James K. Caldwell

Vice President, Chairman of the Board, First Citizens State Bank

Jim grew up on a Wisconsin farm and witnessed firsthand the need for educational opportunities and leadership development for young people in rural Wisconsin. Jim believes these opportunities ensure the enhanced success and prosperity of Wisconsin’s rural and agricultural communities. He is proud that so many of the WROF, Inc. scholarship recipients say their scholarship was a defining moment for them. The WROF, Inc. scholarships empower students from rural Wisconsin to pursue their academic goals and return to become strong leaders in rural Wisconsin communities. Jim invests in the endowment of the WROF, Inc. as a way to “give back” and preserve our wonderful rural Wisconsin way of life.

Aliesha Crowe, Ed.D.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Northwoods Technical College

Dr. Aliesha Crowe is Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northwoods Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Before this, she served as the Vice President of College Advancement at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement for 5 years, and Dean of Industry, Energy, and Agriculture for 4 ½ years at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Aliesha was also a UW Agriculture Agent in Rusk County for 7 ½ years and a 7-12 agriculture teacher for 2 years. Aliesha remains active in her family’s agribusiness in rural Barron County. In partnership with her brother, she owns Crowe Bar Land & Cattle Company, LLC. They provide custom cropping services and raise registered Simmental cattle and registered Quarter Horses. She and her siblings will be the fourth generation to own and operate Crowe Bar Ranch in Barron, WI. Aliesha earned a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Science in Agriculture Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from UW River Falls. Aliesha is a 2019-20 Rising Presidents Fellow in the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence.

Sam Miller

Retired, Managing Director, Group Head, Agricultural Banking, BMO Harris Bank

Sam Miller retired from BMO Harris Bank as the Managing Director of Agriculture Banking. With over 37 years of agricultural banking experience – most of them at BMO Harris Bank, Sam managed and led production agriculture and agribusiness-related banking activities.

Passionate about the agricultural industry, Sam has served on many boards including the Wisconsin Dairy 2020 Council, Wisconsin Bankers Advanced Agricultural Banking School, American Bankers Association-Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association, Dairy Business Innovation Center, and the FaB Wisconsin Food and Beverage Leadership Council. Sam also serves on the faculty of the National School for Beginning and Experienced Ag Bankers.

In September 2013, Sam was awarded the Bruning Award by the American Bankers Association for Rural and Agriculture Banking for his leadership and outstanding dedication to providing credit and financial guidance to farmers, ranchers, and businesses in rural America. In October 2012, Sam was recognized by the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) as one of 40 honorees who have a common commitment to agriculture, life sciences, and paving the way for future generations. Sam writes a monthly Agrivision column for the Wisconsin Agriculturist magazine, speaks at many agricultural conferences, and has been quoted by the Wall Street Journal as well as other news outlets about ag industry updates. Sam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Jerry Gaska, DVM

Veterinarian and Founder, Gaska Dairy Health Services, S.C.

Dr. Jerome Gaska graduated in 1985 from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in Meat and Animal Science and from the University of Wisconsin – School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. In 1993, he established Gaska Dairy Health Services, S.C. in Columbus, WI. The veterinary practice is devoted solely to providing health and management services to progressive dairies. He managed a 2,000-cow dairy in Dodge County for 7 years and consults with large heifer and dairy operations. He is the Town Chairman and member of the Plan Commission for the Town of Elba, a member of the Wisconsin Livestock Facility Siting Review Board since 2006 and is currently the board’s Vice-Chairman, and a member of the Board of Directors of Farmers and Merchants Union Bank, Columbus, WI since 2012. He served on the Columbus School District Board of Education for 9 years where he was president for 2 years. Jerome is a member of Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, National Mastitis Council, American Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association and the Columbus FFA Alumni.

Sara Grunwaldt

Business Consultant, Northwestern Mutual

Born and raised on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, Sara Grunwaldt has called Wisconsin home her entire life. A graduate of UW–Eau Claire with a degree in Medical Technology, she spent a decade in the medical field before moving into the financial industry. She and her husband, Daniel, enjoy life in Wisconsin and are the proud parents of two grown children.

