Who We AreDavid Myers Advancement Associate...
![People_Kelly_Billig](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kelly_billig_staff_photo-117686_1080x675.jpg)
People_Kelly_Billig
Who We Are
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Kelly has over 20 years of nonprofit experience in fundraising, operational management, and event coordination. She’s excited to help The Prairie Enthusiasts preserve and restore the biodiversity of the Upper Midwest. She resides in West St. Paul, MN with her husband and two sons where they enjoy hiking and playing board games. She also spends her free time snuggling her very active beagle-mix dog.
![People_Becky_Bradish](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/becky_bradish_staff_photo-67348_1080x675.jpg)
People_Becky_Bradish
Who We Are
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Becky has worked at a variety of non-profit organizations, mostly focused on providing services to people experiencing homelessness and/or mental illness, but has always loved any time she could spend outdoors. After attending law school in Minnesota and working at the Public Defender’s Office she and her husband jumped at the opportunity to move to the Driftless and take care of a family property. When she is not at the Prairie Enthusiasts office she can normally be found with her husband and dog on some corner of their property reading a book or weeding.
![People_Kay_Wienke](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kay_wienke_board_photo-78031_1080x675.jpg)
People_Kay_Wienke
Who We Are
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Kay served many years as an Orthopaedic Nurse Specialist and small business owner. She was an educator, administrator and clinical role model. Through her profession she came to realize the importance of policy and procedure to bring clarity & purpose to any organization. Her 9 years as volunteer member of the Board of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses culminated in service as President. During her Presidential year, Kay focused the Board on mentoring young members and mentoring them for future Board service. Organizations are only as strong as the interest of future generations. After retiring, Kay & her partner moved from the Milwaukee area to the Driftless for peace, quiet and nature. They have become involved with TPE and are working on establishing several acres of prairie on their properties in Vernon County. Kay works with the Southwest Chapter because their prairie holdings are closest to her home.
![People_Jay_Rutherford](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/jay_rutherford_board_photo-43981_1080x675.jpg)
People_Jay_Rutherford
Who We Are
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Jay’s retirement has been busy restoring prairie habitat around his home and volunteering in faith-based and environmental organizations. Jay served as an Army officer, followed by a career as a corporate finance executive. He lived abroad and continues to travel extensively but feels most at home in the Midwest. Beyond lending his time and talents to the Northwest Illinois Chapter, he also volunteers for Bread of Life Food Pantry, Apple River United Methodist Church, and Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation.
![People_Jon_Rigden](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jon_rigden-44589_1080x675.jpg)
People_Jon_Rigden
Who We Are
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After retiring as a family physician, Jon became deeply involved with several environmental groups. He served as a board member for Mississippi Valley Conservancy and is currently a board member of Friends of the Blufflands. He has been an active member of The Prairie Enthusiasts for several years, leading hikes, and is building partnerships amongst local environmental organizations.
![People_Deanna_Pomije](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/deanne_pomije_board_photo-82982_1080x675.jpg)
People_Deanna_Pomije
Who We Are
![deanne_pomije_board_photo](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/deanne_pomije_board_photo.jpg)
Deanna has worked in soil conservation in Minnesota & Wisconsin for over 15 years. She feels a deep connection to prairies and promotes their preservation and enhancement. She enjoys connecting with other prairie-minded people.