President: Kevin Laufer

I have been a Strider member for 15 years and I am currently the Vice President of Administration.  I got involved with the Striders through Marty Malin’s beginning runner program back in 2008 and have since run countless 5k’s, 4 marathons and over 75 half marathons. My favorite half is the South Shore half, not only do you get a pair of ugly gloves, but you never know what the weather will bring. My first volunteer experience with the Striders was “planting” strider bricks along the Oak Leaf trail with Marty. I also run the Sushi Fun Run in September, I usually lend a hand cleaning up after other fun runs and you may have seen me as lead bike at Strider events or as a gopher at the Lakefront Marathon. This fall I took on the task of making the Strider website more robust and easier to navigate.  I have made many friends through the Striders and love giving back to help the organization thrive. 

 

Secretary: Paulette Czerwinski

Last year I accepted an appointment to secretary and wish to continue in that role. I am enthusiastic about the Striders and have hosted over 10 fun runs in the past two years, as well as cohosting the Strider holiday party last January at The Gage. I am also looking forward to being the co-director of the 2025 Firecracker Four. I enjoy the Strider community and enjoy giving back through volunteering.I have been running since 2009 and have been part of the Strider community for 13 years. I’ve personally run six marathons, including one in 2018 with my son, and this year I celebrated my birthday by running the Lakefront Half Marathon with my Strider friends.     

text field ready for your content.

Vice President of Programs: Mary Beth Wild

I am honored that many members of our club believe that I would be the best candidate for this position. The Vice President of Programs takes on the responsibility of overseeing organizing Clubs Programs. Why would I want to do this? Over the past few years I have taken advantage of participating and organizing many Fun Runs, competing in the Club Championship Program, helping to organize the end of the year Club Membership Holiday Party, and this year I was instrumental in bringing back our beginner run program: Stride to 5K. I believe these programs offer our members an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, and social connections while promoting living a healthy lifestyle. These are essential programs to offer our members that need to remain strong in order to continue building our running community. This is not a position that can be done without the help of our amazing volunteers which I will need the help of many to make happen. 

My running nickname is Boo. Sixteen years ago I started running and after a slow start I became hooked. When I started training for my first half marathon, my friends suggested that I join a running club to help me. The Badgerland Striders was that club. I learned how wonderful it was to be part of a running community. I discovered how much easier it was to train with people who share the same commitment to healthy living and setting goals. Over the years I have preserved through injuries but continued to remain involved with fun runs, training runs, and organized races. I wouldn't be running today if it were not for the people I have met through the Striders…the crazy is contagious! There has always been someone who could convince me or I convinced them, that running in the horrible heat (not my favorite), freezing cold, or snow (love it) was something we could do. Running is not only good for your physical health it is good for your soul and your brain. It has become passion that not only keeps me motivated, and has connected me with fabulous people who share some of the same passions. The feeling I get from crossing any finish line, or accomplishing a running goal of any length is priceless and the people that surround me help make that happen. Running has truly changed my life. Don't Quit, Do It!

Member at Large (2 Open positions)

Candidate #1: Joni Hodor

I have been a Strider member for over 25 years. I enjoy running AND runners. I support the Strider non-profit mission. And would like to encourage runners to join in the social benefits that the Striders offer.I have run 2 marathons, been on several relay teams, run over 30 half marathons and run too many short races to count. Most have been road races. Strider sponsored races are my favorites! 

Candidate #2: Jeff Turner

I currently hold the Member at Large position and want to continue serving on tithe board in this role.  I started running at age 14, ran CC in high school. I ran while in college and came back to competitive running at age 34. Since then I have run marathons all over the world, on all 7 continents three times and have completed the Abbott World Majors. I’ve been a member of the striders since about 1990. I have volunteered at many of the events over the years. I was co-director of the Stride to 5k this past year and will be next years director of the Cudahy Classic. 

Candidate #3: Don Zien

The Striders give so much and take almost nothing in return. It’s a chance to give back. I have volunteered at various water stops during the buildups for the past few years. There is nothing I have seen like the Strider culture in other cities. Give everything take nothing. I became interested actually in junior high then in earnest for over 50 years. I’ve completed 9 marathons including at least 4 Lakefront Marathons, Chicago, New York twice, Marine Corps and numerous half marathons from Arizona to Florida to San Diego and Carlsbad to the 2023 Lakefront half. My bible is a book called the Marathon Method which I have shared with others starting out.