served the county through 2004 when I accepted a similar Crops educator role in Dodge County. For the first few years, I had a dairy specialist and a swine specialist across the hall from me. That’s so amazing to consider today! 

In 2011, I accepted an interim role as Southern District Director and then was hired as the Regional Director for the Southwest Region in 2012. The transition to administrative work met my desire to support new colleagues who were beginning their careers in Extension and a personal mission to get them started on a path to success.

What did you value about your career in Extension?

I valued the opportunity to build relationships with so many people, both within Extension and those who used Extension. I valued the trust and respect that grew with county partners as we worked together to align the Extension/county partnership. I remember many challenging conversations that were raw and uncomfortable, but ultimately, some very contentious counties became strong Extension supporters.

What advice do you have for current Extension employees?

On the topic of retirement, even if feels a long way off, spend some time understanding the Wisconsin Retirement System and the multitude of benefits available. Do this early in your career; but it’s never too late. The benefit of sick leave conversion at retirement to pay for health insurance or supplemental Medicare can be a huge benefit if you learn about it early. Also, invest early in retirement plans such as a 401K or other investment opportunity to be able to capture the long-term growth of investments. It’s amazing how much less you need to invest monthly if you begin at the age of 20 versus trying to catch up when starting at ages 30 or 40 to have a million dollars in your retirement account at the age of 65. The sooner you start, the more quickly your money can grow.

How did you transition into retirement?

There seems to be an endless array of things that I was involved in before retirement, which have continued into retirement. 

I have preached at three Methodist churches regularly, one Sunday a month for the past 15 years, and serve other local churches when their pastors take leave. 

I support my wife, who created a food pantry called the Bread Basket in Watertown. This non-profit venture began during the COVID epidemic to help people in need by establishing mobile pantries in the local parks. We outgrew our first permanent location, now have an even larger building in downtown Watertown. Unlike many pantries, participants choose the food items for their families, rather than being handed a box of food that may not fit their preferences. Treating people with respect and dignity has been the goal of the pantry. Last year, her pantry served over 43,000 people.  FoodWIse was instrumental in connecting the Bread Basket to the local farmers' market. The pantry now receives additional fresh produce donations that didn’t sell at the farmers market, which supports families trying to make ends meet.

Additionally, I provide part-time maintenance and repair skills to the low-income housing authority in Jefferson, Wisconsin. With a 41 single-bedroom apartment complex and 20 family homes in the city of Jefferson, there is never a day when something doesn’t need to be fixed. If my schedule is too busy, local contractors provide the additional support.. 

I also take a week or two each year to support the Jefferson County fair.  

How have you contributed to Extension and/or the community since retirement?

Several months after retirement, I began exploring the development of a mid-career professional development opportunity for the North Central Region. Unlike many professional developments that are one-and-done training, the idea behind this was to focus on the needs and hurdles of experienced educators to help them find solutions to their issues and greater enjoyment in their educational roles. Many mid-career opportunities, such as NELD, LEAD21 and others lend themselves to finding the next group of future administrators.  Many educators love what they do, don’t have an interest in administration, and would appreciate training and support that helps them address the challenges they face. I successfully secured a grant from the Extension Foundation which provided funding and support to take the project from an idea to a reality. I’ve returned as a part-time Extension project manager, and I quickly connected with other professional development specialists across the NC Region. The program has been named EXPAND (Extension Professional Advancement, Networking and Development) and the current planning team has representation from Missouri, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I’ve been blessed to have Amber Shanahan be named as the director of the EXPAND, which aligns with other professional development programs she leads.  Our program design team is set to launch the first EXPAND training with an emphasis on Facilitation skills beginning in September. You can learn more about the EXPAND training at https://extension.wisc.edu/expand/. Future EXPAND topics in the pipeline include Evaluation and Artificial Intelligence.

In late 2024, I added a bit more to my plate by agreeing to serve a few hours per week as the project manager for the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation as they transition to the UW-Foundation.  With two staff members abruptly departing in November, it has certainly led to some interesting dilemmas to navigate through. The good news is this project should wrap up this early fall.

How do you connect with former colleagues and/or Extension in retirement?

I spend a day a week in Madison. That allows me to connect with several people at the new building located at 3500 University. I’ve set up an office space in a cubicle which feels like home now.  I have a sense of freedom being in a cubicle and not confined to an office. Offices are easily available for Zoom meetings, but it’s nice to engage with people, making connections, and having a pulse on the topics of the day that come up in conversations.

I have received invitations to attend monthly meetings where retirees gather, but I haven’t accepted yet. Perhaps I don’t feel quite retired enough for that yet. 

How did you identify and/or tap into a passion during retirement?

Perhaps I’m a bit of an outlier, but retirement opened more time and flexibility for me to build and continue many of the things I had already had a passion for. 

Do you have any advice for those who are about to retire?

Retirement is certainly a new chapter in a person’s life. It’s a bit reminiscent of graduating high school, with that sense of freedom knowing that chapter of your life is behind you, but with even less anxiety of what’s ahead. Extension was the perfect career because I’ve always focused on serving and improving the lives of others. There are so many opportunities to serve in the communities where you live. Serving others brings a wonderful sense of reward and accomplishment at the end of the day. At least it has for me. Your contributions to Extension are appreciated!  

President: Peggy Damann
President-Elect: Jordan Blue
Past-President: Hannah Zellmer
Secretary: Mary Ann Schilling
Treasurer: Melissa Kono

At-Large Director: Mandi Dornfeld
At-Large Director: Rachel Hart-Brinson 
At-Large Director: Donna Peterson
At-Large Director: Christa VanTreeck
At-Large Director: Kandi O’Neil
At-Large Director: Neil Klemme

Awards: Peggy Damann and Aerica Bjurstrom
Benefits Review: Brian Holmes and Rick Klemme
Global Relations Committee: Vacant
Grants: Katie Gellings

Membership: Paul Roback
Resource Development: Patrick Nehring
Retiree Committee: Paul Roback
Newsletter Editor: Cassi Worster

Mission of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP)

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension System and developing the Extension profession and professional.
Vision of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP)

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) leads the Extension System in providing and
facilitating professional development that focuses on the Extension organization and the Extension professional.

https://wiesp.org/