Meet the Team
Jennifer Shearer – Chief Executive
A native, rural, Wisconsinite, Jennifer found a deep appreciation and developed a strong passion for community service and helping others in her communities. She believes everyone, despite their barriers, should have the necessities needed to live happy, productive lives. This appreciation and passion began to grow over 20 years ago when she started working for ICAA. Since then, Jennifer has grown with the agency in a number of capacities: a program assistant with the Home Health program, a Payroll Specialist, and Finance Supervisor, Director of Operations, and now, as the Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, along with the entire Leadership Team, Jennifer helps provide guidance to the agency and fulfill the vision of sustainability for the agency and those we serve. She also helps develop systems in order to achieve maximum efficiencies which enable ICAA to provide services and programs to increase self-sufficiency for those living in northwest Wisconsin. Today, Jennifer continues to serve ICAA and our communities and is happy helping to keep Wisconsin an amazing place to live!
Heidi Eckert – Fund Developer
Heidi has been with ICAA since April 2007. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In the past 15 years, Heidi has been a Head Start Teacher Assistant, Teacher, Regional Manager, Education Coordinator, Director and currently serves as ICAA’s Fund Developer. She is responsible for working with all ICAA programs and staff researching funding opportunities and writing proposals to provide continued support or enhance the services they provide. She believes there is no greater reward than being part of an agency that supports and grows its community. Heidi lives in Medford, WI and enjoys UTVing, traveling, listening to live music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Michelle Stout – Head Start Director
Michelle has been with ICAA Head Start since January 1992. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education specializing in Early Childhood Education. In the past 25+ years, Michelle has been a Head Start Teacher, Education Coordinator, Assistant Director, and currently services as Head Start Director. She oversees all aspects of the Head Start program in ICAA’s six service counties. She believes the Head Start program has a significant impact in children and families and is proud to be part of a program that make profound differences in the lives of so many. Michelle lives in Bruce, WI and enjoys being at the lake, fishing, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.
Lauren Zach – Community Education Director
Lauren has been with ICAA since 2014, she has her Masters in Human Services from Walden University with an emphasis in Human Studies and Interventions. Her passion is working with people and loves to be in front of a group speaking or doing presentations/trainings. Most of her professional career has been working with families in Head Start but recently took over the role as the Northern Coalition Coordinator as it aligns with her mission to help people and bring more resources to Northern Wisconsin that can benefit the community and improve the well-being of its residents. Lauren is married and a mother to three children and in her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, puzzles and spending time with her friends and family.