Board of Directors

United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI) is guided by an independent Board of Directors. Their integrity, professional experience, and dedication to the UCCI mission provide invaluable leadership and support. 

Meet the UCCI Board of Directors

Tom Bayer

UCCI Board President

Hospital and Health System Leader, retired

My wife, Mert, and I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin and have three adult daughters. We are members of First United Presbyterian Church in DePere where I currently serve as an Elder. My passion for outdoor ministry is rooted in my experiences leading to the rank of Eagle Boy ScoutOutward Bound mountaineering in Colorado, a summer in Rocky Mountain National Park serving with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks as well as church family camps at Daycholah Center. I enjoy most outdoor activities including biking, sailing, kayaking, hiking and fishing. In the winter I focus on woodworking. For the past 30+ years I have worked for HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, serving in a variety of leadership positions.

It is a privilege to serve on the UCCI Board as the Winnebago Presbytery representative. Part of my role is to connect the Presbyterian Church with UCCI camps. I have personally benefited from outdoor ministry. I believe in the benefits outdoor ministry brings to individuals and communities. I want to help make this experience available to more people.

Bret Bicoy

President and CEO Door County Community Foundation, Inc.

Bret Bicoy returned home to Wisconsin in 2008 to serve as President & CEO of the Door County Community Foundation so he and his wife Cari could raise their six children among family in the community they love.  During his tenure, the Door County Community Foundation has been recognized as one of the most innovative foundations in Wisconsin and has grown from $4 million to $50 million today.  Prior to returning to Wisconsin, Bicoy served as President of the Nevada Community Foundation, during which he helped secure $49 million in contributions and $71 million in known estate gifts. Bicoy also served as President & CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation when in 2002 he was named a Fellow of the Council on Foundations for his work promoting philanthropy in diverse communities.  He is a graduate of Tufts University and was honored by its Alumni Council as one “whose distinguished accomplishments bring credit to his community, his profession, and Tufts University.”

The Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ helped launch UCCI and remains an enthusiastic supporter of its outdoor ministry work. As Chairperson of the Conference Board, it’s my honor to serve as the bridge to UCCI.

Paul Black

UCCI Board Assistant Treasurer

Wendy Dallman

UCCI Board Secretary

Special Education Teacher, retired

Wendy earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Education-Special Education degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She taught at the middle /junior high school and high school levels for over 36 years in Wisconsin public schools. While teaching in New London at the middle/junior high school she was a team leader and while at the high school was the district’s key person for transition. Wendy has been the district’s new teacher mentoring program’s co-trainer and facilitator. In retirement, Wendy has conducted inservices for educational support staff and continues to substitute teach.

Wendy has been active in First Congregational UCC, New London serving several times as Council President, search committee chairperson, Sunday School teacher, Stephen Ministry seminar group facilitator, Women’s Fellowship leader, and lay service leader. Wendy completed Lay Academy in 2002. She continues to support outdoor ministry by attending/directing & Me camps, is a Camp AweSum volunteer, and helps with local church fundraising for camp scholarships.

I serve because UCCI has been supportive of camping experiences for diverse populations. Because I believe in this ministry, I want to continue to shape camping opportunities and accessibility for all.

Chris Davis

Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Beaver Dam, WI

Chris is originally from Southwestern PA, and has lived on both coasts and everywhere in between–even in Northern Ireland. Currently settled in Beaver Dam, WI, Chris serves as the Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church. Alongside his wife Jacqueline, they proudly parent two adult daughters: Hannah, who’s married to Shane, and Molly. Their family is completed by their beloved kitten, Squeaker.

In 1976, Chris’s first encounter with Pine Springs Camp in Southwestern Pennsylvania left him less than enthused. In fact, he outright hated it. However, fast forward to 1985, when he returned to the same camp, this time as a counselor-in-training. That’s when the magic happened. Suddenly, everything clicked into place, and from that moment on, Chris was completely captivated.

For me, outdoor ministries are sacred places in which to encounter God in community and creation. These sacred spaces provide the catalyst for transformation and renewal. I’m both honored and excited to serve on the Board of UCCI.

