Kewaskum Remembers 9/11, Inc., the nonprofit organization responsible for the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center, has announced the hiring of Anne Trautner as its new executive director. The newly established executive director role is a paid, part-time position that ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the memorial, as well as the promotion of resources and events designed to educate Wisconsin residents and students about the September 11th attacks. Trautner has closely followed and reported on the progress of the memorial since 2015 as a journalist for the Kewaskum Statesman. Trautner, the clerk for the Town of Kewaskum and co-author of “Kewaskum, Wisconsin: The Making of a Village,” will continue reporting for the Statesman on a part-time basis.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center. Creating this memorial has been such an important thing for not only the Kewaskum community, but for the entire state. This center will serve as a primary resource for educators across Wisconsin. Approved lesson plans and learning materials for different age groups ensure that students will learn about the events of 9/11, and how that fateful day impacted and changed our nation. By looking back and learning about the past, we move forward to a better tomorrow,” Trautner said.
Changes to Board Leadership
At the board’s November meeting, Gordon Haberman also announced his resignation from the role of board president. Haberman will remain on the board of directors as past president. Former board vice president Fuzz Martin was elected to fill the vacated position. The organization’s former fund developer, Kathleen Christenson Fisher, was elected to the position of vice president.
“Gordon has been a dedicated leader since this project started. He has worked tirelessly to bring together the people and resources necessary to build this memorial. The fruits of his labor are evident, and Kewaskum and the state of Wisconsin are better for it. We could not be more grateful for his devotion to this project, and the board is committed to carrying his vision forward. We’re also quite thankful that he will remain active on the board,” said Martin.