Who We Are

Executive Director

Courtney Hayward

Courtney is a seasoned policy advocate and government relations professional whose journey has been shaped by both personal experience and professional evolution. Beginning her academic career at the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, her path took an unexpected turn when she realized during law school orientation that her true calling lay elsewhere and pivoted by her desire to make meaningful change, and pursued her Master’s in Public Administration and Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration. 
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own grant writing/consulting firm, where she helps nonprofit organizations secure over millions in funding and enhance their programming competitiveness over the past 14 years. Courtney’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Grant Writer and Institutional Research Analyst, Development Director, Operations Manager and Director of Government Relations. These experiences provided her with valuable insights into both the symptoms and root causes of societal issues, particularly poverty.
In her limited spare time, Courtney is a creative writer, having authored six romance novels and numerous poems. She is also a proud aunt to twelve nieces and nephews, ranging from 30 years to three years old, a role she considers her greatest joy.

Director of Operations & Outreach

Tom Behnke

Tom serves as WISCAP’s Director of Operations & Outreach. In this role, Tom works closely with WISCAP team members, in providing support through communications, accounting and bookkeeping operations to various programs that reinforce WISCAP’s mission and those of our members to address the grinding poverty that exists in our rural, urban and suburban communities in Wisconsin. Tom has held multiple roles at WISCAP before being promoted to his current position including Finance Specialist and Operations & Outreach Manager. Prior to joining WISCAP Tom worked with Forward Community Investments, a statewide Community Development Financial Institution. While at Forward Community Investments, Tom served on WISCAP’s Poverty Matters Conference and Grants Committee. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a Major in Communication Studies with a dual emphasis in Media and Technology Studies and Interpersonal Communication. While not working, Tom enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and exploring with his wife and puppy. In addition to being outdoors, Tom loves seeing live music and attending Forward Madison FC matches.

Director of Programs

Jorey Dvorak

Jorey joins WISCAP as the Director of Programs. In this role, Jorey provides direct support to the mission of WISCAP and its member Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to fight poverty in Wisconsin and move families toward increased self-sufficiency. The position will assist WISCAP to carry-out its management of the TEFAP grant as well as is responsible for overseeing WISCAP’s portfolio of programs.

Jorey holds a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in Chicago with a Major in American Studies and a concentration in Politics, Institutions and Values. She also holds three minors in Women and Gender Studies, LGBT Studies, and Sociology. Outside of work she enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and playing board games.

Specialist of Programs & Communications

Sabrina Hiton

Sabrina Hiton joins the WISCAP team as the Communications and Training Specialist. In this role, Sabrina will maintain WISCAP’s digital media including updating the website, working on the newsletter, and creating content for our social media platforms. She will also contribute to the training sessions which include conferences, in-person trainings, and webinars.

Sabrina holds a Bachelor of Arts and Communications degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She majored in Journalism with an Advertisement emphasis and minored in Communications with an Electronic Media emphasis. Outside of work she loves being active with her dog, playing field hockey, and going to the gym!

Specialist of Grants & Fund Development

Emily Peterson

Emily joins WISCAP as the Specialist of Grants & Fund Development. In this role, her primary responsibility will be to manage WISCAP’s Workforce Innovation Grant, Diaper Distribution Research Pilot Grants as well as developing effective multi-sectoral partnerships that further the mission of Community Action Agencies to alleviate poverty in Wisconsin and move families toward increased economic security. 

Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and brings 14 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, including seven years of teaching and seven years in nonprofit management and fundraising. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her two dogs, show skiing, and boating.

External Accountants – Kollath CPA’s

Kollath specializes in serving startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and industries like insurance, science, and technology—tailoring our services to fit each client’s unique needs. From streamlined bookkeeping to high-level CFO insights, we make accounting approachable, strategic, and effective.

Our team is driven by one goal: helping you grow. With a blend of expertise and a people-first approach, we simplify the numbers so you can focus on what really matters. Whether it’s maintaining compliance, optimizing cash flow, or planning for the future, KCPA is here to turn your financials into a foundation for success.

Our Members