Staff & Board

De Pere Cultural Foundation

The design, construction and ongoing operations of the Mulva Cultural Center is managed by the De Pere Cultural Foundation (Mulva Cultural Center) Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Harvey L. Black, Jr., Attorney/CPA
McKim Boyd, Owner, Union Hotel
Mike Haddad, Chair of the Board, Schreiber Foods
Miriam and James Mulva, De Pere natives
Jonathan Mulva, Commercial Airline Pilot, United Airlines
Chris Renier, Owner, C. Renier Architects
Julie Van Straten, Resident of De Pere
Mike Van Asten, CEO, Mulva Cultural Center

The Mulva Cultural Center board, and Jim Mulva, board chairman, announced in December 2019 the leadership team for the Mulva Cultural Center.

Mike Van Asten, CEO

A visionary entrepreneur and developer, Mike has served as a consultant on the Mulva Cultural Center project for the past three years since its conception.

Mike is a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry. His experience includes creating, developing, owning and operating supermarkets, casual to fine dining restaurants, banquet and conference centers, hotels and mixed-use urban developments. He is an owner and managing partner of Hilton Hotels and founder and president of Incredible Edibles which has included such brands as Sandwich Factory restaurants, Grand American Cafes, Incredible Edibles Corporate Catering and Liberty Hall Conference Center.

An Appleton, Wisconsin resident, Mike has served on countless boards for the community, arts and hospitality in Northeastern Wisconsin and throughout the country. Locally, and most directly related, includes his volunteer services for the Appleton Art Center Board, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. He also serves on the Milwaukee Public Museum Executive Board, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass and Little Chute Windmill Boards. Other local commitments include the Bellin College Board and nineteen years’ service on the St. Norbert College Board for which he was Chairman for the past four years.

“Now is the perfect time for me to participate in this capstone project of my career. I understand the Mulvas’ vision and passion for De Pere. They have contributed significantly to education, faith-based non-profits and now to the advancement of a downtown they believe in. I am honored by their trust in me and look forward to applying my 35 years of experience in hospitality development to the Mulva Cultural Center and related projects.” – Mike Van Asten

  • Marv Wall, Executive Director of Operations
  • Thomas Shefchik, Executive Director of Community Relations
  • Laureen Endter, Gift Shop Manager and Buyer
  • Steve Tremel, Consulting Officer