Meet the Team
Our Staff
Gabby Myers
Research and Education Manager
Contact:
research.manager@wiscran.org
Gabby, who holds a Ph.D. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, conducts WCREF-funded research, coordinates activities with external researchers, and oversees programming at the CIC.
Joe Gaber
Marsh Manager
Contact:
marsh.manager@wiscran.org
Joe manages traditional marsh operations and supports research activities.
Max Harvey
Marsh Technician
Contact:
marsh.manager@wiscran.org
Max brings decades of cranberry growing experience to his work supporting marsh operations and maintenance.
Lisl Detlefsen
Partnership and Engagement Dir.
Contact:
lisl.detlefsen@wiscran.org
Lisl works with the CIC and the development committee to support engagement initiatives that connect growers, partners, and the broader community.
Grant Holley
Executive Director
Contact: grant.holley@wiscran.org
Grant leads administrative oversight and plays a central role in connecting growers, researchers, and industry partners to strengthen collaboration and drive industry-wide progress.
WCREF Board
The Wisconsin Cranberry Research & Education Foundation (WCREF) is governed by a board of directors composed of industry representatives who provide strategic oversight and ensure alignment with grower priorities. The board guides organizational direction through committee-based governance focused on research, finance, communications, and development.
Committees
Development
The Development Committee provides strategic oversight of the Wisconsin Cranberry Research & Education Foundation’s fundraising, endowment, donor stewardship, and grant development efforts to ensure the Foundation's long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Partnership and Engagement Director, the committee develops fundraising strategies, monitors progress, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, and supports initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission.
Farm and Property
The Farm and Property Committee provides strategic oversight of WCREF’s land, facilities, farm operations, and agricultural assets to ensure they are managed sustainably, efficiently, and in support of the Foundation’s research and education mission. Working closely with the Marsh Manager, the committee oversees property maintenance, farm operations, budgeting, compliance, and long-term planning while making recommendations to the Board of Directors on major projects and resource management.
Research
The Research Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight to advance cranberry research priorities that support Wisconsin growers, sustainable production, innovation, and industry education. The committee collaborates with researchers, growers, and industry partners to prioritize research initiatives, evaluate projects, support research staff, and ensure findings are effectively shared and applied across the cranberry industry.
Finance
The Finance Committee provides financial oversight to ensure WCREF’s fiscal integrity, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of its resources in support of the Foundation’s mission. The committee reviews budgets, financial reports, policies, investments, audits, and risk management, making recommendations to the Board of Directors to support sound financial planning and long-term stability.
Communications
The Communications Committee provides strategic direction for communications, public relations, and outreach efforts that promote the Wisconsin cranberry industry and support the missions of WCREF, WCB, and WSCGA. The committee oversees messaging, media relations, branding, education, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen public trust, enhance industry awareness, and ensure consistent, effective communication across all organizations.
Our Board of Directors
Steven Bartling
President
Term ends 2028
⚲ Manitowish Waters
Edward Grygleski
Vice President
Term ends 2026
⚲ Tomah
Danielle Anderson
Secretary
Term ends 2028
⚲ Marshfield
John Stauner
Treasurer
Term ends 2026
⚲ Three Lakes
Rocky Biegel
Board Member
Term ends 2028
⚲ Wisconsin Rapids
Steve Gebhardt
Board Member
Term ends 2026
⚲ Warrens
Nicole Hansen
Board Member
Term ends 2028
⚲ Necedah
Nodji Van Wychen
Board Member
Term ends 2028
⚲ Warrens
Jenna Van Wychen
Board Member
Term ends 2028
⚲ Warrens
Doug Rifleman
Board Member
Term ends 2028
⚲ Wisconsin Rapids
Jenna Dempze
Board Member
Term ends 2029
⚲ Wisconsin Rapids
Jed Colquhoun
Board Member
Term ends 2026
⚲ Madison
Fawn Gottschalk
Board Member
Term ends 2029
⚲ Wisconsin Rapids