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Foundation Officers And Advisors
Doug LaViolette, Brian’s Dad, Foundation President
Brian was the inspiration for the Foundation, but Doug created it. He has put his heart and soul into the Foundation and although it doesn’t pay him salary; he has found satisfaction in helping others. His full-time business and marketing consulting job, The LaViolette Group, was established in 2000, after 30 years of ownership of Executive Office Interiors.
Doug volunteers his time with many organizations, including All God's Children, Grantmakers-Wisconsin, Junior Achievement and many more. He is past Post Commander of Oconto's American Legion Post 74 and served in the United States Army from 1968-1970.
When Doug is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 37 years, Renee, organizing his favorite room in the house…the garage, and thinking of new ideas to make his life crazier and busier-for all of us!
Renee LaViolette, Brian’s Mom, Foundation Vice-President
Renee wears many hats in the Foundation and the LaViolette family. She has been a great motivator and supporter since the beginning. She has played a key role in the book-keeping, organization of the Foundation inventory, and sharing her common sense ideas.
When Renee is not helping with the Foundation, she loves spending time with family, knitting, going for walks…and yes, she really enjoys cleaning!
Bob Burns- Foundation Secretary
BOB BURNS is the Managing Shareholder of the Green Bay office of the statewide law firm of Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. He serves on the Firm’s Board of Directors and has been practicing law for over 30 years, the last 25 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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He is a past board chair for Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, Inc., past board member for Freedom House Ministries, Inc. and past president of the Green Bay Country Club. Mr. Burns received his undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin and his juris doctorate from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon.
Mr. Burns currently serves as Secretary for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. He and his wife, Sue, reside in De Pere and have three sons, Michael, Patrick and Thomas. .
Jerry Mader, Foundation Treasurer
Jerry Mader is founder and publisher of The Business News, a bi-monthly paper which targets business leaders and entrepreneurs, and provides news and information they can't get anywhere else.
The Business News serves Northeast, Northcentral WI and Westcentral Wisconsin regions. Jerry is a 17 year veteran of the publishing business.the Business News have been so generous to Brian’s Foundation donating ad space for years.
Jerry married, wife Roseann in 1985 and he has two sons-Andy, 20 and Mark, 17. They are a very active family who enjoys biking, swimming, hunting, fishing, and boating.
Kim LaViolette, Brian’s Sister, Foundation Executive Director
After 14 years of volunteering her time, Kim became Executive Director in May of 2006. Her love for Brian, her passion for what Brian’s Foundation does, and her experience as Community Director with the March of Dimes Foundation in western North Carolina made her a perfect choice to help further the Foundation’s mission. Kim is the Foundation’s first full-time employee since it was created in 1992. Kim has lived in Asheville, North Carolina since 2004. She has a great love of the outdoors; cherishes time with friends, family, and her ‘little sister’ Jasmine through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kim also serves on the Asheville Grown Business Alliance steering committee and volunteers with WNCW and the Asheville Downtown Association. She has a great appreciation for music, reading, movies and photography.