Ann retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel after 36 years. She traveled extensively as she completed tours in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. When she was back in WI, she taught public relations at UW-Whitewater for 20 years. After retiring from the military four years ago, she joined BVK Advertising as their Director of PR. Her primary client is the advisory tax and assurance firm, Bakertilly. She reached out to me about the new 2026 charitable giving rules that she believes will incentivize those who take the standard tax deduction to donate to 501(c)(3)s like Pathways High. She referenced this Kiplinger’s article. Also, Ann recently stepped down from serving on the USO Board so she said I caught her at a good time. Ann and her husband live in Waukesha. Her daughter Ariana came to Pathways High as a junior after a year at Rufus King and a year of eAchieve on-line school. Ariana thrived at Pathways High and Ann has volunteered at PH on multiple occasions, including speaking about her experience in the military. On our recent call, Ann described the positive PH experiences that shaped Ariana’s learning journey including her internship with Northwestern Mutual and the entrepreneurship opportunity to start a student-run Pumerie coffee shop and cafe at PH. Specialty areas: • Trusted Communication Advisor • Senior Public Relations and C-Suite Counselor • International Public Affairs • Industry Leader • Emergency Preparedness • Crisis Comm Workshop Facilitator • Media Trainer, Seasoned Journalist, Editor • Certified in Crisis Communication • Retired Air Force Public Affairs officer (Colonel) • Universal Accreditation in Public Relations - Military Communications (APR+M)