Board of Directors
James Leonhart - President
Jim Leonhart has had succesful careers in education and business. He served a school administrator in 3 Wisconsin school districts; became Vice President of Public Affairs for AT&T; and lead the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Assocation for ten years.Currently, he is the Executive Vice President of the Celebrate Children Foundation, located in Madsion.
Also active in public service, Jim has served as President of the Wisconsin Jaycees, President of the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation ( Badger State Games ) and President of the UW-LaCrosse Foundation. Board involvement includes serving on the Wisconsin Sports Foundation, the UW-Madison School of Education Board of Visitors, the UW-Whitewater School of Business Advisory Board, the UW-Extension/UW-Colleges Board of Visitors, and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
In 2004, Jim was recognized as Alumnus of the Year by the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He is honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors of the Aaron J. Meyer Foundation.
Robert Dunn
Robert Dunn is the President and Managing Partner for the Hammes Company and its affiliated entities. Mr. Dunn has served in this capacity with the Hammes Company for 16 years and during his tenure with the firm has undertaken some of the largest and most complex real estate transactions throughout Wisconsin - including the Kohl Center, Lambeau Field, Miller Park, Fluno Center and many others.
Mr. Dunn is a lifelong resident of Madison, a graduate from the University of Wisconsin, and is an active member in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Council of Mayo Clinic, the University of Wisconsin and numerous other civic organizations.
Cathy Meyer - Secretary
Cathy is mother to Aaron. Cathy understands the devastation addictions have on the entire family. Aaron was just beginning his path to sobriety and while we don’t know what Aaron’s journey would have been, seeing these young men turn their lives to the positive side of life and learn to advocate for themselves is so rewarding.
This is the reason she continues her efforts to Aaron’s House. She feels privileged to be a part of the dedication among the staff, board members and all the young men who work so hard towards sobriety and healthy growth.
Sarah Dunn-Carpenter
Business Development Manager for CG Schmidt. Before joining CG Schmidt, Sarah served as the Director of Community Relations for the Hammes Company managing the marketing, public relations and community engagement functions for the $100 million redevelopment of the Edgewater Hotel. Prior to joining Hammes, she was employed in a variety of capacities with Marshall Erdman & Associates, including positions in business development, corporate communications, human resources, and marketing.
Sarah has also served in leadership capacities on boards, committees, or participated in special projects for a variety of non-profit organizations in the community such as American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation, Junior League, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Susan G. Komen, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, and United Way. She is currently serving on the board of directors for the Madison Children's Museum, Recovery Foundation, Aaron J. Meyer Foundation, Madison Area Rehabilitation Centers and Blessed Sacrament Church.
Nancy Johnson-Cramer, PhD, OTR - Vice President
School Psychologist, Madison Metropolitan School District and Occupational Therapist, Meriter Hospital.
Nancy's research & practice is focused on students who are recommended for expulsion from schools. Her professional interests involve AODA with mental health concerns, ADHD and parenting in the millennium.
Jeff Kuchenbecker, CPA, CFE - Executive Director & Treasurer
Jeff is a partner at Meicher and Associates LLP, member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Information Technology and Personal Financial Planning sections of the AICPA. Jeff is the Treasurer of the Aaron Meyer Foundation and oversees the care of the Aaron House property.
Tom Meyer
Father of Aaron. The basic structure of Aaron's House was an idea by Aaron for his own recovery--live with peers in recovery, hold a job, enroll in college courses, work a recovery program, and give back to the community. Aaron died before he could put his idea into action.
Volunteering in recovery groups of college aged young people, Tom heard people talk about their need for sober housing and took Aaron's idea to the Aaron Meyer Foundation for consideration. Since that day, Tom has been the inspiration behind the development and growth of Aaron's House.
