Board Members

President of the Board

Candace Liebner

BIO

A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Candace Liebner has always had a passion for helping others. She is married to her husband, Larry, and together they have two children, Ashley and Taylor. Candace is also an animal lover, sharing her home with her three beloved dogs—Bailee, Bree, and Babette.

Candace was inspired to get involved with Friends with Food because of her lifelong desire to make a difference in the lives of others. With previous experience in supporting local churches and food pantries, she wanted to take her involvement a step further by joining the board to help guide the organization’s mission.

Professionally, Candace serves as a Client Relationship Manager at Prism Title Midwest. Her expertise in building strong networks is invaluable in bringing Friends with Food’s mission to local companies and individuals who can contribute to reducing food insecurity in Southeastern Wisconsin. As Board President, she leads with a hands-on approach, always willing to take on any task that comes her way to help the organization grow and achieve its goals.

Candace is particularly passionate about finding sponsors and expanding partnerships to support Friends with Food’s programs. She believes that no one should ever face food insecurity and is committed to helping bridge the gap for those in need.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Candace enjoys taking long walks with her dogs, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors. She finds joy in staying busy, noting that work is good for the soul, and she even has a special love for driving. Her dedication, leadership, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a vital force in advancing Friends with Food’s mission.

Advisory Board Member

Bill Morris

BIO

Food and access to food is essential for a strong family, community, and society. The impact this organization and others like it have on the strength and growth of our communities cannot be overstated. It is with great pleasure that I serve as the Vice President of this organization and support the strong mission Friends with Food strives to meet every day.

Bill is a licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant with a practice focusing on all aspects of business and real estate ventures, as well as an emphasis on tax planning and structure, representing closely-held and family run businesses all across Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financing from UW-Milwaukee, his Master’s degree in Accounting from UW-Whitewater, and his Law degree cum laude from New England Law Boston. Bill’s love for his family and the Midwest brought him back to the Milwaukee area after law school and he currently lives in Waukesha County with his wife Leary, three children, and dog.

Attorney – Business, Tax, and Real Estate – Mawicke & Goisman, S.C. (Milwaukee, WI)

Board Member

James Gamauf

BIO

Board Member & Chair of the Governance Committee

Originally from Waukesha, Jim has lived in the area for over 40 years and has a deep connection to the community. Currently working as a Real Estate Appraiser, Jim brings his professional experience in communication and problem-solving to the Friends with Food board. His ability to engage with people and his hands-on approach are key strengths that he leverages to support the organization’s mission.

Jim is motivated by the incredible impact Friends with Food has made in the Waukesha community and surrounding areas, and he is committed to helping the organization grow and thrive. As the Chair of the Governance Committee, Jim ensures the board operates effectively and aligns with the organization’s goals.

Outside of his role on the board, Jim is a dedicated family man, enjoys riding his Harley, and stays active through regular exercise.

Board Member

Sarah Roth

BIO

Sarah Roth was born and raised in Wisconsin, returning to live in Waukesha after receiving her Economics & Public Policy Degrees at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is currently employed at Bank Five Nine as a Data Analyst. Sarah and her husband are also owners of Maddy’s Bar and Music Lounge in Downtown Waukesha. In college, Sarah ran a non-profit focused on food insecurity on Campus, and currently serves on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Boards, as well as the Board of Review for the City of Waukesha. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dog and 2 cats.

VP of Strategy

Steve Kopecky

BIO

Steve brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Friends with Food, combining his professional background with a personal commitment to service. A Naval Veteran, former firefighter, and previous board member of the American Red Cross, Steve has always been driven by a sense of duty and purpose. With 25 years in global human resources roles, he currently works as a Business and Executive Coach, guiding both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in their growth and scaling efforts. His coaching emphasizes simplifying processes, reducing complexity, and driving effective execution of plans.

Steve is passionate about helping Friends with Food streamline operations, supporting its mission to meet one of the most fundamental human needs: access to food. He believes that without this essential need, it is challenging for people to focus on other aspects of growth and fulfillment. Using his skills in human resources, business coaching, mindfulness, and team assessments like DISC and Team Cohesion, Steve is committed to enhancing Friends with Food’s impact.

