Chris Byars

President

Chris Byars serves as pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, a.k.a. the Clock Church. Throughout his professional career, he has worked for the betterment of the community. He has helped to found a Community Resource Center, working with ministerial and clergy associations to address homelessness and community needs and serving in service organizations. Holding a B.A. in German and Business Administration, an MBA in Global IT Management, and an M. Div. Since coming to Gillett in October 2020, Pastor Chris regularly serves at Ruby's Pantry, coordinates the local National Day of Prayer, and serves as the President of the Gillett-Suring Clergy Association. As a father of six, it keeps pretty busy and is a devoted husband to his wife of twenty-four years.

Monica Wagner

Vice President

Monica Wagner is the Regional Development Specialist for the Bellin Health Foundation. Monica enjoys making connections, cultivating and building relationships. She has been a Licensed Athletic Trainer for Bellin Health since 1999. She has coached basketball, but currently coaches Cross Country and Track and Field. Monica serves on the Gillett Elementary Lighthouse Committee and volunteers as a catechist for St. John’s Catholic Church. In her spare time, Monica loves to attend her children’s events, run, being outdoors, volunteering, gardening, hiking and working out. Her family has a small hobby farm outside of Gillett.

Katie Daul

Secretary

Katie Daul is a community-focused leader who serves at UW-Madison Division of Extension Oconto County. Her experience (both professionally and in volunteer capacities) lies within administrative support and networking, marketing and communication, and fundraising and event planning. Katie is active within the local community on various projects, including garden walks; homecoming celebrations; community health, safety, and nutrition; and the school board. She was also the chairperson of the newly developed Leadership Oconto County program and served as a volunteer firefighter. Katie is supported by her equally-dedicated community-minded husband, Justin, and three children, who provide her with the most joy.

Keri Hicks

Treasurer

Keri Hicks was a Physical/Health Education teacher for 35 years in the Gillett School District.  While employed with the Gillett district she “wore many hats”, including; Head Volleyball Coach (26 years), Head Girls Track & Field coach (11 years), coached middle school basketball and volleyball, Yearbook Advisor, Summer School Coordinator, and served on many committees(Autism, Post Prom, Wellness, and more).  

She is a member of the St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and serves on the Stewardship & Evangelism team.  Keri has also been on the City of Gillett’s Tourism and Marketing Committee as well as CDA.

In her spare time Keri is busy with her Photos by Keri photography, refereeing volleyball and track, substitute teaching, being a network affiliate with the Juice Plus Company and enjoying pickleball, gardening, walking and baking.

Keri is married to Kurt and combined they have four grown children and love spending time with their seven grandchildren.

Kurt Hicks

Board Member At Large

Kurt Hicks is the Gillett City Fire Department Chief and has been on the department since 1996, holding the positions of captain, assistant chief and now chief for the past seven years.  He is also the fire inspector for the City of Gillett.

 

Kurt is a barber-stylist and owns the Firehouse Hairstyling Salon in Gillett that has been in business since 1976.  He is actively involved at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and serves on Stewardship committee and has been on church council.  He is past president of the Gillett Civic Club and has been a member of the GACC since it started up.

 

His interests are hunting, fishing, and landscaping.