Visit Milwaukee Volunteers
Milwaukee shines a little brighter thanks to the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy and passion to support Visit Milwaukee throughout the year. Whether they’re welcoming visitors at events, answering questions at one of the many hotels or lending a hand behind the scenes, these dedicated individuals play a vital role in promoting and activating our city. Their enthusiasm and commitment make them an irreplaceable part of what we do, and we truly couldn’t do it without them. To each and every volunteer: thank you for being the heart of our efforts and for helping Milwaukee put its best foot forward every single day. You make a difference, and we’re endlessly grateful.
Deanna Adam
Legacy of Service: 30+ years
Bio: I am a registered Radiologic Technologist for 45 years. I x-rayed the Green Bay Packers and met Ray Nitschke. Currently, I work full-time at Pro Health Care. I have volunteered for the past 30+ years and enjoy meeting new people.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Cruise Ships
Fun Fact: I speak some Spanish and lived with a family in Spain in 1980. I was raised in Two Rivers, WI and have been to 13 different countries. Switzerland is my favorite.
Erich Adam
Legacy of Service: 30+ years
Bio: I was born in Austria and spent my childhood in Rochester, New York, before moving to Milwaukee. I was born into a musical family. I spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force (one year in Vietnam). Most of my career was in data processing. I’m retired and playing in a German/Austrian band. And I’ve been married for 35 years.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Cruise Ships
Fun Fact: I speak German and was a limo driver for Cher, Oprah, and Boy George. I play accordion and played for Daniel O'Donnell, the Irish International singer.
Joy Adams
Legacy of Service: 1+ Years
Bio: Retired teacher from MPS and have lived in Milwaukee all my life. Love to meet people and have fun! Have a husband, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, love to dance, sports, singing, etc.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Cruise Ships & Festivals
Fun Fact: I love dance, yoga, singing, sports, being with friends, and meeting new people – life is fun!
Mike Bartel
Legacy of Service: First Year
Bio: Born and raised in San Francisco. I love to travel and work in the nonprofit world and in financial planning. I still work as a life coach.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Wherever there are people.
Fun Fact: I was the ex. Director of the Great Circus Parade for 1 year.
Donna Basterash
Legacy of Service: Almost 1 year
Bio: Recently retired hospitality executive. 27 years as executive assistant – Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Married for 40 years to my husband. 20+ years coordinating multiple associate fundraising events for United Way + UPAF. Big cheerleader for all things Milwaukee.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: TBD! Airport so far
Fun Fact: Bryan Kubel is my nephew. I am so proud of him! Every year since he was a toddler, we would attend Milwaukee’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting together.
Daniella Brokopp
Legacy of Service: 6 years
Bio: Born and raised in Mexico City, New Mexico, I moved to Milwaukee when I married a native from Madison, Wisconsin. I worked at JW Marriot Mexico City, and changed my career to public service when I started working at the United States Embassy.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center
Fun Fact: I’m Mexican-American and I speak French and Portuguese at an intermediate level. I’m a “Yelp Elite”. I majored in Hospitality Management and I trained at the Four Seasons Hotel with the concierge staff. I’m a Spanish tutor for adults.
Jennifer Buchholz
Legacy of Service: 11 years
Bio: I grew up in the MKE area and have lived in the city of Milwaukee since 2007. I live in Washington Heights and love our neighborhood. When I’m not teaching or running my business, I love to show people my city. I’m a tour guide with City Tours MKE. I also love supporting Historic Milwaukee and love their walking tours.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Harley-Davidson Homecoming
Fun Fact: I’m a huge fan of solo travel. I founded a local group of women who want to solo travel and wrote “Go Solo!: A Savvy Woman’s Guide to Transformation & Self-Discovery through Travel”
Elizabeth Dalton
Legacy of Service: 3 years
Bio: Silly young senior from a large, diverse family of travelers, longtime resident of Bay View, volunteer at Habitat, UEC, VM, huge fan and visitor to Milwaukee County Parks.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: American Family Field
Fun Fact: Have lived in 10 different states, eight siblings, 40+ years as a vegetarian.
Teresa Fadden
Legacy of Service: 7+ years
Bio: Retired registered nurse, married to Tom for 48 years, 2 adult sons, 1 grandson, love to travel and ride my e-bike.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Cruise Ships
Fun Fact: I taught Clinical Nursing at Marquette for 25 years while I continued my role as a nurse caring for patients in the hospital.
Dr. Shontina Gladney
Legacy of Service: 6 years
Bio: Milwaukee born and raised. President of the SGGN Group Entrepreneurs Society. Certified Executive Coach working with travel and lifestyle professionals. Travel agency start-up instructor and consultant. Foodie and level 8 Google reviewer.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Visit Milwaukee Offices
Fun Fact: I love to travel more than I love to smile and that’s huge!
