Leadership

Individuals who are members 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting may participate in HAWS’ Board of Director candidates elections.

HAWS Board of Directors 2026 Candidates:

Craig Papka

• HAWS Involvement: How many years have you been involved with HAWS, and in what capacity?
  
  • I have been involved with HAWS since 2018 when I started on various Board committees. Since that time, my love and commitment for HAWS has grown and I eventually became a Board Member, the Secretary, and now I currently serve as Vice President and sit on the Executive Board Committee. It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve HAWS with so many amazing people who care so much about making sure our precious and vulnerable animals are taken care of.
• What skills or perspectives do you bring to the Board?
  
  • I have been practicing law for over 20 years. My legal background allows me to bring a valuable perspective to a board through strong analytical thinking, issue-spotting, and risk assessment. I can help the board navigate compliance obligations, governance standards, and potential legal exposures, ensuring decisions are both strategic and sound. In addition, I contribute clear, structured communication and the ability to evaluate complex matters from multiple viewpoints. Overall, I offer a combination of practical judgment and attention to detail that supports effective, well-informed decision-making and strengthens the board’s stewardship of the organization.
• Share a brief note about a current or past pet, volunteer experience, or what inspires your interest in animal welfare.
  
  • Several years ago, I adopted a dog that had been abandoned and initially exhibited significant fear and mistrust. He was shy, insecure, and hesitant to engage with people. Through consistent care, patience, and positive reinforcement, he gradually gained confidence and developed into a playful, affectionate companion. Despite his difficult beginnings, he ultimately enjoyed a fulfilling and happy life. Seeing this dog change for the better, changed my life.
• What interests you most about HAWS’ mission?
  
  • I care deeply about vulnerable animals and believe they rely on compassionate human support to thrive. HAWS’ mission resonates with me because it reflects a commitment to protecting, caring for, and advocating for animals in need. I am especially drawn to its focus on both rescue and education, helping create a more humane and responsible community. Supporting this mission aligns closely with my values of empathy, stewardship, and community service.
• Why are you seeking reelection/continuing service on the Board?
  • I am seeking re-election to continue advancing HAWS’ mission and build on the progress we have made, ensuring continuity in governance, strategic priorities, and community impact. My experience on the board has allowed me to contribute meaningfully, and I am committed to sustaining that momentum into our very exciting future. I also remain deeply committed to HAWS’ work and believe my legal background and collaborative approach provide ongoing value to the board. I am motivated to further support sound decision-making, strengthen governance, and help the organization navigate future challenges and opportunities effectively.

Pete Gottsacker Jr.

• HAWS Involvement: How many years have you been involved with HAWS, and in what capacity?
  • I have been involved with HAWS since joining the Gott Pet Products team in November 2021. During that time, I have participated in the Happy Tails event and have helped support HAWS through our role as the event’s title sponsor.
  • In February 2025, I joined the HAWS Board of Directors. Since then, I have been actively involved with the Board, the Endowment Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Fund Development Committee, contributing to the organization’s long-term financial sustainability and growth.
• What skills or perspectives do you bring to the Board?
  • I bring a blend of business strategy, financial oversight, and relationship-building to the Board. Through my work in the pet food and pet treat industry, I offer a unique perspective on pet owner trends, consumer behavior, brand partnerships, and opportunities within the broader pet industry.
  • I am also passionate about animal welfare and deeply committed to HAWS’ mission. I strive to bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach while helping connect community, corporate, and donor resources to support the organization’s long-term success and impact.
• Share a brief note about a current or past pet, volunteer experience, or what inspires your interest in animal welfare.
  • At Gott Pet Products, we believe every animal deserves the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and happy life. That is why I am always inspired by HAWS and the incredible support shown for the organization, particularly at the annual Happy Tails fundraiser. Seeing the community come together each year to support animal welfare is truly impactful.
  • My wife and I adopted our first dog while living in Kansas City, and we cannot imagine our lives without her. She has brought us so much joy, and that experience has strengthened my belief that every pet deserves a loving home. Supporting organizations like HAWS helps make those connections possible, which is why the mission is so important to me.
• What interests you most about HAWS’ mission?
  • What interests me most about HAWS’ mission is that it goes beyond adoption. Through education, community outreach, and support programs, HAWS helps create stronger connections between pets and people while promoting responsible pet ownership.
  • I am also inspired by HAWS’ commitment to being both an open-admission and no-kill shelter. That is a rare combination and demonstrates a true dedication to helping animals in need, regardless of their circumstances. As a pet owner, I appreciate an organization that works every day to give more animals the opportunity to find loving homes.
• Why are you seeking reelection/continuing service on the Board?
  • I am seeking reelection because I strongly believe in HAWS’ mission and the positive impact the organization has on both animals and our community. During my time on the Board, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the scope of HAWS’ work and the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and supporters who make that work possible.
  • I also feel that I have more to contribute. As HAWS continues to grow and expand its impact, I would welcome the opportunity to continue supporting the organization, helping advance its strategic goals, and leveraging my experience and network to further its mission. HAWS has an exciting future ahead, and I would be honored to continue serving and helping the organization succeed.

