Staff

Administrative Staff

Tracy Ogden

CEO
tracyo@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 116
Tracy joined the Club staff in November 2009. Tracy earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She has worked at local non-profits for the last 15 years and as CEO is responsible for managing the strategic planning and operation of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in support of the organizational mission and goals.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that every day is different from the next and that everything we do serves our mission.

Favorite words of inspiration
“We are called upon not to be successful but to be faithful.” - Mother Teresa

Jessica Carr

Director of Marketing & Communications
jessicac@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 115
Jessica became the Director of Marketing & Communications in March 2021. She was born and raised in Oshkosh and is a UW Oshkosh alum. During her time in college, she was an intern at the Club and fell in love with its mission to help children and families. She’s spent the last eight years working in marketing and event planning, both with nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the fox valley area, and loves staying connected to her hometown. She is excited to be back at the Club as a full-time member of the team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching the latest movies, and boating in the summer.  She lives with her husband, Kory, and their three dogs in Neenah.

What do you love most about your job?
I get to do what I enjoy, work with an amazing team, and make a difference in the community. The perfect combination!

Favorite words of inspiration
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – J.K. Rowling

Thomas Coppola

Human Resources Manager
thomasc@bgcosh.org

Phone Extension 118
Thomas Coppola joined our team in May 2023 as the Club's Human Resources Manager. Thomas is focusing on strategic improvements that will empower the organization to achieve concentrated goals. He loves working with individuals to enhance their personal and professional aspirations. As a resident of Winnebago County, Thomas takes the initiative in his pursuit to support the public. He believes everyone should have the opportunity to achieve, and the future of our community, both locally and globally, is predicted by the empowerment of young people. He is dedicated at local and state levels, focuses on strategic programming to aid those in need, and coordinates efforts to make sure that young people can access services that will help them survive and develop. In addition, he represents Winnebago County as an advocate for foster parents. Thomas is honored to represent the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh while advocating the partnerships that help ensure the Club has the tools and resources to continue empowering the young people in our community.  

What do you love most about your job?
Supporting the community by providing resources as a haven for success that center around nurturing while inspiring change.

Favorite words of inspiration
"Courage is the commitment to begin without any guarantee of success." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Stormie Derber

Accounting Clerk
stormied@bgcosh.org

Stormie joined the team in July 2021 as the Club's Accounting Clerk. She acts as an assistant to the Director of Finance and does a variety of accounting tasks that help keep the business side of the Club running smoothly. Stormie has been working in the accounting field for over 16 years. She grew up in Oshkosh and lives in Omro with her husband, Gary. Together they have four adult children. Stormie loves to spoil Ms. Willow, her dog, and in her free time greatly enjoys camping with friends, gardening and crafting.

What do you love most about your job?
I love being part of an incredible team that inspires so many kids and families. I love the teamwork from the employees and being able to form lasting relationships with my co-workers!

Favorite words of inspiration
"Change your thoughts and you change your world." -Norman Vincent Peale

Bethany Ferguson

Development & Grants Coordinator
bethanyf@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 122
Bethany Ferguson joined our team in the spring of 2022 as the Club's Development & Grants Coordinator. Bethany attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Professional Communication. While at UWSP, Bethany was a PR/Marketing Intern with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, where she first developed a passion for the BGC mission. In her free time, Bethany loves to read, travel, be outdoors, and work on crafty things.

What do you love most about your job?
I love the fact that every single day I am working to make a difference in the lives of our community. I get to work with an amazing team, and each day is different. I could go from writing a grant, to brainstorming with my team, to helping with Club events! Plus, it is so great to see smiles on all of the kid's faces!

Favorite words of inspiration
I have two favorites!

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." - Tuesdays with Morrie

"The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs

Angie Koepke

Administrative Services Coordinator
angelak@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 119
Angie Koepke joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh staff in February 2014. Angie is a graduate of Berlin High School. While Angie grew up in Berlin, she currently resides in Oshkosh with her daughter, Gwendolyn. Angie loves working with kids and in her spare time enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school, being a mentor at the Club and spending time with her daughter.

What do you love most about your job?
Our mission, helping children and families that need us the most.

Favorite words of inspiration
"There are three ways to ultimate success. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind." -Mr. Rogers

Proudest moment at the Club
I think my proudest moment is when I saw the thank you note that my mentee put up on the wall in the teen center. It said: “I am thankful for my mentor because whenever I have a problem she is there to help. She is one of the people who made a great impact on my life. She made me realize some important points in my life. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”

Katie Talken

Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives
katiet@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 129
Katie joined the staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in April 2015. Originally from Illinois, she moved to Green Bay to attend St. Norbert College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English and Communication. After graduating, she was an AmeriCorps VISTA with the TechGYRLS program at the YWCA of Greater Green Bay. She has worked with several youth serving non-profit programs and loves to give back to the community. She is thrilled to be a part of the Club and helping children in the Oshkosh community.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that my job gets to impact kids’ lives and that in some way I am making a difference.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.”