Outside his professional life, Steve enjoys coaching youth sports, staying physically fit, and constantly learning new things. Married with three children, he is also motivated by a desire to give back to the community and strengthen the mission of Friends with Food for future generations.

Vice President of Partnerships

Chris Schaefer

BIO

Chris Schaefer, born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service to his role as Friends with Food’s Vice President of Partnerships. With a professional background in business development and sales, Chris excels in building meaningful relationships and fostering connections across diverse communities.

Raised by a single mother who utilized food banks and government assistance programs, Chris understands the importance of judgment-free, accessible resources for families in need. This personal experience inspired him to get involved with Friends with Food, an organization whose mission aligns with his deep commitment to uplifting the community.

Chris is driven by a genuine desire to connect with people and leverage his skills to make a positive impact. His dedication to building partnerships with local businesses is instrumental in increasing donations and broadening the organization’s reach. He is particularly passionate about fundraising and events, where his ability to engage and inspire others contributes significantly to the organization’s success.

Outside of his board role, Chris enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and concerts, and spending time with his four beloved dogs. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, he also brings discipline and leadership to everything he does. Chris has a history of volunteering with nonprofits, including the Waukesha Food Pantry and church activities, further demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

Friends with Food is fortunate to have Chris’s passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to its mission of providing food and essential supplies in a judgment-free environment.

Secretary of the Board

Kayla Heidemann

BIO

Kayla Heidemann, a Milwaukee native who grew up in West Allis, brings a unique blend of creativity, organization, and passion to the Friends with Food board. With a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Geosciences from UW-Milwaukee, Kayla’s curiosity for research and understanding diverse communities has been a lifelong pursuit. Currently, she serves as an Office Manager at a CPA firm, where she has gained valuable experience in financial services, organization, and multitasking since 2019.

Having experienced the support of organizations like Friends with Food during her childhood, Kayla felt a calling to give back to her community. She believes that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met without judgment and is passionate about using her skills in research, data analysis, and volunteerism to help push Friends with Food’s mission forward. Kayla hopes to contribute to the organization’s growth by spreading awareness and finding like-minded individuals to support their goals.

Kayla is particularly passionate about volunteerism and grant research, two areas she believes are critical to expanding the reach and impact of Friends with Food. She values being part of a strong foundation that enables the organization to meet its goals and continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Outside of her board role, Kayla enjoys board games, tending to her growing collection of plants, and crafting with a variety of mediums. She has an eclectic taste in music and movies and is always on the lookout for new recommendations. Kayla also has some fun talents, including her impressive ability to fold a bag of chips without a chip clip and reciting the entire opening monologue of Law & Order: SVU from memory. She and her husband, Timothy, share a love of games, having beaten Oregon Trail on all starting professions and making the leaderboard twice. Their next big adventure? Adopting a cat!

Board Treasurer

Kevin Priyatel

BIO

Originally from the Twin Cities, Kevin Priyatel moved to Waukesha to attend Carroll University, where he studied accounting. With 18 years of experience in the financial industry, Kevin has built a solid career in commercial banking and accounting, giving him a deep understanding of financial operations. He and his family live just a mile from Friends with Food, fostering a strong personal connection to the community they care about deeply.

Kevin was inspired to get involved with Friends with Food after meeting Rochelle and attending a service. Seeing firsthand the positive impact the organization has on addressing food insecurity in the community, he felt compelled to join the board and use his financial expertise to make a difference.

As Treasurer, Kevin brings valuable finance-related skills, industry experience, and connections that support Friends with Food’s mission. His background in commercial banking and accounting equips him to guide financial discussions and contribute to the organization’s sustainable growth. He is passionate about working on governance and financial strategies, with the ultimate goal of reducing food insecurity in Waukesha and the surrounding areas.

Outside of his professional and board responsibilities, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is an avid supporter of Wisconsin sports, especially the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. His dedication to helping the community, combined with his financial acumen, makes him a vital part of Friends with Food’s leadership team.

Board Members

Candace Liebner

Bill Morris

James Gamauf

Sarah Roth

Steve Kopecky

Chris Schaefer

Kayla Heidemann

Kevin Priyatel

Quick links

Contact Us

Call us

E-mail Us

Visit Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter