Our Board

Nancy Hanson, Founder / Acting Treasurer

Nancy has been our PFLAG chapter leader since inception in 2009.  Her day job is serving as an ELCA pastor for two congregations on the Bayfield peninsula.  In her free time, she loves cross country skiing and beachwalking with her spouse.

Pronouns:  She/Her

Mark Ricker, Chapter President

When I was asked to join the PFLAG Board I had just ‘come out’ as a gay father, pastor and friend to many in the Ashland WI area. Joining the Board was one step toward becoming an activist for gay rights and protection. Over the years that I have served I have gotten to know many like-minded humans who are smart, kind and a pleasure to work with! With love from Appalachia, VA.

Pronouns: He/Him

Elise Kehle, Vice President

This is a fight I have been in since age twelve. Originally from Missouri, I know the fate that awaits us if we fail in the struggle. Our local chapter must be a vital part of the community. I came to PFLAG through hosting our 2021 trivia night and never looked back. The Chequamegon Bay has unique potential to be as welcoming for everyone as it has been for me, and I want us all to strive for that. Our path to survival is through working class solidarity and compassion!

Pronouns: She/Her

Jess Hall, Board Member

I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to: help facilitate and provide tools for parents and show we can be comfortable with questions without answers rather than promote answers that can’t be questioned. It is time for me in my life to give back. I have empathy for the underdog. I had no adult queer role models when I grew up. I could not see myself as an adult. I can now provide to young persons my role model as a trans non-binary person. A dream outcome would be that PFLAG provides a solid presence in this community, and we can increase the resources for queer folks.

Pronouns: They/Them

Brian Heeringa, Secretary

I want to make a difference for those in the LGBTQ+ community, meet other people with similar values, be more involved, be a voice for those who need it, and try to improve understanding and acceptance. To make our whole community in which we live safer. To encourage more engagement at all levels and progress PFLAG’s mission. My hope is that we can provide a space where everyone can grow, thrive, feel safe and valued.

Pronouns: He/Him

Colene Lee, Board Member

I want to learn more about the struggles and persecution of LBGTQ+ folks and get to know them, so I can be a better ally for the group. I have a 16-year-old grandson who I want to grow up whole---as I want for all children--- not incapacitated by fear and hatred based solely on skin color and sexual and gender preferences. Being a part of PFLAG, hearing people’s stories, being an ally, hopefully offsetting some of the hatred they’ve experienced with acceptance and love makes me happy. I feel privileged to attend school board meetings with fellow PFLAG board members to advocate for LBGTQ+. I like staffing the PFLAG events table, meeting people, and expanding their understanding of the LBGTQ+ community. I desire to aid PFLAG in its multi-faceted efforts to mitigate and eliminate the prejudice and hatred perpetrated against the LBGTQ+ by those who seek to rise to power through fear mongering and promoting violence against innocent people.

Pronouns: She/Her