Executive Director and Editor/Ad Manager, Jensen Community Spirit

Originally from southwestern Wisconsin, Brent left a job in radio broadcasting to move to the area and work for Krause Publications in Iola, writing and editing books and magazines about comic books and related pop culture for 20 years. He was hired by the Jensen Community Center in 2016 as an office assistant and ad representative. In 2018, he was promoted to Executive Director and, in 2020, added the editorship of the Spirit to his duties. He and his wife, Kim, have an adult son, Brad.

Assistant Director

Nikki joined the Jensen Community Center team in the summer of 2024 and oversees events, promotions, marketing, and facility rentals. She enjoys the variety each day brings at the Center and loves working alongside the staff, volunteers, and community groups that help make the Jensen Center such a busy and welcoming place. Nikki lives in Amherst with her husband and four children.

Finance Manager

Shawn makes sure the books balance, everyone has what they need, and the website is up-to-date.  She joined this team in 2022 and also serves as Clerk for the Town of Amherst.  She has lived in our area over 25 years, has three children in the area and loves being a Grandmother. 

Building & Grounds Supervisor

Jim has been keeping the Jensen Center neat and tidy since the summer of 2022. In addition, he handles all maintenance and repairs, helps set up before and clean up after our many events and activities, and prepares the Jensen Community Spirit for distribution each month. Beyond that, he helps build stage sets for Variety Productions’ shows, provides music for them, and assists with anything else needed. He and his wife, Amy, enjoy traveling, visiting their grandchildren, and gardening with a focus on flowers.

Office Assistant

Debra joined the Jensen Center team in the summer of 2025 and is one of the first faces to greet you as you enter. She strives to create a positive experience by creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to all who enter. She enjoys the hustle and bustle of the Center, from answering the phone to keeping things organized and visitors informed of all the exciting things happening at the Center. A fun fact about her is that she had her own column in the Community Spirit entitled, “Who’s Your Farmer.” She enjoys writing, photography, history, and of course supporting her husband and three children in all their endeavors from farming and sports to showing livestock.