Meet the Candidate
Colleen Crean Wolfe
Candidate for: Board of Directors
Unit(s): 134
Owner since: 2021
Candidate Profile
1. Connection to Wild Eagle Lodge
Describe your connection to Wild Eagle Lodge, including how long you have been connected with the property and how you use it.
My husband Tim and I had been long-time renters at Wild Eagle Lodge for over 10 years when we purchased our condo in 2021. Tim’s grandparents used to own a property just west of Eagle River, so he has been visiting the area since he was a little boy. He has shared his love of the area with our entire extended family and we all enjoy coming up to the Northwoods to fish, snowmobile, enjoy the fall colors, and take the pontoon for a spin around the Chain.
2. Relevant Experience
Summarize the professional, volunteer, board, financial, property, or other experience you would bring to WELCA.
I have served as a Board member for our Association at our primary residence in Illinois, and am currently serving as a Board member for WELCA. I am an attorney formerly licensed in Illinois, although I do not currently practice.
3. Reasons for Running & Priorities
Why are you seeking a seat on the WELCA Board, and what two priorities would you focus on during your term?
I love our property at Wild Eagle Lodge and want to see it flourish. This past year, the Board has focused on fiscal responsibility and on identifying areas of improvement both on terms of communication and of physical upgrades. We have made much progress in making information available to Unit Owners, and we have addressed numerous repair and maintenance projects. We have also identified additional short-term and long-term property improvement projects. I would focus on continuing to build a strong Unit Owner community through communication and would continue to build on our momentum in upgrading our property.
4. Responsibilities to Owners
What do you believe are the Board’s most important responsibilities to WELCA owners, and how would you approach those responsibilities?
The Board’s loyalty lies in serving all Unit Owners to the best of its ability which involves gathering information from all members of the Association, as well as turning to outside sources where necessary, in order to make the best informed decisions possible. The Board this year has had enormous involvement from many owners, who have headed and participated in numerous committees and subcommittees. This Unit Owner involvement has been key in the Board’s confidence that property priorities are being identified, communicated, and triaged for immediate or long-term fulfillment as circumstances allow.
5. Evaluating Competing Priorities
Board members must weigh financial needs, property maintenance, owner interest, governing documents, and long-term planning. How would you evaluate competing priorities and make decisions?
The first priority in making decisions always should focus on safety issues and immediate maintenance concerns. The Board must also have an eye to the future, so projects can be identified and scheduled as part of a longer-term plan so that proactive measures can be taken before projects escalate. As all projects rely on the monthly dues that are set as part of our yearly budget, the Board must consider cost as well. Projects that are more discretionary in nature should be evaluated with respect to the benefit to the Unit Owners as a whole, and to the overall enhancement to the owner and guest experience at our Lodge.
Board Service & Disclosure
6. Working Through Disagreement
How do you approach disagreement with other directors or owners, and how would you support the Board’s collective decision after a vote?
I have served on a Board this past year with 4 other Unit Owners, and we all have different experiences as owners at Wild Eagle Lodge (some rent, or have rented, some use their Units extensively, some use it intermittently or have family and friends use it). Those experiences provide different perspectives that are valuable in considering and weighing decisions. It is important in any decision-making body that every participant be able to express his or her opinion and discuss the reasoning behind it. Mutual respect for well-considered positions is necessary on a Board, and when a consensus is reached, or a majority vote reached, all Board members should support the result.
7. Commitment to Board Service
Board service requires preparation, regular meeting attendance, review of materials, and follow-through between meetings. Can you make that commitment? Please note any known limitations.
I can, and have, made the commitment to attend all meetings necessary to serve on the Board of Directors for the Association.
8. Potential Conflicts of Interest
Please disclose any current business, employment, ownership, family, or financial relationship that could be reasonably viewed as an actual or potential conflict of interest involving WELCA business. Disclosure does not by itself disqualify a candidate.
I have no conflict of interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Association.
Responses are presented as submitted. Formatting has been standardized for consistency.