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
(A staff member was teasing another staff member for being a White Sox fan.) A little girl overheard this and said: “Why would you pick on someone for liking white socks?! I like white socks! AND I like blue socks and pink socks too!”

LuAnn Ziebell

Director of Finance
luannz@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 112
LuAnn joined the staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in June 2022 as the Club's Director of Finance. LuAnn has been working in accounting and finance for non-profits for over 20 years. LuAnn grew up in Appleton and currently resides in Oshkosh. She has two adult sons, Sam and Max, and three grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with whenever possible. She also likes to take her Great Danes to the dog park and enjoys going to the Oshkosh Farmers Market in the summer. She enjoys reading, cooking, golfing, gardening, and being outside as much as possible.

What do you love most about your job?
I love making everything balance! It’s also great to work with such a dedicated group of individuals who enjoy what they do.

Favorite words of inspiration
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - AESOP

Program Staff

Danielle Bittelman

Director of Youth & Family Engagement
danielleb@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 124
Danielle graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Secondary Education and Broad Field Social Studies. In 2011 she began working with the Boys & Girls Club of Tri-County, first as a volunteer and then as a part-time member of the program staff. She joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh full time as the Education Director in April 2012. She was ultimately drawn to the club to be part of the mission to help improve the lives of others and work with youth in a variety of different area, such as homework help and outdoor education. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time outdoors and helping out on the family farm.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that our options are limitless in the ways we are able to positively impact the lives of others. Every day is different. Every day is an adventure. Every day is an opportunity to be great and impact the life of a child.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Some people will be boring this week. Not you. You've got too much awesome to spread.” - Kid President

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
At Camp Radford there are a variety of funny random things that kids will ask or say, things ranging from “What's the Wi-Fi password?” “I brought all of my money, where's the gift shop and snacks?” “Do the alligators in the river bite?” “Are the cows going to attack us?” “Did you plant the stinging nettle just to keep us out of the tall grass?”

Victor Brandt

Behavior Intervention Specialist
victorb@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 135
Victor Brandt is the Club's Behavior Intervention Specialist. Victor joined our team in October 2022. He has worked in the social services field since 2015. Victor is a graduate of Moraine Park Technical College’s substance abuse counselor program and a soon-to-be graduate of Marian University's psychology program. He spent time working in crisis centers as a Mental Health Specialist and most recently was working as a Treatment Specialist for the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections where he specialized in substance abuse treatment and re-entry services.  Victor has extensive training in trauma-informed care treatment approaches as well as training in motivational interviewing. In addition, he also led group facilitation and individual counseling techniques that serve a variety of populations.  In Victor's prior experience working with children, he has worked with them on strengthening their life skills and career readiness. 

What do you love most about your job?
 Seeing those we work with learn to have confidence in themselves and seeing the long-term success and change that comes with it.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” — Will Rogers

Jed Carlson

Graduate & Career Coordinator - Oshkosh North High School
jedc@bgcosh.org

Phone 920-252-5589
Jed attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work. Throughout his undergrad, he was able to work with teens in a couple of settings: volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh through the Mentoring Program for just under three years, and as an Individualized Youth Mentor for CESA 6 for a year. After graduating from college, Jed took a job at Rawhide Boys Ranch as a Residential Youth Care Worker. There, he helped residents with everyday living skills—from getting up in the morning and being on time for school, to helping them learn how to resolve conflict with one another. Anything to help prepare them for life beyond their teenage years.

What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to relate to students that may be struggling to figure out what to do after high school. Being able to provide hope and expose new things to the youth who attend the Club is a privilege and a great honor of mine.

Favorite words of inspiration
You never know unless you go.

Lindsay Clark

Senior Director of Club Operations
lindsayc@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 114
Lindsay joined the staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in July 2012 as the Child Care Director. For the last three years, she has served the Club as the Director of Club Operations and has most recently been promoted to Senior Director of Club Operations. Prior to working for BGCO, Lindsay was the director of a childcare center in Oshkosh for four years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Education from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She truly enjoys working with children and families and has been doing so for over a decade. Lindsay and her husband Chris have a son, Ayden, and a daughter Mila. Lindsay also has a step-daughter, Samantha, and a step-son, Brandon. She enjoys spending time with her family and meeting new people.

What do you love most about your job?
The ability to always try new things, whether it be to make things better or just to change it up and do something different! We are always trying to improve and grow.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!” - Dr. Seuss

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
A letter to Santa from a 7-year-old: Dear Santa, I want nothing for Christmas because you know the true meaning of Christmas is not presents, it is spending time with your family and love.

