2025-2026 UPGM
Board of Directors
The UPGM Board of Directors is a dedicated group of individuals- former host families, teens and supporters- who so believe in the aims of the Project that we remain committed to ensure its success and viability for years to come.
Some are new- some have volunteered for many years- and some have been a part of the Ulster Project
since the very beginning!
Feel free to contact any one of us with questions, suggestions or just to chat about our role in the Project!
VERY REVEREND KEVIN CARROLL
UPGM Board President
Kevin and his family have been active with the project since 2012 and have hosted two students. In 2018 their daughter served as one of the counselors for the project and their family hosted her Northern Irish counterpart. Kevin currently serves as the dean of All Saints’ (Episcopal) Cathedral in Milwaukee. He joined the board in 2019 with an interest in helping recruit more Protestant families for the project.
KAREN RONDINELLI
UPGM Board Vice-President
Karen is a long time Board member and was a host parent in 2010. She's a past co-President with her husband Fred, and is currently serving as Vice-President. She is a past co-Chair of Discover YOUR Irish and coordinated all efforts pertaining to the 2019 Ulster Project International Conference, hosted by UPGM in August of 2019.
kmrondinelli@gmail.com
JIM GILLESPIE
Director Emeritus
Jim is one of the original members of the group that made the Ulster Project in Milwaukee and across the US possible! He's been involved since the very beginning over 50 years ago and has served on the board for nearly as long; President, International Steering Committee... you name it!
PATTI BOHNE
Patti is one of our newer members of the Board, joining in 2024. The Bohne's served as a UPGM host family in the Summer of 2024.
KEVIN CARNEY
Kevin first hosted in 2023 and is excited to open his home again in 2026. He has been involved with Discover Your Irish as a volunteer, current and attendee since 2018. Joining the board in 2025, Kevin looks forward to deepening his connection and continuing to contribute to the program’s success.
SARAH CARNEY
Sarah is a one time host parent from 2023, and looks forward to hosting again in 2026. She has volunteered for Discover your Irish and has supported that event since 2018. Sarah is proud to join the UPGM board in 2025, and is excited to further her involvement in the Project going forward.
BONNI FREDRICK
Bonni joined the Board in 2020 and served as a UPGM host several times. Prior to joining our team as a Board member, Bonni and her husband Jonathan ensured that Discover Your Irish never, ever ran out of libations!
She now serves as the Chair of DYI.
TAWNYA GANFIELD
Tawnya joined the Board in 2021 and has also served as a UPGM host several times. Her professional experience in global communications and cultural competency makes her a perfect fit for the Project!
DEANA GILLESPIE
Deana Gillespie joined the Board in 2022 and served as a UPGM host family in 2015 and 2018. She leads the Project's Activities Committee, ensuring that UP goals, service and fun are equally valued each and every Project year.
She has also volunteered for several years at Discover Your Irish Night in various roles.
deanag2@yahoo.com
SUSIE GRABOW
Susie serves on the Host Family Committee and helps coordinate family activities, including teen selection and oversight during the summer weeks where Belfast teens are hosted in Milwaukee. She is also on the Activities Committee helping to ensure a productive and valuable experience for all of the Teens. Susie joined the board in 2018 and was a host family parent in 2016.
KAREN HUGHES
Karen is another long time Board member and UPGM supporter! She's been a host family parent, member of the Discovery Team, curriculum coordinator, past co-president and unofficial Board historian- an apt role for someone who has been involved in the UPGM Board since 1990!
CARRIE KELROY
Carrie joined the Board in 2022 and has served as a UPGM host family two times- once in 2018 and again in 2024.
She has also volunteered for several years throughout the years for the Project.
TERI KWIATKOWSKI
Teri has been a board member since 2013 and is past host family mom. Besides serving as Board Secretary, she is integral in volunteer efforts and Discovery curriculum development.
SCOTT KWIATKOWSKI
Scott has also been a board member since 2013 and is a past host family dad. He's heavily involved in communications and web data, and coordinates our email efforts.
KARYN LEMANCZYK
Karyn joined the Board in 2021 and has been a part of the UPGM for several years prior. A long time volunteer, Karyn is the Coordinator of the Host Family Committee leading that team's efforts in recruiting and selection; Summer Project oversight; and family interaction, communication and satisfaction.
She's the one to reach out to if you have interest in becoming a Host Family!
GINNEY HAAS PAULY
Ginney has been an important presence in many aspects of the Project, ranging from music to Discovery to curriculum and well beyond. She's a former host parent and has also hosted THREE counselors!
Ginney served as VP of the Board from 2017-2021, and was chair of the Worship committee for 13 years. She's been a Board member since 2010.
KEVIN F. PULZ
Kevin is a 3 time host parent; 2010, 2013 and 2016- a year that saw his 2010 son serve as counselor. He is the most recent past Board President, serving from 2017 to 2021, and was very proud to be a part of making the 2019 International Conference in Milwaukee not only successful, but memorable. Kevin has been on the Board since 2014.
COLLEEN MCGUIRE SCHMITZ
Colleen wears many hats! She serves on the Host Family Committee and represents UPGM on the Ulster Project International Steering Committee. She's a former host parent, Host Family Coordinator and interfaces with UPGM families not only during the month of the Project, but keeps in touch with them well beyond their participatory summer!
Colleen has been on the UPGM Board since 2012.
MIKE TOEPFER
Mike is another long-time Board member, serving an extended stint as Board Treasurer. He's a two-time former host parent and also helps coordinate many of our legal and logistical obligations, including by-laws. Mike has been on the Board since 2009.