Leadership & Key Staff
Meet Our Team
At the Chequamegon Humane Association, every life saved is made possible by a compassionate and hardworking team. Below are the leaders who guide our mission every day.
Executive Director
Kari Olinger
Kari is the heart and driving force behind Chequamegon Humane Association. With extensive experience in animal welfare and nonprofit leadership, she has transformed our organization into a true community lifeline for homeless pets. Under Kari’s direction, the shelter has dramatically increased adoptions, launched new community services, and consistently maintained one of the highest live-release rates in the region.
When she’s not advocating for the animals or dreaming up the next big program, Kari is at home spoiling her own crew of rescue dogs and cats (and probably sneaking extra treats to the shelter pups when she thinks no one is looking).
Jayme (L) and Kari (R) holding adopted puppies. Photo courtesy of Ken Stankard & the Ashland Daily Press.
Medical Coordinator
Jayme Morey
Jayme keeps every animal in our care happy, healthy, and adoption-ready. With hands-on experience in veterinary nursing and shelter medicine, she oversees all medical treatments, surgeries, vaccinations, and daily care protocols. From bottle-feeding orphaned kittens at 2 a.m. to giving senior dogs the specialized attention they deserve, Jayme’s calm expertise and boundless compassion touch every pet who comes through our doors.
Jayme has a special passion for the “underdogs” — the shy, the sick, and the seniors — and she celebrates every single one who finally finds their perfect home.
Adoption Coordinators
Ashley Dolys, Adoption Coordinator
Billie Keenlin, Adoption Coordinator
Animal Care Givers
Rebecca Pero, Animal Care Supervisor
- Annemarie Pero, Animal Caregiver
- Devon Ledin, Animal Caregiver
- Johanna Johnson, Animal Caregiver
- Savannah Christensen, Animal Caregiver
Our Board of Directors
At the Chequamegon Humane Association, our volunteer Board of Directors is vital in guiding our mission to improve the lives of homeless pets in the Chequamegon Bay Area. The Board is responsible for:
Setting CHA’s strategic direction
Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
Maintaining financial health
Promoting a culture aligned with modern nonprofit standards
By drawing on their diverse expertise, the Board collaborates with our Executive Director, staff, and trusted professionals, such as legal counsel, auditors, and insurance brokers, to keep our shelter thriving and mission-focused.
Our 2025 Members
We’re proud to introduce the dedicated individuals leading our mission this year:
- Ted Kramolis, President
- Kevin Schram, Vice President
- Tom Ossowski, Treasurer
- Mary Stenberg, Secretary
- Diane Groth, Member
- Ann Riederer, Member
- Sue DePerry, Member
- Suzanne Smiles, Member
- Cara Overland, Member
- Kasey Arts, Member
- Morgan Meierotto, Member
- Renita Petite, Member
- Maribeth Monroe, Member
- Murray Smerer, Member
Contact Our Board
We value your feedback and ideas! If you have comments, questions, or concerns, email our Board at chaadoptboard@yahoo.com. Thank you for supporting Chequamegon Humane Association and our mission to create a brighter future for homeless pets!
Love Pets? Join Our Pack!
Stay in the loop—get shelter updates delivered straight to your inbox.
You pick what you receive!