Our Professional Staff.
To minimize costs and maximize the amount available to be granted to the community, the Community Foundation contracts for its investment, accounting and bookkeeping services. We do have a small professional staff in Door County that interacts with our donor clients, local non-profits, and the community at large.
Bret Bicoy, President & CEO
Bret Bicoy joined the Community Foundation in 2008 having previously served as President of the Nevada Community Foundation and President & CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. He was also named a Fellow of the Council on Foundations in Washington, D.C. for his work promoting philanthropy in diverse communities. He also writes a regular column in the Peninsula Pulse.
A graduate of Tufts University, Bret was presented the Young Alumni Achievement Award as one “whose distinguished accomplishments bring credit to his community, his profession, and Tufts University.” The Marietta Chamber of Commerce honored him as the Telesis Community Leader of the Year as “a believer in impossible things, whose vision, enthusiasm and dedication have unquestionably made their mark on our community.” Bret was also named a Person of Influence by In Business Las Vegas as one of the “men and women who make things happen” in Nevada.
In the 1990s, Bret was the Senior Foundation Officer of the Green Bay Community Foundation during which time he helped launch the Door County Community Foundation. When living in Green Bay, Bret served one term on the Brown County Board of Supervisors and was twice elected to the Green Bay City Council.
Bret is a long-time Rotarian and continues to be involved at Hope United Church of Christ. He serves as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ and is one of the founders of the United Church of Christ Foundation of Wisconsin.
Born and raised in Aiea, Hawaii, Bret is married to Cari and together they raised six children in their beloved Door County.
Jessica Holland, Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Even though Jess was raised in IL, she has deep family roots in Northern Door County and dreamed of living here since she was young. After a series of unexpected and fortunate events, Jess moved to Door County full-time in 2010 to raise her family with a Southern Door Belgian.
With a background in Social Work and music, Jess has provided anti-violence education and advocacy for area youth, delivered crisis intervention and prevention for aging adults, organized efforts to expand access to high-quality and affordable child care in the county, led on the Sturgeon Bay School Board, and played with various local musicians throughout Door County. Bringing people together and building meaningful connections motivates Jess, especially in this community. She cannot think of another place where she would rather work towards this goal.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys camping with her family, visiting local beaches, making music and crafts, and taking in all that Door County has to offer with close friends and family.
Jess is eager to work with donors and local charities to support the unique vibrancy of Door County through meaningful connections. Working with the Philanthropic Services Officer, Jess engages with our existing family of donors, serving as a philanthropic advisor by offering counsel and advice to help our donors achieve their respective philanthropic goals. The team also administers our granting operations, including our discretionary grantmaking programs and distributions from Donor Advised Funds. Contact Jessica.
Kacie Mueller, Philanthropic Service Officer
Born and raised in Sturgeon Bay, Door County has always had a special place in Kacie Mueller’s heart. While the rural area was an enjoyable place to grow up, she was compelled by all that the big city has to offer. Kacie made the move to Milwaukee shortly after graduating from Cosmetology School. Upon arriving in Milwaukee she began work as a hairstylist at a high-end salon located in the heart of downtown. After a year behind the chair, Kacie was offered a position as the Operation Manager of the salon, which she happily accepted. She managed the boutique-style salon for 6 years and oversaw the complete rebranding of the company.
After having their son, Kacie and her husband Andrew decided that there was no better place to raise him than in Door County. She made the move back to Sturgeon Bay in 2014 to be surrounded by their extended family as well as the cultural treasures and abundance of natural resources which make the Door Peninsula a remarkable place to live.
Kacie now lives in Sturgeon Bay with Andrew and their children William and Hazel. Kacie is excited to be part of the Community Foundation which helps to make Door County the amazing community that it is.
In 2021, Kacie was elevated to the position of Philanthropic Services Officer after having worked with the Community Foundation for more than 7 years, serving most recently as Community Relations Officer. Kacie offers counsel to donors and works closely with the Vice President of Philanthropic Services to develop new and more effective strategies to help Door County’s generous families increase the impact of their charitable giving. Kacie is also responsible for marketing and communications activities and coordinating special events. Contact Kacie.
Julie Haen, Senior Business Officer
As a fourth-generation Door County resident, Julie Haen is a passionate supporter of Door County.
Julie lives in Sturgeon Bay with her children Ashley, Anna, and Logan.
Supporting Door County’s nonprofit community through volunteerism is at the core of Julie’s family values and one she hopes to pass on to her children. As a member of the Sevastopol Education Foundation, Julie volunteers by fundraising and organizing events to benefit Sevastopol students.
Door County’s State and County parks are a favorite weekend destination for Julie and her family. Camping, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of their favorite Summer activities. She and her family can also be found hiking on one of the many Door County Land Trust trails or exploring at Crossroads at Big Creek.
Julie is responsible for processing contributions and disbursements from the many Funds of the Community Foundation. Contact Julie.
Jean Gothberg, Business Officer
Jean joined the Door County Community Foundation in March 2022 as a Business Officer. Jean is excited to work with the team at the Community Foundation.
Jean was born and raised in Southern Door County, in Little Sturgeon Bay, and graduated from Southern Door Schools. As a direct descendant of Increase Claflin, Door County’s first white settler, Jean has a love for the preservation of our county.
Jean and her family have resided in Sturgeon Bay since 2015, after returning from Southeastern Ohio to be closer to her parents. Jean has a significant other, Leo of 21 years. A son, Dylan who is attending UWGB studying History and Art. Jean’s daughter Kyrsten is an R.N. at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Jean and her family have a passion for nature and the great outdoors. Spending time together in the forests, at the bay and lake, and appreciation for the star gazing the clear skies of Door County offers so magnificently. Door County has always been her “home”.
Jean brings many years of business and bookkeeping experience to her new position and is responsible for processing contributions and disbursements from the many Funds of the Community Foundation. Contact Jean.
Heidi Copiskey, Administrative Assistant
Heidi Copiskey was born and raised in Door County and is passionate about the community and culture we share. Having worked in hospitality for much of her career, Heidi strongly believes that compassion is one of the dearest qualities one can have. Heidi is an avid volunteer and can be found anywhere from bagging groceries and serving food, to local bookfairs and handing out water at the Triathlon (because let’s be honest, that is the closest she will ever come to participating in one).
Heidi lives in Sturgeon Bay with her husband Eric and their children Bryton and Zoey on a delightful homestead filled with chickens, ducks, turkeys, and rabbits. While she would like to take credit for the bountiful garden in the backyard, she is much better at “quality control” then the growing. Heidi also enjoys hiking at the State Parks, going to local theater performances, she loves a good book and vows to someday take a pottery class.
Heidi is excited to join the Door County Community Foundation and to be a part of such an amazing network of men and women working together to make Door County the very special place that it is.
Heidi is the friendly voice that answers the phone and smiling face that you first see when visiting the Foundation. Along with greeting our guests, Heidi takes our event RSVPs and manages the Scholarship Network. Contact Heidi.
