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.
Bret was named a Person of Influence by In Business Las Vegas magazine as one of the “men and women who make things happen” in Nevada. 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.” Back in the days when he could still be considered young, Bret was presented the Young Alumni Achievement Award by Tufts University as one “whose distinguished accomplishments bring credit to his community, his profession, and Tufts University.”
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. While 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 attends Hope United Church of Christ. He also 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. Contact Bret.
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.
Julie Haen, Senior Business Officer
A fourth-generation Door County resident, volunteerism is a core family value. Inspired by her late father’s Masonic involvement, her passion for helping others is reflected in her fundraising for the Sevastopol Education Foundation, the Music, Art and Theater Guild, and the Shrine Hospitals.
Julie raised two strong confident daughters, and a kind-hearted outgoing son. Between learning to crochet, and wrangling her dogs Remi and Toby, she finds peace camping, hiking, and kayaking Door County’s beauty.
Julie’s love for Door County translates to a deep appreciation for the Foundation’s impact on its land and people.
Julie brings her professional expertise to the Community Foundation, where she leads a team responsible for the meticulous processing, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds across the organization’s diverse portfolio. Contact Julie.
Kali Knutson, Philanthropic Services Officer
Growing up in Sturgeon Bay, Kali has always felt a deep connection to Door County’s natural beauty and close-knit community. Her passion for helping those around her drives everything she does at the Community Foundation. Eager to give back to the place she loves, Kali works with donors and local charities to support the causes that make Door County so special.
With a background in communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and professional experiences in hospitality and caregiving, Kali understands the importance of building strong relationships and offering genuine, compassionate service. She’s committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the community.
Outside of work, you can find Kali exploring the great outdoors, catching a live theater performance, or visiting family. At home, she cherishes time with her two beloved cats, Monty and Rocky. Contact Kali.
Adam Peronto, Philanthropic Services Officer
Adam started his career as an Exercise Physiologist, where he developed a strong commitment to improving the well-being of others. This early experience sparked his interest in community outreach, leading him to transition into roles where he could contribute to broader social change.
Over the years, Adam has led various initiatives that have enhanced access to vital resources and opportunities for diverse populations to thrive. His dedication to community and innovation continues to drive him as he works with donors, local charities, and community members to create meaningful and lasting connections throughout the Door Peninsula.
Giving back has always been central to Adam’s life. He actively volunteers as a coach for Special Olympics and volunteers with several organizations, including the Algoma Venture Academy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, The Ridges Sanctuary, and the Canary Fund. These roles allow him to blend his passion for service with his professional expertise, continually seeking out new ways to positively impact his community.
Adam grew up on his great uncle’s small dairy farm in Casco, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of community from an early age. Today, he enjoys the natural beauty of Door County through activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Whether collaborating with donors, working alongside community partners, or coordinating a fundraising event, Adam is dedicated to making the most of every opportunity to contribute to the place he calls home. Contact Adam.
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.