Norm Monsen

Retired, Dairy Economic Development Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Norm Monsen is a Dairy Economic Development Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), where he has a 26-year career. Norm’s role at DATCP and work as a liaison to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin involves guiding Wisconsin’s dairy industry, offering support from major players to individual farmers. His commitment to addressing the needs of both farmers and those facing hunger is exemplified through his collaboration with Hunger Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic. The onset of the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to
Wisconsin’s dairy industry, with logistical disruptions affecting food production and distribution. In fortifying a coalition between DATCP, the Wisconsin dairy industry, and Hunger Task Force, Norm’s leadership helped address the logistical disruptions in the dairy industry, facilitate the Dairy Recovery Program, and prevent massive waste – exemplifying his commitment to both farmers and the community. Through the Dairy Recovery Program, which purchased surplus milk and dairy products from struggling
farmers and redirected them to food banks and community organizations serving individuals experiencing hunger, Hunger Task Force purchased millions of pounds of milk, cheese, and yogurt that would have otherwise gone to waste. This not only provided crucial food assistance to families in need but also helped stabilize the dairy industry in Wisconsin. Norm played a fundamental role in facilitating the partnership between Wisconsin’s dairy industry and Hunger Task Force. Raised on a family farm in Stoughton, Wisconsin, Norm brings experience as a dairy farmer.

Tammy Pedretti, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Vernon Memorial Healthcare

Tammy Pedretti grew up in Appleton, WI, but always with an affinity toward a more rural lifestyle. After high school, Tammy attended community college for one semester and then joined the Army Reserves, which afforded her better education opportunities. From there, Tammy was able to pursue a variety of interests and, ultimately, a physician assistant degree through the University of Nebraska. 

Tammy has been privileged to be part of rural Wisconsin, working as a Physician Assistant at a small rural clinic in Crawford County for the past 20+ years. She and her husband also operate a beef farm, where they raised their two sons and continue to embrace the uniqueness and beauty of rural Wisconsin. 

Tammy learned about WROF through her son’s involvement as a recipient of the Premier Scholar Award in 2022. Tammy believes education is the foundation of personal growth, success, and community involvement. She looks forward to fostering the passion, generosity, and values of WROF as a board member. 

Sue Schultz

Project Director, Direct Ag Contact, Inc. 

Sue Schultz serves as a project manager for Direct Ag Contact, Inc., the largest and most experienced provider of temporary agricultural professionals in the United States. She manages new product roll-outs and staffing additions for research, sales support, plot management, and more. Prior to this, she worked with Beck Ag to improve ag business results through data-driven, go-to-market strategies helping clients glean market insight from their customers that positively impact their business results.

Sue serves as Chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Award Program, recognizing exceptional students across Wisconsin.

Sue and her husband, Richard, dairy and crop farmed for twenty-one years. Her career path included teaching agriculture at Lakeshore and Moraine Park Technical colleges, USDA-Farm Service Agency contractor, self-employed farm consultant, and her own ag marketing business. As a servant leader, giving back to her community has been a lifelong priority. Past leadership includes cooperative director, President of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association, and Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA) Corporation. Locally, Schultz has served as her Church President, along with a host of agriculture and community leadership roles.

Brady Zuck

Sales Territory Manager, Zinpro

Brady Zuck is a beef producer, agricultural leader, and Sales Territory Manager for Zinpro. A fifth-generation operator of Zuck Cattle Company near Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Brady manages a 200-head cow-calf and backgrounding operation with a strong focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and practical innovation.

Brady has served as President of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and on the Wisconsin Beef Council Board. He was also recognized by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation as one of its “35 Under 35” for leadership and service within agriculture.

Throughout his work, Brady has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening rural communities through education, advocacy, and relationship-building. His ability to connect producers, consumers, and industry partners reflects values that align closely with WROF’s mission. Brady brings a forward-looking perspective, strong agricultural roots, and a deep commitment to creating opportunity across rural Wisconsin.

Angela Zwald

Senior Territory Business Manager, Cattle Division, Zoetis

Angela grew up on a registered Holstein dairy farm in Manitowoc County in a family passionate about the great value that rural communities provide to society. UW-Madison was home for several years as she earned a BS double major of Dairy Science and Agricultural and Applied Economics.  She went on to earn an MS in Dairy Science, and her final degree as a Badger was an MBA, which she applies in her professional, personal, and volunteer responsibilities.

Angela has worked for Zoetis for over 20 years as a Senior Territory Business Manager in the Cattle Division.  A Certified DiSC Facilitator, Angela enjoys helping people learn more about their own and others’ behavioral styles to ultimately build better relationships for better outcomes. Locally, she has had the pleasure of serving in various leadership roles for St. Katharine Drexel Church and School.  Angela, her husband, and children live on a farm with beef cattle and a flock of sheep. Angela strongly believes in the mission of supporting education for our youth who will be our leaders of tomorrow, building up the rural communities in Wisconsin!