Lori Davis

Quality & Risk Manager, Oregon WestQuality & Risk Manager, Oregon West Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic

My connection to UCCI began as a child when I attended youth camps at Moon Beach and then as a teen, went to camps and retreats at Daycholah Center. Since 1987, I have attended Family Camp at Moon Beach, generally with great joy but occasionally with deep sorrow. For me, camp encompasses building and sustaining relationships with God, family, and friends and the spirituality of place. It is my healing place. I often refer to camp as my “Spa in the Woods” because it makes me feel rejuvenated and at peace. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of something so unique and spiritual.
I live in Portland OR and work in healthcare risk and quality management. For fun, I enjoy walking my Labrador Retriever, Kierin, golfing, reading, and cooking.

I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to guide the continuing development, growth, and direction of the UCCI.

Julie Garber

Spiritual Director/Retreat Leader Former Licensed UCC Pastor, Registered Nurse, Certified Yoga, Group Exercise and Personal Training Instructor

My present vocation (and my passion) as a Spiritual Director is to help people “Open their Hearts to God”, through individual and group Spiritual Direction sessions and in Retreat settings. I believe we are created in God’s image to be God’s image. Living out that journey is our call.

I am volunteer coordinator for Ruby’s Pantry Distribution site in Osseo, serving about 200 people each month to receive needed food. I work with the Eau Claire County “Sleep In Heavenly Peace” project, coordinating those children needing beds with delivery teams.

I serve because I believe in care of body, mind and spirit and “camp” is a wonderful way to do that.

Kevin Haass

UCCI Board Vice President

Attorney

In my professional life, I am an attorney. My firm is Forward Disability Attorneys. I am also a West Allis alderman. I have served as an alderman for the past eight years. Prior to becoming alderman, I served on the West Allis Police and Fire Commission for nine years.

I grew up in the UCC and we are active members of Emanuel UCC, Hales Corners. I have previously served on the Southeast Association Church and Ministry Team.

I have been active in Scouting all my life. I am an Eagle Scout and I have served on the Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America Executive Board for 12 years.

I have been a family camper at Moon Beach since the ‘80’s when I was a child. My wife, Carolyn, and I are parents of 16-year-old twins: Clara and Henry. Now that we have a family of our own, we have been attending Moon Beach family camp for about 15 years. My parents and my sister and her family also attend the same week, making for a nice annual event for our extended family. Our twins have attended Daycholah Center for many summers.

I serve because I have experienced first-hand the impact of this multigenerational ministry. It is important to me to serve the collective good.

Jeremy Hylen

Pastor, St. Paul’s UCC, Sheboygan, WI

Jeremy comes to Wisconsin from Michigan and Illinois. Since the fall of 2015, he has served as the pastor at St. Paul’s UCC in Sheboygan. During his leisure time, Jeremy enjoys cooking, brewing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or cycling. Since 2016, he has had the privilege of volunteering at Daycholah Center, where he eventually convinced his wonderful partner Laurie to join in the activities. Together with Laurie, their daughter Hannah, and their therapy dog Frankie, they spend as much time as possible exploring the great outdoors.

I started participating in outdoor ministries through the UCC at 13 at Camp Talahi in Michigan. Over the past 30ish years, I have been working or volunteering at UCC camps in the Midwest. My experience in outdoor ministries eventually led me to Chicago Theological Seminary. Church camp changed my direction in life, and I hope through supporting the amazing work of UCCI, that other people have the same opportunities to find meaning and connection as I did.

Rev. Julie Jennings

Vice President of Ministry, Cedar Community

Julie Jennings serves as the Vice President of Ministry at Cedar Community in West Bend, WI. She has over twenty years of chaplaincy experience in health and human service ministries, including health care, transitional housing for women and children, adults with developmental disabilities, and youth in detention and residential treatment. Julie is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with standing in the Southeast Association of the Wisconsin Conference UCC. She also writes and sings original songs about life in our times with her spouse, Susan Drake. Julie enjoys running and biking and connecting to creation.

I serve in recognition of the relationship between UCCI and Cedar Community through the Cedar Valley site and because I value the unique ways outdoor ministries contribute to grounding and transforming the human experience.

Holly Kirking Loomis

Acting Director, Office of Global Change U.S. Department of State

Holly leads the 35-person team that coordinates and implements U.S. foreign policy and programs related to climate change. A career diplomat since 2004, Holly previously served in Brasilia, Tegucigalpa, and twice in Beijing.

She earned her master’s degree from Tufts University Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and graduated Summa cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

She has served as Treasurer and Development Chair on the Board of Directors of the American School in Brasilia and also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a 17,000-member professional association of U.S. diplomats. Before joining the Foreign Service, Holly worked in trade finance in the Chicago area.

