Steve Hiniker, Executive Director
Steve joined the staff as Executive Director of 1000 Friends in October 2003, however he has been involved with the organization since its inception as one of the organization’s founding board members. Prior to joining the 1000 Friends staff, Steve was the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to representing the interests of residential utility customers. Steve has also served as the Environmental Policy Coordinator for the City of Milwaukee where he developed and successfully lobbied for environmental liability reform legislation (“brownfields legislation”), developed pro-transit transportation funding plans and developed the innovative “blue cart” recycling program. His legislative experience includes working with State Senator Joe Strohl during which time he developed policy for recycling, transportation, air emissions trading and education, and was responsible for all media relations in the office.
Kate Morgan, Water Policy Director – Milwaukee based
Kate has over 25 years experience in the field of education and the last 14 years focused in environmental education working in the areas of program administration, design and delivery with a special attention on freshwater. She is especially interested in the relationship of nature, culture and community.
She loves to spend time hiking, canoeing and gardening.
Deborah Nemeth, Director of Development
Deb has worked in both the public and private sector. She was a small business owner for many years. After finishing her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked for Congressman Les Aspin and then went on to work in the Wisconsin state senate as a policy advisor. She was Director of Development and Communications for The Nature Conservancy – Wisconsin Chapter before a short retirement spent traveling. Deb was a founding board member of 1000 Friends and has served on a number of other non-profit boards. She joined the staff of 1KFriends after serving as a volunteer for a number of years. She oversees the fundraising, membership, communications and event planning for the organization.
Bill Rattunde – Green Tier Legacy Community Coordinator
Bill has over 25 years of experience as an architect planning, designing and executing projects including complex commercial office buildings, light manufacturing, educational and financial institutions. He is interested in building toward a more sustainable, timeless, pedestrian/human scale future that leaves the landscape in an improved condition.
Bill is an avid cross country skier and enjoys biking, paddling and also coaches high school cross country ski teams and U-13 soccer.
