Pathways Board of Directors

GOVERNING STYLE

Pathways Church is Lead Pastor led and Board governed. The Board will govern with an emphasis on servant leadership, overall vision, openness to express divergent viewpoints, clear distinction between Board and Lead Pastor’s roles, collective decision, and being future focused and proactive.

CHRIS TARMANN: CHAIR

Chris has lived in Wisconsin his entire life. He and his wife Kelly (from the Green Bay area) have lived in the Fox Valley area since about 2002 and have been married for sixteen years. They have been attending Pathways since early 2008. They have three children - Caleb, Connor, and Taylor. Chris and Kelly enjoy traveling across the US with their kids, working outside (when it's nice out), hanging out with friends, and exploring local cuisine. Chris and Kelly have a strong passion for guiding and growing their children so most of their free time is spent investing in the experiences of their kids.

Chris and Kelly both serve in many ways both in the community and at Pathways Church and have done so for many years... Chris serves on the Safety Response Team, has served in several other areas of the church and even served on the Board of Directors at Pathways for about 4 years, ending this previous service about 5 years ago. Kelly serves in the children's ministry and both Chris and Kelly spend a lot of time serving Special Olympics events throughout the year. Chris has worked in Law Enforcement since about 2004 (serving several different agencies) and he is currently serving as the Captain of Police at UW Oshkosh. Chris also started a small business in 2016, where he gets to use his creative side making custom items out of wood. Chris is heavily involved in the community where he serves by leading initiatives arounds reducing youth substance use, identifying ways to end overdose incidents in our region, and creating strong relationships within our community to solve problems. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Nova Counseling Services in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

There are three areas of the bible that Chris drives his passion from:

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge other, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Mark 12: 30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: 'love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment great than these.

Chris believes that God has plans for all of us and we weren't created to judge others but to love them, to lead them into a growing relationship with Jesus by setting an example that others are curious about.

JUSTIN STAMBUK:

VICE CHAIR & INTERIM TREASURER

Justin moved from Alabama to Appleton, WI in the summer of 2000. He and his wife Mandy (from Door County) have been married for six years and have been attending Pathways since 2012. They have four children - Tanner, Tori, Kolbie and Karson. Justin and Mandy enjoy being outdoors whether that's riding their Harley's, bike riding, snowmobiling, boating, or camping. They enjoy trying new foods and spending time with friends and family.

Justin and Mandy are passionate about serving... they host a life group, Justin serves on the Pathways Kids team and Mandy serves in Fine Arts and Pathways Kids. Justin has worked in the automotive industry for over 21 years - starting as Lead Technician and worked his way to General Manager. In 2016, Justin switched industries and became the General Manager of Feldco Home Renewal, Overseeing the Wisconsin region. He is passionate about sales and leadership and enjoys working with his hands building and fixing just about anything.

Justin leans on Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” For Justin this verse is such a great reminder that we always have God right there next to us no matter where we are, that's BIG! Think about the fact that we have the God of the universe right here by our side at all times! That gives him strength and courage and challenges him to do what pleases God.

MARILYN BESCH

Marilyn grew up in the Fox Cities and has spent her adult life in Appleton. She has two adult children Andy & Julie who also live in the area. She is married to George Dickson and is retired from Thrivent Financial.

She joined Pathways church in 2012 and has enjoyed serving as a greeter, coffee maker, small group leader, project committee member and marriage mentor. She is excited to begin her role as Elder and Church Treasurer.

Marilyn’s calling as a Life Coach and Change Management Consultant has filled her passion of encouraging people to be the best version of themselves which includes being authentic and real. She is also certified in Emotional CPR and is skilled at helping people sort through any personal trauma they may have experienced.

Marilyn turns to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”

LINDSEY BIESACK:

BOARD SECRETARY

Lindsey has lived in Wisconsin for her entire life and moved to Appleton 3 years ago. She married her husband Mark in 2020 and together they have three teenage daughters- Evie, Norah and Lily. The entire family is active at Pathways. You can see Mark on stage playing drums, the girls signing at Students and working camera or tech during services. Lindsey serves in Pathways Kids in the 4/5-year-old room. Mark and Lindsey enjoy going on road trips as a family and currently spend a lot of time driving their kids to events.

Lindsey has worked in education for 19 years and is starting her third year as an elementary school principal in Oshkosh. She is passionate about the power of education and the importance of students feeling loved and safe. Mark runs his own company, managing short-term rental properties.

One of Lindsey's favorite verses is: Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. This verse has guided Lindsey and Mark through many challenges in life.

MIKE TRINKNER

Mike and Sharon were married in 2011, and with their blended family have eight wonderful kids ranging in ages from 40 to 22, and 3 grandchildren: providing many unique experiences as they grow closer. They have been attending Pathways for five years and were previously at Christ the Rock church for over 20 years. Mike is the project leader on the Building Expansion project and is also a member on the Buildings and Grounds Team. He is an engineering manager and has been practicing mechanical engineering and project leadership for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoys anything aviation related: from flying model RC airplanes to utilizing his private pilot’s license to fly friends and family.

God has placed relationships, restoration and forgiveness on Mikes heart. By experiencing God’s amazing power and grace, Mike has seen “destroyed” relationships rebuilt and forgiveness extended. His passion is to see God’s restorative powers played out in more relationships. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10.

LUKE WAHLSTROM

Originally from Minnesota, Luke met his wife Jessica (an Appleton native) in college and they married in 2015. After having their first child, they moved to Appleton and joined Pathways Church, drawn to its mission, connections and vibrant kids' programming.

Alongside his Board role, Luke is a middle school youth group leader, while Jessica serves on the worship team as a pianist. Inspired by Hebrews 4:15-16, Luke finds encouragement in our Savior's relatability and approachability.

Luke, Jessica and their three young children (Maya, 5; Landon, 3; Maddie, 1) call Appleton home. Professionally, Luke holds a clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy and works as a home health physical therapist at Ascension. Outside work, he enjoys golfing, learning and real estate investing.

JULIE SMITH

Julie was born and raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin but has also lived in Panama and Alaska as a military wife, shortly after high school. She accepted Christ as her savior at a Campus Life Youth Camp, at the age of 17.

Julie has been attending Pathways Church for about 25 years – going all the way back to when it was called Integrity Christian Centre. She met the love of her life, Michael, at Pathways and they married in 2008. Together they have a blended family of 5 children and 3 grandchildren. They enjoy hosting get-togethers, working in their gardens, and spending time at the family cottage “up north” at Archibald Lake.

Being in, experiencing, and seeing God’s creation is important to them both.

Julie currently serves in the Connections (welcome) area. She has also served in Divorce Care for a number of years, Women’s Ministry, Single Adult Ministry, Project Feed More, Night To Shine, and Financial Peace University.

Professionally, Julie spent the past 26 years working for The John Birch Society, ending her career there as the Director of Operations. She retired in 2023.

Her favorite time of day is in the early morning hours when she enjoys a hot cup of coffee with her Chair Time. Though it is hard to pick just one, her favorite chapter of the Bible is the same as her Mom’s - Psalm 145.

Pathways Church Staff