Holly and her husband Landon have three young sons, who call Wisconsin and New Orleans their home.

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Benjamin Lentini

UCCI Board Treasurer

Chief Product Officer for
7thonline, Inc.

7thonline, Inc. specializes in merchandise planning and demand forecasting solutions for global retailers and wholesale brands in the apparel/footwear/accessories industries. Benjamin has over 25 years merchandising and planning experience in both the retail and wholesale sectors. Prior to 7thonline, he was Vice President of Merchandising for Designs, Inc. which operated the Original Levi’s and Levi’s Outlet stores. He also was Chief Operating Officer for Belly Basics, a manufacturer of high end maternity apparel and accessories sold to retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. Benjamin also spent time in management consulting working for Arthur Anderson as the lead project management consultant for their retail merchandising practice.

Benjamin is currently the President of Camp AweSum, Inc., which organizes summer camps for children on the Autism Spectrum. Benjamin received Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Marketing from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.

My participation originates with my blessed involvement with Camp AweSum. Being engaged with such an outstanding organization and knowing that UCCI shares the same mission and commitment allows me the opportunity to further realize my spiritual purpose.

Rev. Rob McDougal

Liz Metzloff

Elementary Teacher UWPD Lake Rescue and Safety

I have been teaching 1st-3rd graders for 30 years since graduating from UW-Madison. I also spend my spring-fall driving the 35-foot rescue boats for the UWPD and monitoring the Hoofer Sailing Club from our watch tower.

I grew up in the UCC at Greendale Community Church. My husband and I joined the UCC Middleton Community Church with our children when they were born. I served on the Board of Education as well as the Decorating Committee.

I have been active in UCCI camps, attending Moon Beach since even before I was born with my family, and then again as an adult with my own family. I also went to Daycholah Center as a 7th-9th grader, and then throughout college, when I became the waterfront director for three more summers. I’ve also had the experience of being the sailing director at the camp my husband grew up at in the Adirondack Mountains for many summers with our kids.

As you can see, water and camps are a passion for me. It is where I feel God’s spirit most. I want to assure that the camps remain available for all to experience the beauty of the environment we are so blessed to be the stewards of.

Rev. Franz Rigert

Conference Minister, Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ

Franz Rigert grew up in Delavan, Wisconsin, where his father served the Congregational UCC church for more than 30 years. He attended UW Eau Claire and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in religious studies. In 1989 Franz enrolled in graduate school at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. In 1991 he married his spouse Trinn, and in 1992 earned a Masters of Divinity Degree.

Franz then served as Associate Minister at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, IL from 1992 to 1995. Following that, Franz was called to Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Grafton, Wisconsin, where he served for nearly 20 years. During that tenure the congregation grew significantly in membership and mission, eventually taking on a major building project that would provide a beautiful new sanctuary, seven classrooms and much needed gathering space.

In fall of 2014, Franz was called by the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ, to serve as Conference Minister. Franz and Trinn make their home in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where Trinn has taught Early Childhood Special Education for 25 years. They share three twenty-something children – Mitchell, Jordan and Marianna. Franz enjoys mounting hiking, travel, music and nature.

Outdoor Ministry fills a deep hunger in the hearts of many to find meaning in life, and to touch the sacred through the beauty of nature and the sharing of relationships.

Chuck Thiesenhusen

Community Recreation Director

Raised in the UCC tradition in Waukesha, I have had a passionate connection to Daycholah Center since the early 1980’s, spending numerous summers as a camper, counselor and waterfront director. After some time away, I reconnected in 2015 and have enjoyed volunteering annually as the sail camp director.

In addition to working summers at Daycholah Center while earning my BS in engineering, I broadened my camp experiences by working at other summer camps throughout the country, serving on their leadership teams and running their waterfronts. Later on I also earned an MS in Recreation Administration and an MBA.
Professionally, I have a combined 25+ years in the recreation industry, the majority of time spent at both a university-based conference center and currently at a community recreation district serving 10,000 residents.

During this time, I spearheaded the formation of a non-profit performing arts foundation and own a boat rental business. In addition to my current involvement at the 1st Congregational Delavan UCC, I enjoy spending time outdoors, preferably on the water, where I am an accomplished sailor racing multiple days a week on Geneva Lake.