Qualmann Named Donald G. Jones Award Winner

Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s Leadership Alumni Committee has named Tracy Qualmann (’03) as the 2022 recipient of the Donald G. Jones Leadership Alumni Award. Qualmann will be presented with the award during the Leadership Fond du Lac Completion Ceremony on Wednesday, May 18 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

The Donald G. Jones Leadership Award was created in 2001 and honors the former area businessman who played a major role in founding and supporting the Leadership Fond du Lac program. This award, made possible by National Exchange Bank and Trust, recognizes a past graduate of the Leadership Fond du Lac program for the effort they have put forth in helping improve their community through volunteer service and utilization of their leadership abilities.

Qualmann is a life-long resident of Fond du Lac. A graduate of Goodrich High School and Marian University, Qualmann has worked in Fond du Lac for the majority of her career. Based on this experience, she wasn’t sure she would glean much from this program. However, after attending the retreat and monthly programs, a whole new world opened for her. In fact, after presenting her team’s project, as she was walking back to her seat, she was approached to serve on her first board. The rest is history.

“Leadership Fond du Lac literally opened the door to the volunteer work I do now,” Qualmann said. “I didn’t realize I had such a passion for my community and those who reside here until I completed this program and was given my first chance to become engaged. The program provided me with a foundation, a foundation that still holds true to today.”

That first volunteer opportunity, to serve on the board of directors with what was the Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County, provided ample learning and development opportunities. Qualmann served with this organization for nearly ten years, filling the roles of secretary, vice president, president, past-president, and a number of event chairpersons.

This spring-board event led to many more volunteer opportunities. Qualmann currently serves as the president of the board of directors for Fond du Lac Community Theatre; co-president of the board of directors for the Fond du Lac Chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries; a general board member with Salute the Troops, Life Enforcement, and the University of Wisconsin Fox Cities Foundation. She is also the fair director for the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair. Lastly, a member of Noon Optimists of Fond du Lac and serves on a number of additional event committees.

Previously, Qualmann also served on the board of directors for the Fond du Lac County Historical Society as vice president; Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County as vice president; Solutions Center as president; and Community Educational Opportunities as secretary. She also served on the planning committee for the MS Walk in Fond du Lac.

Qualmann is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communication with Envision Greater Fond du Lac and an adjunct instructor at Marian University, as well as a freelancer in marketing, creative, and social. Before Envision, Qualmann worked in higher education for more than 20 years and did a short stint in public relations.

“I really don’t see myself as doing more than anyone else and I certainly don’t do what I do for the recognition,” Qualmann, said. “I do what I do because it is part of the fabric of who I am. It feels right to me.”

For aspiring leaders and this year’s graduating class of Leadership Fond du Lac, Qualmann shares these words of advice, “There is a place for yes. If an opportunity finds you and it runs parallel to your beliefs, try it. You may not realize it right away, but you will make a difference.”

Leadership Fond du Lac, a program of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 class, a nine-month program that provides information and experiences to individuals who are willing to commit to serving their community. Accepted applicants learn about local institutions and issues and put their skills and knowledge to use through the required small-group community project. Through the program, individuals develop leadership, interpersonal and communications skills, and develop a strong network throughout the community. For more information, contact Envision Greater Fond du Lac at 920.921.9500.

For additional information, application, and tuition, please visit https://www.envisiongreaterfdl.com/leadership-fond-du-lac/ 

To learn more about Envision Greater Fond du Lac, please visit envisiongreaterfdl.com.