For Antigo Times

MADISON – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board elected new officers for 2016 at its Jan. 27 meeting in Madison.

The board elected Terry Hilgenberg of Shawano as chair, Greg Kazmierski of Mukwonago as vice chair and Julie Anderson of Oak Creek as secretary.

The Natural Resources Board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with governing state laws. Board members are appointed to six-year terms by the governor with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin Senate.

Hilgenberg is a Realtor and President of Coldwell Banker Hilgenberg Realtors in Shawano. He has been in the real estate business since 1975 specializing in commercial real estate in Green Bay, and is a partner in Hilgenberg & Associates, Inc., an investment and development real estate company. Hilgenberg was appointed to the board May 1, 2011 and his term expires May 1, 2017.

Kazmierski has shared his passion of the outdoors for more than 30 years through a successful sporting goods business in Pewaukee. Kazmierski grew up on a dairy farm in rural Mukwonago, which inspired his appreciation of Wisconsin’s natural resources. Kazmierski was appointed to the board May 1, 2011 and his term expires May 1, 2017.

Anderson is currently the director of public works and development services for Racine County. Julie was raised in Hales Corners and spent her childhood summers at her grandparents’ lake home on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of Harrington Beach State Park. These memorable experiences helped cultivate Julie’s love of nature, State Parks and the Great Lakes. She was appointed May 1, 2015; term expires May 1, 2021.

The board also recognized Preston Cole, Milwaukee, for his dedicated service as Natural Resources Board chair over the past three years. Cole is Director of Operations for the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works. Cole was appointed to the board in August 2007, reappointed May 28, 2013, and his term expires May 1, 2019.

“Preston Cole has done an outstanding job of leading the Natural Resources Board over the past three years,” DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said. “We are looking forward to his continued guidance and expertise as a member of the board.”

For more information on the Natural Resources Board, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword “NRB.”