Meet Your District Senior Key Volunteers

Running a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) District Event requires a dedicated crew of volunteers, including specialized Senior Key Volunteers who help ensure every event runs smoothly, consistently, and in line with FIRST standards for each specific role. These individuals support local Key Volunteers, coordinate with District Leadership, and often serve as mentors or liaisons to the broader FIRST community.

In addition to the traditionally recognized volunteer roles, our district also includes four additional Senior Key Volunteer Roles (indicated with *) that elevate the overall experience at our events and meet our local event expectations.

Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing more information about each of our District Senior Key Volunteers and Senior Key Volunteer Roles we're looking to fill. Until then, here's a quick overview of each role:

(From Left: Sam, Abby, Jerry, and Justin)

District Senior Key Volunteer Coordinator - Sam

Supports Volunteer Coordinators (VCs)—and their supporting VC crews—across events by sharing best practices, recruitment strategies, scheduling tools, and onboarding processes. Helps ensure each event is fully staffed with well-trained, supported volunteers. Sam also develops statewide tools, templates, and communications that empower local Volunteer Coordinator teams to manage volunteer engagement effectively before, during, and after events.

District Senior Event Manager Front-End* - Abby

Works with local Event Managers and District Planning Committees to support the audience-facing experience of official FIRST Wisconsin events. This includes providing presentation slides, award scripts, emcee talking points, signage, and printed materials to create a consistent and welcoming atmosphere. The role ensures that ceremonies, announcements, and key moments are polished, engaging, and ready to be updated by the local Event Managers and the District Planning Committees.

District Senior Event Manager Back-End* - Jerry

Works with local Event Managers and District Planning Committees to support the logistical and operational infrastructure of official FIRST Wisconsin events. This includes creating load-in/load-out procedures, signage best practices, and behind-the-scenes asset management such as radios, safety materials, and documentation. The role ensures members of the District Planning Committees can physically run the event smoothly from setup to teardown.

District Senior FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) - Justin

Leads and supports the FTAs across all District Events to ensure field technology, robot-to-field connections, and match operations run reliably and efficiently. Assists with troubleshooting and maintains technical consistency across the district. Justin also works to recruit, train, and retain new FTAs and support volunteers, building a strong field technical pipeline for future seasons.

(From Left: Kristin, Ken, Rachel, and Jeff)

District Senior Judge Advisor - Kristin

Guides and mentors Judge Advisors across the state, ensuring judging procedures follow FIRST standards and that the awards process remains fair and consistent at all events. Kristin also provides local Judge Advisor training and works to align judging practices across the district. In addition, she mentors new volunteers to help expand and strengthen the Judge Advisor pipeline for future seasons.

FIRST Wisconsin Senior Talent Team Coordinator* - Kenneth

Oversees the emcees, game announcers, and overall show production team. Mentors new Talent Team members and helps ensure energy, professionalism, and accuracy in event presentation across FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge events. Kenneth also works between programs to support, train, and grow a diverse pipeline of emcees and game announcers who can represent the program with enthusiasm and poise.

District Senior Head Referee* - Rachel

Supports and trains Head Referees across events to ensure rules are consistently applied and interpreted. Collaborates with FIRST HQ and the Chief Referee when additional clarification is needed. This role also focuses on expanding the referee volunteer pipeline and cultivating new talent through training and mentorship opportunities.

District Senior Lead Robot Inspector - Jeff

Oversees the Lead Robot Inspectors for the state and ensures consistency in the inspection process across events. Manages the volunteer pipeline from Robot Inspector to Lead Robot Inspector and provides guidance on resolving complex or unusual inspection cases. This role also supports ongoing inspector training and fosters a collaborative culture across the robot inspection team.

Stay tuned for more information about each of our District Senior Key Volunteers and additional Senior Key Volunteer Roles we're looking to fill!

Renee Becker-Blau