Adam Cummings

Care & School Site Coordinator
adamc@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 126
Adam has been with the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for 12 years. Adam wears many different hats as an employee with us. Through his time spent here, he has played a key role in our after school care sites. He spends his summers in our games room at the front desk of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. He's also our Drivers Education Coordinator.

What do you love most about your job?
My favorite part about my job is being able to watch the members grow into responsible and happy young adults throughout their time spent at the Club.

Katrina Gesell

Director of Child Care
katrinag@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 131
Katrina Gesell joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in August of 2021 as the Director of Omro Child Care. Katrina graduated from Marian University with a bachelor's degree in education and graduated from MPTC with an associate's degree in human resources. She spent many years working at the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, CLC Site Coordinator in Oshkosh, and as a Center Operations Manager at Head Start. In Katrina's current role as the Director of Childcare, she oversees all of the Club's after-school programs within the Oshkosh Area School District and Omro Elementary School.

Funniest thing you've heard a Club member say
We were on our way to a baseball game, and a student heard that I was able to pick kids to go onto the field. She decided to write me a letter: "Dear Miss Katrina, You are going to be my new best friend. You are really nice to me. You make me pee my pants. Which makes us friends. I love you so much. See you soon."

Jay Gibson

Big Futures Mentoring Coordinator
jayg@bgcosh.org

Phone ext. 134
Jay Gibson is the Club's Big Futures Mentoring Coordinator. He is responsible for developing successful relationships with Club members in 6th through 8th grade and volunteer mentors with the goal of helping youth grow academically and develop decision-making and life skills. Jay is a 1994 graduate of UW Whitewater with a degree in communication. He spent 20 years in sales and customer service and has 30 years of experience as a youth volunteer in multiple capacities. He feels extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the amazing staff and members at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh and Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin through his position. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rita (Vitale) Gibson and his sons, Jack and Sam.  

What do you love most about your job?
My family history is deeply rooted in education and mentoring. Because of this family background in education, for decades I have felt a calling to be a part of an organization that emphasizes youth development and family outreach support.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

Something someone may not know about me
My God Mother, Jean Barkow, started “Jump Rope for Heart” over 40 years ago and in 2014 was recognized for her efforts by the American Heart Association and Riverside University HS where she and my Mother taught for over 30 years.

Sydney Hall

Director of Teen Services
sydneyh@bgcosh.org

Phone ext. 127
Sydney Hall joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh team in the spring of 2023 as the Club's Director of Teen Services. Sydney oversees all teen programming, including our Be Great Graduate mentoring program within Oshkosh West and Oshkosh North High Schools. Sydney graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a double major in professional communication and organizational leadership and a minor in psychology. She began working with the Boys & Girls Club Movement during her first year at UWSP as a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County and quickly discovered her passion for working with and helping youth. In addition, she also worked as a Resident Assistant at UWSP, where she developed programs for college students. In her free time, Sydney enjoys boating with friends and family, hammocking, and discovering new sushi restaurants.

Favorite words of inspiration:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead 

Tim Lange

Graduate & Career Coordinator - Oshkosh North High School
timothyl@bgcosh.org

Phone 920-420-4565
Tim attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Leadership. Throughout his undergrad, he was able to work with youth in several settings. He worked as the aquatics director at Gardner Dam Scout camp. In addition to that he also taught martial arts at Omro Tie Kune Do in Omro. He also worked part time at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh as a Youth Development Professional for two years before accepting a full time position. Tim is also passionate about the outdoors and never misses a chance to spend time outside.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get to work with teens and help them make a plan for their future. As well as help them realize what their talents and strengths are and how they can best utilize them to reach their goals.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Happiness is how I arrange my mind” -My dad and uncle

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
“Aqua Man is the coolest superhero there is.”

Jessica McKenna

Graduate & Career Coordinator - Oshkosh West High School
jessicam@bgcosh.org

Phone 920-410-9442
Jessica graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in communication and public relations. She has worked a variety of positions over the years including as a campus activities coordinator, as a marketing coordinator at a credit union and as a special education aide for both elementary and high school. She started working for Boys & Girls Clubs in 2009 while she was still in college. During her time at the Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley in Appleton, she worked as a Youth Development Specialist running a number of different programs. She then worked at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Bay serving as the Academic Coordinator. She was inspired to work in the Boys & Girls Club movement because she believes that children deserve every opportunity to become successful as they grow and having positive adult relationships is a big component. She is passionate about education because she truly believes that regardless of someone’s situation, being educated always opens doors to a better life. Jessica recently transitioned to a Graduate and Career Coordinator for our Oshkosh West students and is looking forward to helping our members create a Great Future!   

What do you love most about your job?
Connecting with members on a daily basis and getting to talk with them about how their day/life is going.

