Leadership Team
Collaborating to Better the Fox Cities
JIM CASE
Board Chair
Jim Case is a Christian life coach and community connector whose heart is to build unity across divides, especially through neighbor connections. Jim has organized and leads the Erb Park Neighborhood Association, a 1,200+ household neighborhood association in Appleton, and works relationally to partner churches and denominational leaders with regional and community organizations to build a thriving Fox Cities.
Board Vice President and Secretary
Apart from his work with Common Ground Fox Cities, Jerry also serves on the Outagamie County Board of Supervisors representing District 16 which is in the City of Appleton. Jerry currently holds several volunteer positions in the community including: President & Ritual Director of Moses Montefiore Synagogue, the only Jewish house of worship in Appleton Fox Cities; board of directors of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra; and board of directors of Faith in Place, which is an interfaith response to climate change and climate justice issues. Jerry retired from Kimberly-Clark following a career in consumer products R&D and supply chain management. He earned a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Syracuse University. Jerry and his wife Anne have resided in Appleton since 1993 and have three grown daughters.
JERRY ZABRONSKY
JEAN FISHER
Board Treasurer
Jean is a semi-retired physical therapist working for Theda Care. She is married with two grown boys and two grandchildren. Jean belongs to the Baha’i Faith for the last 52 years and is interested in walking, fishing and watching her grandchildren play ice hockey and lacrosse. She is also interested in meeting new people from all backgrounds hoping for unity of all people.
PHEONAH KISEMBO
Board Member
Pheonah Kisembo is a results-driven leader with over 20 years of global and local experience in HR, project management, and community engagement. She has led multi-million-dollar initiatives, built inclusive workplace cultures, and forged strong cross-sector partnerships. Holding an MBA and a degree in international relations, Pheonah brings strategic insight, proven leadership, and a passion for strengthening the Fox Cities community.
CHANTAL BASEKE
Board Member
Chantal Baseke is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She grew up both in the Congo and Nashville, Tennessee. She lived in Missouri for 7 years before relocating to Wisconsin in August of 2017. She is a mother of three beautiful, accomplished, and wonderful children and enjoys working with people.
Chantal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Studies with a concentration in Community Health. As a community organizer, she has done extensive volunteer work with immigrants. She has worked mostly in Health Care but took on the position with HHT February 2024 as a Co-Director. She now oversees Case Management and Event Coordination. She has worked as a Facilitator for Common Ground before becoming part of the Board.
KATHERINE WILSON, PHD
Board Member
Dr. Katherine Wilson is a senior consultant and co-founder of Santiago Global Consulting, bringing over 15 years of expertise in community engagement, peacebuilding, conflict management, and communication. She holds a PhD from UW-Milwaukee, where she studied genocide, peace, and reconciliation. Throughout her career, Katherine has taught conflict and communication at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin’s Masters of Sustainable Peacebuilding program. She also served as Executive Director of the Zeidler Group, an NGO dedicated to fostering civil dialogue and building trust across differences. As a facilitator, analyst, speaker, and coach, Katherine equips communities with non-violent tools to navigate conflict and strengthen connections. Her commitment to peacebuilding has taken her to over 40 countries, where she has led training, workshops, and facilitated meaningful dialogue.
JODELL GAGNOW
Common Ground Administrator
Jodell is a passionate, imaginative leader who believes “every dawn opens hope and opportunity.” She embraces failure as growth and sees each person’s uniqueness as a strength. With experience in education, crisis intervention, and the dental field, she has created programs that build life skills, support academics, and reduce truancy. Jodell holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Marian University, a Master’s from Aurora University, and is a Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker. In her role as Gospel Outreach Coordinator at St. Thomas More, she combines her technology skills and people-centered approach through a faith-centered lens to assist Common Ground in its mission. Her work is built on a strong foundation of digital expertise, compassion, and collaboration—driven by the belief that true growth happens through shared learning and meaningful connection.