Amber Bodart – 2025 Senior Co-Chair

Amber values community. She prides herself in seeking out ways to enhance the quality of life for others in a dependable way, so we can all live happier; more harmonious lives.
As AVP of Sales & Service at Verve a Credit Union, Amber is dedicated to serving her community while balancing the joys of motherhood with two energetic boys.

Amber also serves on the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac Marketing Committee and Advisory Council. When she isn’t volunteering in the community, you can find her at her son’s sporting events, golfing, gardening in her yard, reading or enjoying a day at the beach.

A lifelong resident of Fond du Lac and a passionate community supporter, you can also find her along with her sons, Jonah and Finnigan, at a variety of local events such as the Farmers Market, THELMA’s 13 Thursdays of Summer and Walleye Weekend.

A fond memory Amber shared is attending Walleye Weekend when she was young. She won the radar throw and remembers being particularly excited to go down to the Sheriff’s office and pick up her trophy and portfolio of baseball cards. Amber is excited to see her love of Walleye Weekend passed down to her oldest son who plans to compete in the Volleyball tournament this year. Walleye Weekend is so much more than a fishing tournament and has a little something for everyone.

 

Joe Venhuizen – 2025 Senior Co-Chair

Joe believes that Fond du Lac County’s best days are ahead of us. As a Vice President at Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Joe advocates for a prosperous future by harnessing the power of industry, because business is a force for good.

Walleye Weekend is an outstanding tool for building community investment, a great asset for economic development. Joe enjoys the many family-fun activities that the festival provides, especially the kids fishing tournament and Sunday Family Day. While he didn’t grow up in Fond du Lac, Joe has adopted Walleye Weekend as an annual tradition, and is raising his three young children to be Walleye Weekend fanatics.

Joe lives in Fond du Lac with his wife Melissa and three sons Jude, Asher, and Ezra. He serves as a Deacon for Grace Evangelical Free Church on the corner of 18th and Ellis St.

Holly Brenner – 2025 Junior Co-Chair

Holly believes in the power of people coming together to make communities stronger. She leads with heart and vision, working across sectors to promote strategic growth and long-term success for Fond du Lac and the region.

In her role as Senior Vice President at C.D. Smith Construction, Holly shapes business strategies that drive innovation while staying rooted in community values.

Walleye Weekend holds a special place in Holly’s heart. For her, the festival is more than just fun—it’s a celebration of community spirit and the energy that makes Fond du Lac such a special place to live and raise a family. A participant in the Walleye Run and active supporter of the sporting and fishing events that her family engages in, Holly sees Walleye Weekend as a reflection of the pride and potential of the region.

A lifelong Wisconsinite and passionate community leader, Holly lives in Fond du Lac with her husband and their three children. She actively serves on several local and regional boards and finds purpose in mentoring others. Holly is proud to be part of a community that works together, celebrates together, and builds a better future—together.

Grant Monroe – 2025 Junior Co-Chair

Grant grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but attended St. Lawrence Seminary and then graduated from Marian University.  Grant has lived in Fond du Lac for over 20 years and his family includes his wife, Melissa, his daughter, Aleah, and his two younger sons – Camden and Cole.  Cole, his youngest son, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, and that’s why The Arc Fond du Lac has held such a special place in his heart and mind.  Grant enjoys coaching track at Fond du Lac High School as well as mentoring students in the process.  Grant is now the Director of Development at The Arc and looks forward to volunteering during Walleye Weekend and enjoying what family-friendly activities the free festival has to offer.

In 2025, Walleye Weekend is partnering with SSM Health and The Treffert Center to set up a Sensory-inclusive and calming area for those with special sensory needs like Grant’s son, Cole.  Look for the SSM Health Calming Area as well as many family-friendly activities inside FamilyLand this year.