Lee Kesting

• HAWS Involvement: How many years have you been involved with HAWS, and in what capacity?
  • I have been volunteering with HAWS since 2021 in multiple capacities: I served as a 2.0 and now as a ModSquad walker for the last 2.5 years and assist with Mobile Events. 
• What skills or perspectives do you bring to the Board?
  • My area of expertise is Animal welfare and I currently am an Associate Professor in the Animal Behavior program at Carroll University. For four years, I ran the dog training and adoption classes on the Carroll side. I now focus on Animal Assisted Intervention opportunities. I am currently a ModSquad dog walker. I also have passed my CDPT-KA (an indication of my professional dog training skills) as of Fall 2026. 
• Share a brief note about a current or past pet, volunteer experience, or what inspires your interest in animal welfare.
  • I have been a passionate supporter of animal welfare for more than 10 years receiving both my MS and PhD in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Welfare. I currently have 2 dogs (both adopted from HAWS) and one cat. I am inspired by trying to improve the daily living of animals in all capacities. I also strive to teach students about the true experiences of animals in captive environments, how to manage and support these animals, and how to truly measure the animals’ welfare. I think passion, experience, and education support the next generations understanding of the needs of animals in our community. 
• What interests you most about HAWS’ mission?
  • I strongly believe in supporting the community through supporting animals and people, alone and together. The human-animal bond is a critical component to the welfare of humans and animals alike. Good care, like HAWS provides, allows for these relationships to form and promotes better community care and opportunities for immeasurable community support.
• Why are you seeking reelection/continuing service on the Board?
  • I seek re-election, because I think that I bring a unique perspective to the board (having specialized in Animal Welfare throughout my career). Further, I am involved in the shelter on a weekly basis (when not recovering from surgery) and I have hands on times with the dogs regularly. Having been with animals for the good (adoptions) and struggles (difficult decisions), I understand the practicality of animal related decisions and use my scientific background to better support the welfare of our animals. 

Andrea Contreras

• HAWS Involvement: How many years have you been involved with HAWS, and in what capacity?

  • I have been involved with HAWS for approximately one year – first, as part of HAWS’ outside legal team , and presently, as a HAWS board member. I have served as a HAWS board member since January 2026.

• What skills or perspectives do you bring to the Board?

  • I bring a combination of legal expertise, community engagement, and a strong commitment to public service to my role as a member of the HAWS board. My professional experience as an attorney has afforded me extensive experience analyzing complex issues; evaluating risks and competing interests; making thoughtful, objective decisions; and working creatively and collaboratively to solve problems with practical solutions. In addition to my professional experience, I am highly social and enjoy building relationships and making connections in the community. I believe effective boards benefit from members who can foster positive relationships within the organization and throughout the community. I am comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders, listening to different perspectives, and helping build consensus around shared goals. Lastly, I have a genuine passion for animal welfare and a deep appreciation for the important role that HAWS plays in serving both animals and the larger community. If re-elected to the HAWS board, I would bring all of these skills to my role as a board member, as well as my dedication and enthusiasm for HAWS and the work that it does.

• Share a brief note about a current or past pet, volunteer experience, or what inspires your interest in animal welfare.

  • My interest in animal welfare is inspired by my passion for animals. I have been a pet owner for many years and grew up with pets in my household, so I know firsthand how rewarding it can be to have pets and cares for animal. As an attorney, I have had the privilege of representing animal shelters throughout the State of Wisconsin, addressing issues such as hoarding, puppy mills, municipal funding for shelters, insuring shelters, and issues of regulatory compliance. Presently, I also serve on the board of the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies (WFHS), where I am involved in issues relating to animal justice.

• What interests you most about HAWS’ mission?

  • HAWS plays a critical role serving the animals and community in Waukesha County. I appreciate that HAWS’ approach to animal welfare is not just focused on improving the lives of animals, but also the lives of the people who care for them, such as by offering training and education, hosting pet pantry days, and providing keep safe services. HAWS is more than just an animal shelter – it is a pillar in the community that promotes programs which empower people to do their part in caring for animals.

• Why are you seeking reelection/continuing service on the Board?

  • I am seeking re-election to the HAWS board because I want to have help HAWS fulfill its mission to be a leader in animal welfare community. I am eager to build upon the work that the HAWS board has begun during my tenure and to lend my time and skills to advance HAWS’ mission as an organization. I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing my perspective, experience, and energy to HAWS, and I believe that my continued service on the HAWS board would allow me to support the organization’s long-term goals, ensure its continued success, and expand its positive impact on animals and people in the community. It would be my privilege to have the opportunity to continue meaningfully serve HAWS as a board member.