Executive Director

Patrick B. Vander Sanden

1502 W Broadway, Suite 102

Madison, WI 53713

Office: (608)-367-4126

Mobile: (920)-630-0111

Email Patrick

Patrick Vander Sanden was appointed WCHA Executive Director in January 2023 bringing over 25 years of experience in public service in state and local government. Most recently, Patrick served as a Local Government Program Offer at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, managing a number of publicly funded local road programs, most notably the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP).

Along with his time at WisDOT, Patrick began his professional career working as a policy aide for the Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor and later worked in the State Assembly and State Senate. He later spent over 14 years in local government management as a Public Works Director in the Village of DeForest, Wisconsin, the Village Administrator in Deerfield, Wisconsin and the City Administrator in his hometown of Columbus, Wisconsin.

Patrick holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Professional Development Director

Gary Kennedy

1502 W Broadway, Suite 102

Madison, WI 53713

Office: (608)-367-4126

Gary was employed for Manitowoc County since 1981. He began his career as a welder and truck driver. He continued his education and received an Associate Degree in Supervisory Management from Lakeshore Technical College. This enabled him to advance his career being promoted to Foreman and later Superintendent. He sought further education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Lakeland College.

He was promoted to Highway Commissioner in 1995 and served in this capacity until 2015. Gary has been very active in the Wisconsin County Highway Association serving as Secretary, Treasurer, President and Past-President. He was also very active in National Association of County Engineers. Gary orchestrated many events for these organizations and arranged appropriate speakers and representatives to ensure the members of the organizations are properly trained and educated to perform their jobs more efficiently and in compliance with state and federal policies.

Gary lives in Manitowoc with his wife of 34 years. He has two grown sons. He enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with friends and family.