Our Directors

MIKE LA ROSA

MIKE LA ROSA

Cedarburg

  • CEO/owner of LaRosa Landscape Company, Inc.
  • Director since 2023
  • Finance committee

“I love helping people. Mel’s mission aligns with how we are to live our lives.”

JOHN LERAND

JOHN LERAND

Cedarburg

  • Retired business development leader (Poblocki Sign Co., Sensia Healthcare, Rite-Hite Corp)
  • Director since 2021
  • Sustainability committee

“I believe strongly in Mel’s mission of positively impacting lives and having fun. Mel’s emphasis on helping people with disabilities and supporting community impact efforts helps make Ozaukee County a special place.

MICHAEL MATAR

MICHAEL MATAR

Mequon

  • BMO Commercial Bank, VP Relationship Manager
  • New board member in 2024
  • Finance committee

“It is an honor to be part of an organization that positively impacts so many in Ozaukee County, a community that has given so much to me and my family, and it’s a start on how I can give back, all in such a fun manner!”

DICK PHALEN

DICK PHALEN

Mequon

  • Community volunteer
  • Board member since 2010, past board president
  • Sustainability, finance and Mel’s Village committees

“Mel’s Charities mission to serve individuals with special needs resonates with me on a personal level. It is an honor to work with so many amazing, caring people.”

ROSS RINTELMAN

ROSS RINTELMAN

Cedarburg

  • Worked at St. Mary’s Ozaukee, From Scratch Catering and Wayne’s Drive-In
  • Special Olympic athlete for 25+ years
  • Mel’s Ambassador and Director since 1999

“I love volunteering and going to our events and writing thank-you notes to everyone who supports us. I love to meet new people and touch lives through Mel’s Charities.”

RACHEL RIZZO

RACHEL RIZZO

Cedarburg

  • Content Coordinator for The Cedarburg Bridge magazine
  • IDD Pickleball instructor
  • New board member in 2024
  • Marketing committee

“Getting involved with Mel’s Charities opens the door to a community united by passion and purpose. As a new member of the board, I am excited to give back as well as becoming part of Mel’s legacy of kindness and generosity, transforming lives in Ozaukee Co.”

SARA WALKER

SARA WALKER

Milwaukee

  • Catholic Financial Life, VP of Investments
  • Director since 2021
  • Finance committee

“Mel’s Charities brings joy to so many people in Ozaukee County and being part of that ‘joy-delivery’ is a great honor.”