SPAAR leadership comes together for annual luncheon and awards recognition

A lively, festive afternoon took place at SPAAR on December 18 as 55 people gathered for the first-ever onsite leadership luncheon.

The event welcomed the new board members who were sworn in by Bob Clark, a former SPAAR President. In addition,  departing board members were thanked for their service and dedication to SPAAR.

2025 SPAAR President Jennifer Livingston welcomed guests and gave her State of SPAAR address.

The 2025 Leadership SPAAR Class received certificates. The class included Amanda Cox Zuppan, Nicholas Mansur, Darcy McDonald, Maria McDonald Zang, Jario Ramirez and Marjorie Weinhagen.

Certificates were also presented to the following 2025 directors: James Cormier, Jason Gorman, Kayla Milbrath-Gustafson, Nichole Kappel and Lou Thao and a 2025 Past President certificate was presented to Amy Peterson.

Certificates were also presented to the 2025 Committee Chairs, including the following:

• Affiliate Committee – April Ranallo
• CEO Evaluation – Brianne Lawrence
• Communications Committee – Amanda Cox Zuppan
• Community Engagement Committee – Amy Peterson
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee – Brian Parker
• Facilities Work Group – Jerry Teeson
• Finance Committee – Charlie LeFebvre
• Government Affairs Committee – John Tschida
• Metro YPN Committee – Marjorie Weinhagen
• Nominating Committees – Amy Peterson
• Professionalism Committee – Melissa Johnson
• Toys for Joy Committee – Mike Hunstad
• Charitable Foundation President – Tracy Baglio

And the outgoing Board of Director chairs were recognized, including April Ranallo, Brian Parker, Nicko Spehn, Marjorie Weinhagen, Lou Thao, Nichole Hayden and Amy Peterson.

Danielle Bickham Pelton, President-Elect and Charlie LeFebvre, Treasurer, members of the 2025 executive leadership team, received a certificate and award. SPAAR CEO Gabe Walsh gave a president recognition, award and gift to 2025 President Jennifer Livingston.

Jennifer Livingston presided over the swearing in of Danielle Bickham Pelton, SPAAR's 2026 president.

In addition to Danielle, SPAAR's 2026 Board of Directors members are Charlie LeFebvre, President-Elect; Colin Voerding, Treasurer; Jennifer Livingston, Past President; Elba Guille Garza; Kayla Milbreth-Gustafson; Nichole Kappel; Adriana Martinez; Jim Cormier; Jason Gorman; Jairo Ramirez; Joe Schwartzbauer; Amanda Cox Zuppan; Aaron Haase, Chair – Affiliates; Ben Smith, Chair – Communications; Melissa Johnson, Chair – Education/Professionalism; John Tschida, Chair – Government Affairs; Ken Alger, Chair – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Liz Novotny, Chair – YPN; and Nichole Hayden, Chair – Community Engagement/Director.