Mission Statement
CVTC Foundation, Inc., exists to enhance the vision and mission of Chippewa Valley Technical College. This task is accomplished by securing resources that will provide student scholarships, support staff initiatives, invest in technology, and provide for ongoing facility development. CVTC Foundation, Inc., engages volunteers and staff in building a philanthropic culture through cultivating friends and alumni, raising funds, providing student scholarships, and managing resources invested by the Foundation for CVTC.
Meet the Team
Karen Kohler
Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of CVTC Foundation
715-833-6277 | kkohler@cvtc.edu
Karen has worked at CVTC for over 30 years. She brings her commitment to the College and its mission to her position as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of CVTC Foundation, Inc. While Karen’s background is teaching English, she knows that creating opportunities for students and forming relationships with businesses and our communities is the best work she can do for CVTC. Karen has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and is currently pursuing her EdD in Career and Technical Education at UW-Stout. She lives in Eau Claire with her husband, Paul.
Holly Bembenek
Director of Development
715-831-7299 | hbembenek@cvtc.edu
As the major gifts officer for Chippewa Valley Technical College, Holly is a high-energy public relations and fundraising professional who is not afraid to get the job done. Holly has a passion for college and community engagement, as well as workforce development. Prior to becoming the major gifts officer, Holly worked as the alumni relations and annual gifts officer for CVTC Foundation. Holly holds a bachelor of science degree in business from UW-Stout. She currently resides in Menomonie with her two children.
Amanda Kroll
Administrative Assistant | CVTC Foundation & Alumni Association
715-833-6479 | akroll6@cvtc.edu
Amanda is a highly experienced customer service professional with more than five years of experience delighting customers. New to her role as Administrative Assistant for the CVTC Foundation & Alumni Association, she brings an energetic and motivated attitude to the office. Amanda is also a two-time Alum of CVTC, receiving her Technical Diploma in Barber-Cosmetology and her Associates of Applied Science Degree from the Business Management program. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and children at their home in Thorp.
Emily Kovach-Erickson
Development & Grants Officer
715-975-6855 | ekovacherickson@cvtc.edu
Emily is excited to join the Foundation team as a Development & Grants Officer, focusing on the CVTC - River Falls region. After completing certificates in Event & Small Business Marketing at CVTC, she went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications from UW-River Falls. Before coming to CVTC, Emily worked as the Event & Program Manager for the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the CVTC Alumni Association Board. She looks forward to combining her passions for both CVTC and the River Falls community in this position. Outside of work, Emily can be found cuddled up with a good book, visiting family on Lake Superior, or volunteering in her community of Spring Valley.
Dana Haleta
Advancement Service Specialist
715-438-8440 | dhaleta@cvtc.edu
Dana has over a decade of experience working in a higher education non-profit environment. She previously worked as part of the gift processing and operations team at UW-Eau Claire's Foundation and brings her financial knowledge and database skills to CVTC as an Advancement Service Specialist. Dana received her bachelor's degree from UW-Eau Claire and master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Eau Claire with her husband and Norwegian Forest cat, Beatrix.
Meet the Foundation Board
The CVTC Foundation is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated board of directors. These individuals, volunteering their time and expertise, have enabled the Foundation to grow financially and programmatically over the past year. Our board members serve on a number of standing committees, as dedicated volunteers. The following committees provide advice, oversight, and time to fulfill the mission of the CVTC Foundation: Annual Gifts, Nominations, Investment/Finance, Major Gifts, and Executive.
Kelly Bakken
Altoona Police Department, Altoona
Learn more about Kelly.
Megan Bollman
Oral Surgery Associates, Altoona
Learn more about Megan.
Jamey Bowe
River Valley Architects, Eau Claire
Learn more about Megan.
Chris Fullarton
EO Johnson, Eau Claire
Learn more about Chris.
Scott Hoffmann
WIN Technology, Eau Claire
Learn more about Scott.
David Leisses
J.F. Ahern Co., Menomonie
Learn more about David.
Kevin Renley
Market & Johnson, Eau Claire
Learn more about Kevin.
Sheri Scheidler
Farrell Equipment & Supply, Eau Claire
Learn more about Sheri.
Tyler Tomesh
CCF Bank, Eau Claire
Learn more about Tyler.
Tracey Smiskey
Northwestern Bank, Altoona
Learn more about Tracey.