New leadership at Wildlife In Need
The Wildlife in Need Center in Oconomowoc has hired Joan Rudnitzki as its new Executive Director. She will succeed former Executive Director Michael Guzniczak as of Feb. 13. Guzniczak will return to serving on WINC’s board of directors where he will continue to strengthen WINC’s collaboration with University of Waukesha-Waukesha and the UW System.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this exceptionally important role and am looking forward to working with the board, staff and volunteers to fulfill the center’s mission,” said Rudnitzki after accepting the position. She will assume the Executive Director’s responsibilities as the center continues to expand its wildlife rehabilitation activities throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
WINC recently opened the doors on its brand-new, $900,000 center for rehabilitation and education at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha field station near Highway 18. The 6,000-square-foot facility is a giant step forward from WINC’s humble beginnings in a one-bedroom house near downtown Waukesha. Today, the center treats up to 3,000 animals representing more than 130 different species annually.
Rudnitzki has more than 24 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily serving as director of development for various organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin, including the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation. Besides her professional experience with these environmental organizations, Rudnitzki has a strong personal commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s wildlife and their natural habitats.
“When I reviewed Joan’s resume, it was as if all her past experience was in preparation for her new role with the Center” said Wayne Grandy, board member who spearheaded the search for the center’s new executive director.
Since its inception in 1994, more than 37,000 sick, injured or orphaned animals have passed through WINC’s doors. A clear indication of the staff’s expertise is the successful rehabilitation of Dakota, the Center’s great horned owl that was recently stolen and left to fend for himself for three weeks. Dakota was finally rescued by WINC staff and is successfully recovering under the skillful care of the center’s rehab staff.
Open 365 days a year, the Center is staffed with a small team of paid employees, a very large group of dedicated volunteers and is funded entirely by private donations and grants. The Center works extensively with schools and community organizations to help raise awareness of the important contribution southeastern Wisconsin’s unique wildlife makes to the region. Besides treating and re-introducing injured animals to the wild, and educating more than 8,000 children and area residents, WINC also provides expert advice via phone, website or blog to anyone with questions or concerns about wildlife-related issues.
More information about WINC is available on their website, www.helpingwildlife.org.
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