Executive Director: Shannon Raney
My name is Shannon, and I am the Executive Director at The Center! I have worked in nonprofits prior and am really passionate about the work of The Center. I am very excited to be a part of a safe place where people can be themselves and being involved in the community. In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, crafting, and spending time with my cats.
executivedirector@7riverslgbtq.org
(she/her/hers)
President:
Alec Lass
Alec was born and raised on occupied Ho-Chunk land, commonly called La Crosse. He holds a BA in Applied Linguistics from UW-Milwaukee where he also studied Spanish, Russian, Swedish, TESOL, and LGBTQ+ Studies. Alec works at UW-La Crosse in the Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department, studies queer history and drag communities, is the “co-guest-brewer” of Something Groovy, Something Fruity beer at the La Crosse Distilling Co., and is the Assistant Director for the Hear, Here project in La Crosse. Alec enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, forging, kayaking, and being yelled at by his needy cat, Raja. Email me to learn how you or your business can get involved with The Center or if you have a queer story you’d like recorded for Hear, Here’s in-the-works queer expansion, Queer, Here.
(he/him/they/them)
Vice-President:
Bill Ives
After several years of volunteering, Bill is excited to join the board. Bill works in the Youth Services department at the La Crosse Public Library where he champions for inclusive media and programming for area children and teens. In his spare time, he is an avid bookworm, tattoo enthusiast, and Marvel Comics superfan. He currently lives in La Crosse with his husband, Andrew, and their two dogs, Fred and Pamplemousse.
(he/him)
Secretary: Scott Klawiter-Grosskopf
Scott is a licensed social worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Viterbo University in La Crosse, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Scott is a lifelong La Crosse area resident who has worked at La Crosse County Human Services working in Child Protection, Tellurian UCAN Care Center CBRD doing direct care with Crisis Care with Mental Health clients, Family and Children’s Center doing case management with Mental Health clients, then withing with Managed Care Organization, Inclusa, working case management with Mental Health & Frail Elderly clients and conducting certification for Adult Family Homes. Scott recently began working at Chileda working with children with behavioral or mental health needs and working on his clinical hours to acquire his licensing to provide mental health therapy. Scott is a member of the LGBT+ community and loves to sing, and is an original house cast member of Illusions a long-term running drag/variety troupe that has been performing in the area for nearly 20 years. Scott also has a 25-year-old son who is also part of the LGBT+ community and is a rising star in the drag community. I have joined The Center Board of Directors to get more integrated into the community, to help La Crosse County in ensuring that the vibrant and diverse community that is found in the La Crosse area has as many resources as possible and there is a one stop shop place to either get those services or be offered options that are available to ensure each and every person that is served is able to put their best foot forward to live their best life.
scottk@7riverslgbtq.org
(he/him)
Treasurer:
Steven Kunz
Steven Kunz is a recent addition to La Crosse, having made the move from Cincinnati, OH, in July 2024 with his dog, Ollie. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Cincinnati and went on to obtain a Master’s in Health Services Administration from Xavier University. Currently employed at Mayo Clinic Health System, Steven is excited to immerse himself in the local community. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, discovering new restaurants, and watching films. Driven by a strong commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ health equity, Steven looks forward to contributing to The Center through board membership.
(he/him/his)
Anna Sprague
I have worked for two local nonprofits (Habitat and Couleecap) focused on community development and understand what goes into creating responsive programming through community listening and resource management. I understand minimal resources and strong conviction and know how to create budgets that offer a balance of safety buffer and creative freedom. I’m a past board member of Congregational Preschool (22-25), currently part of the Association Of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Rotary Club of La Crosse (Downtown)
Anna joined the board with the focus on community development, fundraising, and finances! Her motivations include Love and support of the queer community—making La Crosse a safer, easier, more vibrant place to grow up.
