Staff
Brian Kalish
Executive Director
Brian Kalish brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to workforce development to his role as Executive Director of Advance Wisconsin Employment. Since joining the organization in 2021, Brian has served in progressively senior leadership positions—including Business Services Director and Workforce Services Director—gaining a well-rounded perspective on every facet of the organization's work.
Brian holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His blend of business acumen and hands-on experience in workforce services drives his passion for connecting people with meaningful employment opportunities and helping communities thrive
Ginger Keymer
Office Manager
Ginger Keymer is an experienced administrative professional based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. With a background in library and information studies, Ginger worked extensively in public, academic, and special libraries before transitioning to nonprofit leadership, project management, information filing and records organization.
In her current role supporting regional workforce and reentry programs, she provides comprehensive office management, project coordination, and communication support. Her work includes managing meeting logistics, public communications, fiscal tracking, and digital tools—contributing to the success of initiatives like Wisconsin Pathways Home and the Worker Advancement Initiative.
Her community engagement began locally in 2017 as an advocate for transforming the former Emerson School grounds into what is now Seramur Park. Her collaborative leadership and organizational skills led to a position on the Stevens Point City Council, where she has served as Alderperson for District 3 since 2021.
Ginger is an avid reader who loves exploring new places with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking with friends, and a good cup of coffee.
Liberty Heidmann
Workforce Services Director
Liberty Heidmann, M.A., GCDF, is a workforce development and community engagement professional with extensive experience supporting education, career development, and organizational initiatives across Wisconsin. As a leader with Advance Wisconsin Employment, she brings expertise in career pathways, workforce strategy, student success, and community collaboration.
Liberty earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arizona. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree and also holds the Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification. Her work is grounded in a commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals and strengthening connections between education, workforce, and community systems.
In addition to her professional roles, Liberty serves on several community and advisory boards and is actively involved in initiatives focused on public service, education, and community well-being. She is particularly passionate about supporting first-generation learners, fostering inclusive opportunities, and helping individuals navigate meaningful career and life pathways.
Rob Golla
Windows to Work Reentry Coach
Rob brought a unique and valuable perspective to Advance Wisconsin Employment when he joined in March 2018, drawing on a career in law enforcement as a Corrections Officer at the Portage County Jail. His firsthand experience within the criminal justice system—and his ability to build trust with justice-involved individuals, law enforcement professionals, and the broader justice community—makes him an exceptional advocate and facilitator for those navigating the path back to employment.
Rob leads several of our reentry-focused programs, including Windows to Work, Wisconsin Pathways Home 6, and Lifework$ 2.0, bringing both credibility and compassion to every interaction. He is also an active Job Service Partner, working alongside employers and community organizations at hiring events and job fairs dedicated to connecting justice-involved individuals with meaningful employment opportunities across our workforce development area.
John Cokl
Finance Director
John Cokl has been the financial backbone of the organization since 2008. As Finance Director, he is solely responsible for every aspect of accounting and financial operations, from preparing financial statements and managing payroll to overseeing accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and cash flow. He develops and manages the annual budget, leads the audit process, and handles all fiscal reporting and compliance across multiple federal and state funding streams. John understands that the dollars he manages belong to the public, and he treats that responsibility with rigor, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to fiscal integrity. Every funding decision reflects that standard. The organization has received a clean audit every single year since John joined. John is pleased with these results. He is also unsurprised.
Beyond finance, John also serves as the organization's Human Resources and IT departments. Over time, his colleagues have simply learned that John is the answer to most questions, regardless of the question. He finds this completely normal.
The organization has survived recessions, pandemics, and Windows 8. After seventeen years of fiscal years, John remains.
Amy Hoppa
Special Projects Coordinator
Amy serves as Special Projects Coordinator, providing strategic support to the Executive Director in the planning, implementation, and oversight of special grant projects and new organizational initiatives. Drawing on 10 years of invaluable experience as a WIOA Career Planner and a diverse professional background spanning manufacturing, construction, human services, and entrepreneurship, Amy brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to workforce development. Her 13 years of combined experience in the field have equipped her with deep expertise in grant management, WIOA compliance, and program development that she applies across every facet of her work.
In her role, Amy leads the implementation and oversight of federal and state short-term grants, ensuring all reporting requirements, contractual deliverables, and policy obligations are met. She maintains close oversight of grant budgets and works in collaboration with organizational leadership to ensure funds are distributed effectively and in alignment with fiscal guidelines. Amy also plays a vital role in upholding program compliance and integrity through quality assurance and file monitoring.
Beyond grant management, Amy provides essential knowledge and guidance to case managers, collaborates closely with training providers and employers, and is a key contributor to the organization's LifeWork$ 2.0 relaunch. Central to this effort is Amy's development of an updated soft skills curriculum designed to equip participants with the foundational competencies needed to thrive in today's workplace — a reflection of her enduring commitment to delivering impactful, participant-centered services.
Stephany Tatro
Wisconsin Pathways Home Reentry Coach
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