Wendy Crawford’s list of volunteer activities and service to the Shawano community is long and varied.
“It is especially fitting that Wendy be recognized during the chamber’s 100-year celebration, because it may take another century to find a volunteer resume that matches hers,” wrote Robyn Shingler, Marla Sparks and Jeannie Otto in their nomination for Crawford as the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year. “Wendy exemplifies the qualities that make her exceptionally deserving of this honor.”
In her early PTA days at St. Michael’s Church, Lincoln School and Shawano Community Middle School, Crawford was the person figuring out where to rent a helium tank for an event. She organized student-centered activities, coordinated concessions, facilitated fundraisers and made sure teachers had what they needed to support their classrooms.
She also volunteered as a Junior Achievement instructor, helping introduce young students to the fundamentals of community, work and leadership.
“These early efforts were not about recognition; they were about showing up,” according to the nominees. “That same spirit has defined Wendy’s service since her high school years and continues more than three decades later.”
Over the years, Crawford’s volunteerism has grown alongside Shawano County itself. Her service reflects the values championed by the chamber: leadership development, collaboration, community investment and the belief that progress happens when individuals take initiative.
Her involvement with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, Dice Club, Purses for a Purpose and many others is marked by energy and commitment.
Shingler, Sparks and Otto described Crawford as a vital connector in the community – the “human zip tie” who brings people, ideas, and resources together and makes things happen.
They said Crawford’s commitment to developing leaders is best reflected in her 25 years of involvement with Leadership Shawano County, including 20 years as director of the program.
In this role, Crawford designed curriculum, cultivated relationships with major employers, nonprofit organizations and municipal leaders, and mentored hundreds of participants. Through Leadership Shawano County, she strengthened connections between the private sector, nonprofits, and local. government—working with organizations such as Genex and Nueske’s to ensure leadership development reflected the needs and strengths of the local economy.
“The ripple effects of this work can be seen throughout Shawano County in the many graduates now serving on boards, councils, committees, and in leadership roles across sectors,” the nominees said.
Crawford’s ability to turn ideas into action is evident in numerous community-wide initiatives.
When overcrowding at Lincoln School signaled the need for a new elementary school, she helped raise awareness and build public support for the referendum that ultimately led to the construction of Hillcrest Elementary School.
She was also instrumental in efforts to bring the Boys & Girls Club to Shawano – participating in needs assessments, touring existing clubs, serving on advisory boards and helping guide the organization from concept to reality.
Her fundraising leadership helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Boys & Girls Club of Shawano. Crawford served on its founding and advisory boards and helped launch signature fundraisers such as Purses fora Purpose and Uncorked.
What began nearly a decade ago as an $8,000 fundraiser has grown into an annual event generating close to $45,000— – demonstrating Crawford’s vision, persistence and ability to inspire others to invest in meaningful causes.
Crawford also played a founding role in Sun Drop Dayz, serving on the planning committee well beyond its inception. What began as a community celebration evolved into a significant fundraising and visibility platform for local nonprofits, reinforcing her belief that economic vitality and community well-being go hand in hand.
Health and wellness have remained central to Crawford’s service. As a leader of the Community Health Action Team, she helped guide conversations around access, awareness and community health priorities. Her involvement in rural health initiatives and Shawano Area Young Professionals reflects her holistic approach to strengthening communities.
One of Crawford’s most recent has been her long-term involvement with 100+ Women Who Care – Shawano County.
Since its launch in 2019, Crawford has served on the steering committee, acted as master of ceremonies for quarterly meetings and managed organizational logistics. Her enthusiasm, reliability and extensive network have helped the organization surpass $300,000 in collective giving, benefiting dozens of local nonprofits.
“Her ability to engage and bring together others from different facets of our community is unparalleled, making it nearly impossible to decline her invitations,” Shingler, Sparks and Otto said. “Who can say no to Wendy Crawford? Absolutely no one.”
Crawford’s service also includes leadership and participation in the Shawano County Community Foundation (past vice chair), Lincoln Elementary PTA (past president), parish council and religious education at St. Michael’s in Keshena, Rotary Club, 4-H leadership, volunteer awards programming, referendum planning efforts, and countless school- and church-based initiatives.
Shingler, Sparks and Otto said what sets Crawford apart from others is her character.
“She possesses a rare combination of warmth, curiosity, problem-solving ability and communication skills that transform volunteer efforts into meaningful impact,” they said. “Her ability to engage others from all facets of the community makes it nearly impossible to say no to her invitations – and participation in any initiative led by Wendy is guaranteed to be meaningful, valuable and genuinely enjoyable.”
Crawford’s influence extends well beyond the borders of Shawano County, yet her heart remains firmly rooted here.
