Hi everyone! This week we want to introduce you to another new Tri 4 Schools board member.  We’re all eager to have Kurt’s experience and insight on our board – read on to learn why!

kurt hochfeld

Tell us a bit about you.
 
I am married to Diane and have three children and eight grandchildren (all of whom are still on the West Coast).  I grew up and started my career in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I spend 6 years in Denver were I experimented as a struggling entrepreneur.  It was from that experience that I can acknowledge that one learns more from adversity.  I returned to California until 1999 when I was recruited by Merrill Lynch to work in Princeton, New Jersey.  In 2011, we moved to Madison to be closer to my wife’s parents. I am currently the Finance Manager for the Middleton Outreach Ministry.
 
In addition to having a fulfilling business career, I also have two avocations.  I have volunteered on nonprofit boards for 25 years.  I am currently the Chairperson of the Dane County Rape Crisis Center and also on the Overture Art’s Center Finance Committee.  I was an adjunct professor having taught at University of California at Davis, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Edgewood College, and I am currently one with Cardinal Stritch University. 
 
To stay active, I enjoy racquetball and golf.
 
How did you come to be involved with Tri 4 Schools?
 
I was introduced to Tri 4 Schools in 2012 when Katie made a presentation to Merlin Mentors.  I volunteered to be part of a team that would guide Katie on what it meant to be an entrepreneur and, more importantly, what was required if one was going to increase the probability that a business plan would succeed.  She has not disappointed me since.
 
What made you want to be a board member?
 
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to observe first hand the evolution of Tri 4 Schools and Katie’s passion for the organization’s mission.
 
What are you most excited about for Tri 4 Schools in 2014?
 
Without being obtuse, I am most excited about sitting down with Katie and the Board in January 2015 and acknowledging that we “did it!”  The “did it” is a stretch goal that has yet to be fully articulated but will make its presence known.