(she/her)
Ashley Burton
I have found a lot of love and belonging in La Crosse and a big part of that has been due to The Center. I adore all The Center does through their programs, clothing closet, events, tabling, resources, and more. I have seen how valuable and important The Center is in our community and that is what motivates me in wanting to serve as a board member.
To be a part of The Center’s board allows me to further extend my ability to give back to an organization and community that I hold care and connection to. I want to be another person who gets to put my love, time, and dedication into The Center in hopes that it will thrive for many years to come.
(she/her)
Eddie Luker
Eddie has been a past president on the Board of Directors for The Center. He has returned for a new term. He is bringing a focus for fundraising with him, along with donor relations!
(he/him)
Emily Medinger
I’m driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and safe, especially in regions LGBTQ+ individuals may face barriers to acceptance, resources, or visibility. Serving on the board provides an opportunity to help shape programs and initiatives that directly impact people’s lives, from creating safe spaces and educational opportunities to supporting mental health and community wellness.
I’m also motivated by a desire to give back and be part of meaningful, community-centered change. This includes strengthening partnerships, expanding outreach, and ensuring that services are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of the community, not just one group, but anyone seeking connection, support, and growth.
(she/her)
Felix Murphy
Felix Murphy advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, sustainability, and community building through his work at The Center and The Nature Place. He has created Queer Corner, The Center’s 18+ LGBTQ+ group that has branched into three different meeting locations and dates, bridging our community closer together.
Felix also has competed at the La Crosse Pride Pageant for three years, debuting Mother Alice in 2026. Felix works on enhancing accessibility, volunteer development, and community partnerships to The Center.
(he/they)
Jenny DeRocher
As a public historian, I work to make stories about our shared history accessible and meaningful to a board audience. I hope to develop storytelling tours focused on our community’s rich and complicated queer hisotry. I have experience with events, programs, project management and marketing, along with a love of grant writing.
I hope to grow experience with board service, foster queer spaces, and continue The Center’s work of building safe spaces for La Crosse’s queer community.
(she/her)
Laura Abellera
Laura Abellera (they/she) works in public education, supporting district culture and belonging initiatives, drawing from career experience in community organizing, civic engagement, and justice-focused advocacy. They have a background in anti-carceral harm response and prevention, legislative research, advocacy, culturally responsive education, and justice-focused arts initiatives. As a queer, multiracial Filipina educator, she's passionate about prioritizing action-oriented, cross-cultural community building for collective liberation.
When she’s not working, Laura enjoys traveling for live music and culinary adventures, maintaining a spreadsheet of frozen pizza rankings, and hanging out with her pets at home.
(she/they)
Sarah Kay
Hi! I’m Sarah Kay, a Wisconsin local who has called the La Crosse area home since 2022. With over 20 years of experience at a SW WI farm cooperative, I’ve held various roles in marketing, workplace and facilities management, and employee engagement. I’m deeply passionate about diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. In my free time, I enjoy photography and capturing the beauty of the world around us. I’m particularly known in this area for my photography work with the La Crosse Gurls/Allvibes drag queens and kings. I find immense inspiration in the drag community and am continually in awe of their craft. I’m also a mother to a grown daughter, who is also involved with the Center and a talented artist, and a proud pet parent to a husky/American bulldog mix. As a Center volunteer, I’m thrilled to join the Board, eager to help the Center sustain and expand its incredible offerings into the future.
(she/her)
Past President: Elizabeth Digby-Britten
My name is Elizabeth Digby-Britten, I am Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, and I am Bear Clan. I am also German. I have been married for 21 years and we have lived in La Crosse since 2005. We have two children, both are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I am a double alumni of UWL, I have Bachelors in Art Education and a Master’s in Professional Development-UWL. I have worked in education for over 20 years in a variety of ways. I have taught students age 2-adult. I currently work for the YWCA and am a Restorative Justice Coordinator. I am dedicated to social justice work and will continue to work for equality for all.
(She/Her/Hers)