Chippewa Valley Times

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin has announced an expansion of its Northwest Region Board of Directors with the addition of two new members. Taree Ryan, a Human Resource Manager at Cardinal FG in Menomonie, and Nathan Kalepp, a Principal at Bauman Associates, Ltd. in Altoona, have been appointed to bring their expertise from the industrial and finance sectors to the nonprofit organization.

Ryan has been involved in community and nonprofit activities since her time at Winona State University. She graduated with a degree in Human Resources Management and Business Administration and joined Cardinal FG Company, a subsidiary of Cardinal Glass Industries, in 2023. Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Ryan stated: “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.” She aims to contribute positively to Junior Achievement's impact on young people locally.

Kalepp has been associated with Bauman Associates since 2004 and currently leads the firm's attest department. His work focuses on providing audit and accounting services to nonprofits among other clients. Kalepp commented: “I’ve always made it a priority to save a little of myself to invest personally and professionally in my local community.” He looks forward to supporting Junior Achievement's mission of aiding youth in achieving economic success.

Ryan will support Junior Achievement’s K-12 educational programs focusing on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship while also helping expand these programs for young adults aged 18-to-25 years old. Meanwhile, Kalepp brings his experience as an alumnus of Leadership Eau Claire into his new position.

Both Ryan and Kalepp will start their board terms in February. They aim to empower young individuals by equipping them with essential skills for financial independence and career success.

Junior Achievement is recognized globally as an organization committed to educating young people about economic success through hands-on learning experiences provided by volunteers from various sectors. The organization has reached over 40,450 students in northwest Wisconsin since 2021 through its life skills education initiatives.

For further information about Junior Achievement's activities or programs offered in northwest Wisconsin, interested parties can visit northwestwisconsin.ja.org.