Terri Haas – 2026 Recipient

Greater Cedarburg Foundation Civic Award  in Memory of James W. Coutts

Some people have a knack for doing small things behind the scenes and making a big impact. Terri Haas is one of them.

In 1979, as a 17-year-old Grafton High School student, Haas took a part-time job at Ozaukee Bank on a student work release program. That spawned a 30-year career that took her from administrative secretary to a bank vice president who managed 11 buildings in five different communities. It also introduced her to the world of community service.

“The Bank always encouraged us to be active in our communities and I think that’s where my love for volunteering began,” Haas said.

Haas is the recipient of the 23rd annual Civic Award in Memory of James W. Coutts, which will be presented by the Greater Cedarburg Foundation (GCF) on April 29 at the Cedarburg Cultural Center. The celebration, which will also recognize recipients of this year’s GCF grants, will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m.

The Civic Award event happens seamlessly every year, primarily due to Haas’ diligent organizational skills behind the scenes. So how does it feel to be named this year’s honoree?

“I was stunned and in awe,” said Haas. “I never expected something like this.”

It’s that humility and selflessness that others feel makes Haas a perfect choice for this award.

“Terri has quietly and consistently been one of the most vital forces behind the success of the Greater Cedarburg Foundation,” said Patty Gallun Hansen, a past Civic Award recipient who nominated Haas for the award. “Her years of leadership, service, and ‘can-do’ attitude have touched nearly every aspect of the Foundation’s work and, by extension, the greater Cedarburg community. She leads with grace, kindness, humor, and humility — never seeking credit but always ensuring success.”

Haas has been an integral part of the GCF, serving on its board from 2011- 2017 and then as event coordinator assistant. But her civic involvement goes much further.

She has been active in United Way, serving as a member of the Southern Ozaukee County Community Impact Committee, and has served as both president and vice president of the Northern Ozaukee Chapter of the American Cancer Society, chairing the Relay for Life for three years.

As a volunteer for Junior Achievement, she was a classroom instructor for nine years, working with students in grades 1 – 8. She also was a member of the Home and School Association for St. Francis Borgia School in Cedarburg and served as its treasurer for the school’s major fundraiser, Auction from the Heart, for six years.

One of the organizations benefitting greatly from her talent is the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program. She recently retired from its board after 25 years of service, which included positions as treasurer, vice president and secretary. She continues her work with the organization as part of its Family Literacy Program, where she records an inmate reading a book to their child and then sends the book to the child’s legal guardian.

Although skeptical at first about working with the incarcerated, she now believes in the program’s ability to rehabilitate those who have made poor choices in their lives and deserve another chance. “Over time, my opinion has changed,” she said, noting that 44% of the inmates they’ve mentored never recidivate, which is 14% above the state average. “I know we are making a difference.”

After Ozaukee Bank was sold in 2007, Haas settled into semi-retirement in the rural Saukville home she shares with her husband of 40 years, Dennis, and started a small landscaping company as a side job for a few years. She now enjoys gardening as a hobby and caring for the couple’s four grandchildren several days a week, which has led to more volunteering opportunities.

Haas works with the Northern Ozaukee School District, where two of her grandchildren attend school, and volunteers in classrooms, assisting with 4K art and library, kindergarten project prep and third grade reading assessments.

Ozaukee Bank founder Mal Hepburn recalls that Haas was a “quick study” when she first joined their organization. She is still on the board of the bank’s foundation. Her motivation, he says, has always been about helping the broader community. “She’s quite capable, loves Cedarburg and is absolutely a strong candidate for this award,” Hepburn said.

One little known fact about Haas is that she was certified by the DNR as an archery safety instructor with the Buckskin Bowmen Archery Club for several years. Although her certification has lapsed, she continues to coordinate the summer adult league for the club. She admits to being athletically uncoordinated, but, as the mother of two boys (Matt and Ben), she learned to fish and hunt as a way to be active as a family. In 2014, she and her husband went on a seven-day hunt in South Africa followed by a four-day sightseeing safari through Kruger National Park, which she recalls as one of the most amazing experiences in her life.

GCF President-Elect Joe Rintelman has had the opportunity to work with Haas on numerous projects.

“Terri’s tender touch, remarkable professionalism, and unwavering willingness to do whatever is needed have strengthened countless organizations in our community. Her behind-the-scenes dedication and meticulous care have enriched the Greater Cedarburg Foundation and helped shape the organization we are today,” he said.

Haas said she finds gratitude in being a volunteer. “A true volunteer doesn’t ask what’s in it for them,” she said. “A true volunteer is in it to see how they can help others and what an impact they can make.”

Haas has directed that the $1,000 honorarium made in her name as part of the GCF award go to support the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program.

On April 29, the Greater Cedarburg Foundation will honor Terri Haas with the GCF Civic Award in memory of James W. Coutts. The public is invited to attend the celebration at the Cedarburg Cultural Center (W62N546 Washington Ave). Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program begins at 7 pm. Dessert and a cash bar will be available. To reserve tickets for the event, email CedarburgFoundation@gmail.com or call/text (262) 204-7387 by April 20. In addition to honoring Terri, the program will include the announcement of GCF’s 2025-26 Grants.

Previous recipients of the Civic Award include Jill Hepburn, American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288, Gail Ostermann, Merlin Rostad, Carl Edquist, Ralph Huiras, Bob Armbruster, Edward Rappold, Janet and Don Levy, Mal Hepburn, Barbara and Layton Olsen, Jim and Sandy Pape, Jim Coutts, Paul and Philia Hayes, Jim Lee, Dick Dieffenbach, the men and women of the Cedarburg Fire Department, Patty Gallun Hansen, Jack and Susan Hale, Jerry and Alice Voigt, and Bill Wernecke Sr.

Since 2001, the Greater Cedarburg Foundation has awarded grants totaling nearly $2 million to community organizations and projects that preserve the local cultural heritage, enhance artistic endeavors, and support educational, social, and community-based services in the greater Cedarburg area.