Ahmad Perry
I am a retired Army Officer and I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Cameron University in 1995. I have spent over 25 years in the Army with my first 13 years as an enlisted soldier. I was on numerous boards and committees. My enlisted background consists of being an Army Medic, Flight Medic, and Drill Sergeant. I also deployed to Operation Desert Storm, and Kosovo.
I spent my final 12 years as an Army Officer. My officer background consists of being a Field Artillery Officer and an Information Operations Officer. As an officer, I conducted briefings that were used by leadership to make an informed decision on how to proceed in daily as well as combat missions. I deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom two times and Operation New Dawn. I also commanded a unit of 200 soldiers and 17 staff.
After the Army, I spent time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Waukesha Food Pantry and continue to do it to this day. While at the Food Pantry, I was on the Board of Directors. I also ushered at church and am on the church Safety Committee.
Scott Kopischke
I am Scott Kopischke, one of your new trustees. Joanne and I were just starting to get to know some people at UUCW when we shut down for the coronavirus, so you may not know me very well. Currently retired, my professional career was spent as a manufacturer’s rep selling industrial air handling equipment. I have been spending time at the Medical College of Wisconsin as a standardized patient, helping to train future health care providers by simulating specific medical conditions.
My avocation is as a playwright and actor and I’ve been fortunate enough to have several of my plays produced. Previously, I have served on the boards of two other churches as well as the board of Sunset Playhouse.
Chris Zamzow
Hello! My journey to UUCW began around 17 years ago after my daughter was born and my wife and I decided it was time to find a religious community. It was not long after a few visits we officially did something I never expected to do. We signed a church membership book. Since that time, I have served in many roles at UUCW over the years. By far the most rewarding, with no offense to other roles, was teaching Religious Education. Our RE program encourages our children to think and answer questions themselves. Our RE program is a hidden gem and includes highlights like Coming of Age, OWL, and YRUU. Some fun examples are class and youth service trips, along with visits to other places of worship. Those in RE learn all people are important and should be treated fairly and kindly. I will add teaching RE is extremely rewarding and teachers learn just as much as the students. I taught both my children in RE and enjoyed every class and seeing their growth each year. I have also served on Campus and Endowment committees. While serving on Campus I learned and came to appreciate, all the work being done behind the scenes to maintain our church building and grounds. Everyone at UUCW is very welcoming, even those of us that are not quite as outgoing as some during coffee hour.
I also served for nearly 9 years on the board of Tamarack Waldorf School. During those 9 years, I occupied all four executive committee roles: President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary. I prided myself on always making decisions based on what I believed was best for the whole school. Personal agendas and egos must be put aside when making decisions as a board member.
In my “free time” I am an avid sports fan. I can and will talk for as long as there is a listening ear about the Brewers, Bucks, Packers or any other sport. And when watching a game, like the most recent Milwaukee Bucks playoff games I will simply shout suggestions to the TV. I have played many sports and coached a couple. I plan to bowl again in the fall and enjoy a round of golf as time permits. My favorite things revolve around spending time with my family. There is nothing better than playing catch with my son or shopping with my daughter. Our favorite night started during the pandemic. We have Friday night movie night. We order curbside, take turns selecting movies each of us writes on a piece of paper from a bowl, and spend time together. The last thing I would like to mention is I enjoy reading. My favorite authors are Harlan Coben and James Patterson.
