Mike Leckrone

Music Ambassador, University of Wisconsin

Mike was the Director of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band from 1969-2019 and is continuing his passion and support for the “Arts” as COPA’s Lead Community Ambassador.  Mike, along with his family and Friends of COPA have created the “Leckrone Arts Fund” which will provide financial support for the many users and organizations of the planned COPA Arts Education Campus.  Mike is passionate about the COPA being an all-inclusive space for the arts, and led an all-star jazz ensemble of UW-Madison band alumni at the COPA fundraising kickoff event.

Joe Koss

Retired President and CEO, Culver Franchising System

Joseph believes the COPA project will be a fantastic addition to the city of Fitchburg and the Dane County community. “There is a tremendous need for a facility like this in our area as COPA will provide opportunities for underserved children and adults to pursue their interests in performance arts. I am honored to be involved with this great cause and excited for its potential to improve the lives of so many deserving people.”

Chris Doering

Senior Vice President, First Business Bank

As Senior Vice President for First Business Bank, Chris has nearly 20 years of commercial banking experience serving primarily family businesses of all sizes with an emphasis on construction, manufacturing, and nonprofits. In addition to being treasurer for COPA, Chris has been active with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, American Heart Association and United Way.

Jim Scheidler

Retired Co-Chair, American Cancer Society

Jim is the American Cancer Society’s Co-Chair for the Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraising Project. He is passionate about his work, and in his 13 years as co-chair, he has doubled the number of new donors and attendance at major fundraising events. He also betters his community as a board member of COPA.

Lisa Boyd

Self-employed, Land of Great Ideas

Dale Sticha

COPA Visionary, Owner SOSONIC, Sir Elton John's Touring Piano Tuner & Technician

Dale has always had a vision of creating something special like COPA and is now bringing that vision to life. His professional career includes 31 years as Sir Elton John’s touring piano technician and owning SOSONIC, an audio, visual, and multimedia company based in Madison, WI.  The COPA Vision, emphasizes the importance of access to the arts when it comes to the creative, social & personal development of communities and their residents both young and old. The COPA Vision, focuses on helping meet the arts and educational needs of Fitchburg and surrounding communities. Dale, is passionate about using and sharing his personal and professional career experiences gained through his travels to over 100 countries and seeing & experiencing the many different cultures and communities “world wide” to give back to a community that he has always called his “home”.

David Boyd

Senior Program Manager, Allstate

David has a long history in Madison’s music scene, working as a musician and in technical production since the 1970s. He holds the title of “Fellow” of the American Institute of Certified Planners and his community development work has taken him to communities throughout North America. He currently works in strategy and innovation for a major insurance company. David was selected as the inaugural President of the Friends of COPA organization in 2020.

Kim Schachte

Regional Director of Business Development, Strang Inc.

Kim is a cause-driven community advocate. In addition to being a member of Friends of COPA, she is a committee member for the Fond Blanc Foundation, which helps financially support an orphanage in Fond Blanc, Haiti. Kim works with Strang Inc., as a Business Development Specialist. She is able to help Friends of COPA with her relationship-building abilities and is dedicated to helping her community thrive.

Sarah Dunn

Senior Vice President, CG Schmidt, Inc.

Sarah is a seasoned business development and marketing professional who has been with CG Schmidt for 12 years. Sarah is a member of Friends of COPA, and CG Schmidt is helping COPA raise funds to create their new space. Sarah is also helping fundraise for Green County’s YMCA and has fundraised for St. Ambrose Academy and MYARTS (Madison Youth Arts Center) in the past. “I’m honored to help them create strong roots with their new facility. COPA is going to enrich a lot of young lives with new talents, and help raise the next generation musicians, arts technicians, and artists.”

Mindi Giftos

Partner, Husch Blackwell

Mindi is an attorney with Husch Blackwell. Mindi is passionate about the arts and providing access to the arts to all individuals, especially young people. Mindi has served on many community and business boards in Madison and is committed to making Madison a thriving, diverse and vibrant community.

Laurie Lang

Musician, Educator, Laurie Lang Music, Harmony Madison

Laurie is a musician, artist-in-residence and community builder. She is passionate about creating wider access to arts education. Laurie can be found teaching music in schools, on the stage playing jazz and behind the scenes sitting on arts administration boards including Friends of COPA.

Rick Flowers

Owner, Producer, Musician, Floroq Productions

Rick is a self-employed songwriter and music producer at FLOROQ Productions. He studied audio and visual engineering along with sound design at the University of Sound Arts. Rick is involved in the Madison music scene as a drummer, keyboardist and vocalist.

Dale Sticha

COPA Visionary, Owner SOSONIC, Sir Elton John's Touring Piano Tuner & Technician

Dale has always had a vision of creating something special like COPA and is now bringing that vision to life. His professional career includes 31 years as Sir Elton John’s touring piano technician and owning SOSONIC, an audio, visual, and multimedia company based in Madison, WI.  The COPA Vision, emphasizes the importance of access to the arts when it comes to the creative, social & personal development of communities and their residents both young and old. The COPA Vision, focuses on helping meet the arts and educational needs of Fitchburg and surrounding communities. Dale, is passionate about using and sharing his personal and professional career experiences gained through his travels to over 100 countries and seeing & experiencing the many different cultures and communities “world wide” to give back to a community that he has always called his “home”.