Board of Directors Nominations, 2025 – 2028

Terms for board members Ken Zivic, Mike Sierszen, Jim Waletzko and Glen Hill end in December. All four were nominated to new terms by Dean Wellman with a second by Mike Sierszen. Their nominations were approved by unanimous approval voice vote. All four graciously accepted their nominations. The election will be held in December.

Ken Zivic – Board of Directors.  I am a retired Information Technology Executive who’s lived in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Colorado and Illinois. Born in Pennsylvania, I grew up knowing only trout fishing in western Pennsylvania streams, a love that I now maintain on the Brule and surrounding Lake Superior tributaries. In 1981, I started exploring northwestern Wisconsin with my love for the outdoors, wildlife, conservation and desire to relax in the Northwoods. I fell in love with the area and continued to expand my interests through outdoor activities. As a result, my wife Terri and I decided to purchase land and build our retirement home in Port Wing, a great location for all types of outdoor activities including the Brule River. We moved to our place in July of 2019 and believe that we will remain here for as long as we have the ability to do so. My intention is to be involved with the surrounding communities and causes so that I can help protect the future of the culture and environment in this part of the country.

Mike Sierszen – Board of Directors.  I retired from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency In 2018, having spent 27 years at the Duluth lab as a Research Ecologist. I investigated ecological effects of human disturbance on aquatic systems, especially focusing on the food webs of the Great Lakes and their coastal habitats. In 2018, I also joined the Board of the Sportsmen’s Club and I am the Chair of the BRSC College Scholarship Committee. I believe the Club has a strong positive effect on the quality of the Brule River; I’m especially excited about improving river habitat through our Habitat projects and guarding the river’s future by fostering environmental professionals through our Scholarship programs. I can be found somewhere along the Brule most times of the year.

Jim Waletzko – Board of Directors.  I first fished the Brule River in the late 1950s with my Dad and uncles. Going to the river during my high school and college years (1960-1969) was always a great interest. I bought a canoe in 1967, so fishing the upper Brule River became a reality. My interest in river biology only increased after completing a University of Wisconsin – Superior degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. I taught high school biology and chemistry throughout a 32- year career. After testifying against “tubing on the Brule River” at a legislative hearing in Brule I was invited to join the Brule River Sportsman’s Club. River ecology and trout habitat improvements have been an interest of mine for decades. Trout populations in the Brule are being monitored and regulated well by the Wisconsin DNR and the Brule River Sportsman’s Club remains supportive of their efforts. I enjoy taking an active interest in this BRSC effort.

Glen Hill – Candidate for Board of Directors.  I’ve basically lived in Maple, WI all my life. As a youngster, my cousins and I rode our bikes to fish the Brule. My enthusiasm was there, but my skill was lacking! I finally caught a steelhead on a spawn bag when I was 19. After that, spawn was hard to get and fish were few and far between. I noticed others were catching fish on yarn, and I finally caught two one day on yarn. I’ve never looked back since.  Anyway, after many years of enjoying the Brule and talking to BRSC board member Courtney Johnson, I thought that joining the Club and doing what I could to help improve the river was a good way to pay the river back.

To see bios for all board members, click on The Board.