Nancy Huebner
Legacy of Service: First Year
Bio: I’m a Milwaukee native, returning after 20 years in Arizona and 3 years in Fish Creek.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Airport
Fun Fact: I’m now living next to the hospital I was born in – coming full circle!
Donna Johnson
Legacy of Service: 15+ years
Bio: I’m a long-time resident of Milwaukee and a mom of 2 children who are in the entertainment field. I recently moved to the Downtown area of Milwaukee. I’ve volunteered and worked as a paid employee at numerous entertainment venues in the city. As one who enjoys interacting and engaging with people, I enjoy sharing experiences of places and things that they might appreciate as well. I am a Blue Devil from North Division High School and a Badger from the University of Wisconsin.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center & Airport
Fun Fact: I’ve participated in the Senior Games of Wisconsin, formerly called Wisconsin Senior Olympics, in table tennis. I’m now playing pickleball on a regular basis and may, at some point, participate in the Senior Olympics in that sport.
Candance Kral
Legacy of Service: 25 years
Bio: Registered Histotechnologist in Pathology & Dermatology for over 40 years. Volunteering for Rep., and I am a CTA Volunteer also. Married, dog, and 2 cats. Also work with third graders at Swanson Elementary.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center (North or South Building)
Fun Fact: I loved my picture with Bobby Portis!
Rose Larson
Legacy of Service: 23 years
Bio: The very first volunteer event was the Rockettes – that started it all! Have enjoyed volunteering all over the city at a wide variety of events!
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center & Mobile Kiosk
Fun Fact: My husband and I love to ride Vespas in the summer.
Mary Jean (MJ) Link
Legacy of Service: 4 years
Bio: Born and raised in New Berlin. Lived and worked 35+ years in Boston and New Jersey. Retired back to Milwaukee because Milwaukeeans are my people.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Airport
Fun Fact: I play guitar and mandolin in Cream City Folk – classic rock, Americana, and fun!
Frank Matusinec
Legacy of Service: 25 years
Bio: I’m a University of Wisconsin graduate and have been married to Rose Mary for 54 years!
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center
Fun Fact: I love taking tours in other cities. For 26 years, I’ve spent 2 weeks in Europe.
Barb McDonald
Legacy of Service: 1+ Years
Bio: Retired MPS Spanish teacher and literacy coach. Have lived in Bay View for over 50 years. I have traveled for over 50 years. I have traveled to over 40 countries. I have 3 kids and 4 delightful grandchildren.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Cruise Ships
Fun Fact: I love playing pickleball! My grandpa called me Whirly!
Ellen Orlowski
Legacy of Service: 7-8 years
Bio: I’m a Jill of all trades and a master of none. Right now I’m doing a lot of nature activities. I’m a certified Master Naturalist.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Airport
Fun Fact: I have a black belt in Karate. I have done Phillipine Eskrima and Pankraton.
Bea Pamprin
Legacy of Service: 5 years
Bio: I own a business. Since 1985, I’ve assisted small business owners with accounting and I volunteer at a number of places.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center
Fun Fact: I’m a former farmette and I love opera.
Mary Reavey
Legacy of Service: 2-3 Years
Bio: Retired – City of Milwaukee, life-long Wisconsin resident, Graduate of UW Madison, love outdoors
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Airport
Fun Fact: Two-time runner of the Boston Marathon – I did not win.
Pat Reavey
Legacy of Service: 2-3 years
Bio: Retired medical/lab sales, born and raised in England, U.S. citizen for 48 years, married to Mary Reavey, soccer fan – Tottenham Hotspur, Badger/Packer fan.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Airport
Fun Fact: I am an ex-jockey from England.
Tammy Ripp
Legacy of Service: 10 years
Bio: I’ve lived in Wisconsin for most of my life after growing up as an Army brat. I love showing off the well-known and hidden gems of our city to all of our Milwaukee visitors.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center
Fun Fact: I’ve visited 26 countries (so far)!
Ellen Shaefer
Legacy of Service: 3 months
Bio: I am a stay-at-home mom of five children – two are yet at home. I enjoy triathlon and pickleball. The star of the family is my 11-year-old golden retriever.
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center (North Building)
Fun Fact: I used to detassel corn during the summers growing up.
Taylor Trost
Legacy of Service: First Year
Bio: Communication Master's student at UWM. I started volunteering with Visit after a previous experience working with Explore La Crosse. I really enjoyed volunteering here so far!
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Baird Center
Fun Fact: I love to craft, cook and read! I also love to go to Puerto Rico for the San Sebastian Festival! This January will be my third time!
Sandra Wicker
Legacy of Service: 17 years
Bio: Born and raised in Milwaukee, so as John Gurda wrote: “Sandra, who knows Milwaukee from the ground up.”
Favorite Location to Volunteer: Anywhere in the Great Place on the Great Lake!
Fun Fact: I clean the chandelier at the Pabst Theater (33,000 crystals, give or take a few).
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