Favorite words of inspiration
"A love of learning has a lot to do with learning that we are loved.”— Fred Rogers

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
Just all the random jokes that kids come up with. You never know where they're going which makes it fun!

Kevin Mueller

Director of Club Services
kevinm@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 121
Kevin has worked at the Club for over 13 years. As the Director of Club Services, Kevin oversees additional services the Club provides such as basic needs, mentoring, volunteers, and more. He also provides assistance with behind-the-scenes planning of our programs. Kevin is currently a coach for a tournament-level soccer team and plays volleyball and softball. Kevin volunteers at many of Oshkosh's local events, so you will see him helping out in many different ways throughout the year.

What do you love most about your job?
I love my job because it gives me the chance to transform children's lives and give them opportunities that they wouldn't normally have. There is never a dull day, or a day that I don't smile while working at the Club.

Favorite words of inspiration
I wasn't born to "just teach." I was born to inspire others, to make change, and to never give up; even when faced with challenges that seem impossible.

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
While at the Milwaukee Zoo: "Remember last year? When I asked you if we could take a monkey home as a class pet? You said 'No,' and I cried. How about this year?"

Lauren Nicholls

Director of Club Programming
laurenn@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 137
Lauren is from Oconomowoc, WI where she lived with her parents and two brothers until she came to Oshkosh in 2012 for school. She has been a staff member of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh since 2013. She began her career with the Club working at our Oshkosh School District after-school programs first as a 5 and 6-year-old teacher for our Great Explorers summer program for 5 years, then as a CLC Coordinator at Tipler Middle School. While working at the Club, she earned her Bachelor’s in Human Services and Leadership from UW Oshkosh. Most recently she moved from her role as our Middle School Coordinator to Director of Club Programming. In this role, Lauren oversees all programming for our Radford and Quest programs.

What do you love most about your job?
What I love most is that there is going to be something that challenges me every day. I love working with kids and seeing them grow into who they want to be and to be able to be a small part of their journey. I love working with a team that shares a passion for helping children, their families, and their community.

Funniest thing you’ve heard a club kid say
One of our Great Explorers got sick on the bus on our way to a pool, as I was trying to get him situated with the garbage can and sitting in a bus seat he looks up at me and says, “you know you’re gonna make me throw my back out.”

Noah Potratz

Fitness & Health Coordinator
noahp@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 125
Noah attended University of Wisconsin- Superior and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health Education. After graduation, he taught Physical and Health Education at Northland Scholars Academy in Dunbar, WI as well Co-Athletic Director and Boy's Basketball Coach. He also was the Program Assistant at Northland Camp over the summer. Looking to be back in the Fox Valley after growing up in Ripon, Noah was offered the Fitness and Health Coordinator Position at the Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh. Noah enjoys anything involving sports as well as being outdoors and hiking.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get to be active and work with children of all ages to keep them active and healthy everyday.

Favorite words of inspiration
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” –John Wooden

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
“I can heal them, my grandpa is Santa Claus. That means I'm going to be Santa Claus one day."

Susan Tesch

Academic Coordinator
susanz@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 120
Susan has worked at the club since 2016. She spent time at the after-school care locations and various program areas until she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and became our S.T.E.M. coordinator. Before working at the Boys & Girls Club she worked as a church administrative assistant. Susan has always loved working with children, whether it’s babysitting, tutoring, or working in the church nursery. In her spare time, she loves to golf, garden, and read. She and her fiance have a Labrador retriever named George.

What do you love most about your job?
I love when the kids first arrive at Club and we get to check in with them and see how they are doing. Even if they are having a rough day, it feels good to be able to talk them through it or be able to cheer them up. I also love it when we are doing S.T.E.M. activities and the kids are shocked or pumped up about the outcome of our experiments. It is so rewarding to be able to teach them in such a fun way!

Favorite words of inspiration
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

Funniest thing you’ve heard a Club kid say
I asked a question and the child answered with a perfect cat meow. He then proceeded to recite the entire Meow Mix advertisement jingle . . . you had to be there.

Jamie Wilcox

Director of Facilities
jamiew@bgcosh.org

Phone Ext. 111
Jamie Wilcox has been a dedicated and important staff member at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for over 35 years. He has played an integral role in the Club since he was 10 years old. Having grown up a member of the Boys & Girls Club, he has developed a strong passion for what the Club does for its members and families.

What do you love most about your job?
I get to help with a variety of things on a daily basis from programming, building related questions, to administration needs.

Favorite words of inspiration
"Plan a program, they will come!”

Favorite Club memory
My favorite memories at the Club have taken place during field trips we have the kids on over the years. Just last year we took a group of kids skiing, many of whom had never been skiing before and it was so neat to be a part of them trying something new that they had never done before. Many years ago, I remember going along on a fishing trip with the kids and I’ll never forget the looks on their faces the first time they ever caught a fish. They were so excited, it was priceless.

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