WASDA Staff

Jon Bales

Executive Director

The WASDA Board of Directors hired Jon Bales as the WASDA Executive Director starting July 1, 2013. Jon was previously Superintendent of the DeForest Area School District and has over 30 years as an education administrator. He was a member of the Madison Area Technical College District Board between 2005 and 2014, serving as Board Chair from 2009 to 2011 during the largest facility referendum in the College’s history. Dr. Bales has served multiple years on other regional boards including the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin and Thrive – South Central Wisconsin’s Regional Economic Development Entity. Dr. Bales received his Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy from Illinois State University.

Email: jbales@wasda.org

Barb Sramek

Director of Professional Development and Member Services

Barb joined WASDA in March 2019 as the Director of Professional Development and Member Services. Prior to joining WASDA, Barb served as Superintendent of Marshall Public Schools and has served children within Wisconsin public schools for 35 years. She recently accepted an appointment as a Clinical Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Department at UW Madison in addition to her work with WASDA.

Email: bsramek@wasda.org

Nancy Lund

Executive Assistant

Nancy joined WASDA in July 1975 when the first full-time Executive Director, Ollie Berge, was hired. She has served the association in many capacities over the years and has witnessed the growth of the association to better serve our members.

Email: nlund@wasda.org

Jessica Schwedrsky

Administrative Assistant

Jessica joined WASDA in April 2000 as the association grew to three full-time employees. Jessica has served the membership in many capacities as technology has changed the way we serve our members.

Email: jschwedrsky@wasda.org

Kathleen Cooke

First Year Superintendents Academy Facilitator

Kathleen took over the First Year Superintendents Academy Facilitator role in 2018. In this capacity, she has provided instruction, support and coaching to beginning Wisconsin Superintendents. Prior to joining WASDA, Kathy served as the Superintendent for the Hamilton School District for 23 years, a capstone to her 36-year career in education. In 1996, Kathy was awarded the Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year Award and represented Wisconsin in the National Superintendent of the Year program conducted by AASA.

Email: cooke.kcmg@gmail.com