Section Chief
William Plizga
William is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Takhone Lodge. He has formerly served as Lodge Chief as well as in several other leadership positions within the lodge. This summer, he is excited to be staffing Operation Arrow.
Outside of Scouting, William studies business marketing at Harper College and enjoys watching the Chicago White Sox.
Section Vice Chief
Allison Benaitis
Allison is from Waupecan Lodge where she has served as Vice Chief of Inductions and Chapter Vice Chief along with other positions. She has staffed at her home camp, Rainbow Scout Reservation, for 3 years and can’t wait to continue there in the future! Besides the OA, Allison loves spending time with her unit, Troop 256 in Shorewood, IL where she has spent numerous years holding various leadership positions and exploring the outdoors with her friends.
Outside of Scouting, Allison spends her time conducting her high school band as Drum Major, as well as playing various instruments including violin, trumpet, and french horn. In her free time, Allison loves to create art and spend time exploring the outdoors while hiking, swimming, or climbing with her friends!
Section Secretary
Niko Knanishu
Niko is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of Wulapeju Lodge, where he served as Vice Chief of Administration and Activities for several years. He has also served in other communication and leadership roles across Scouting America. This summer, he is going to Philmont Scout Ranch to participate in a trek and is staffing the National Jamboree.
Outside of Scouting, Niko studies Special Education at Illinois State University. He enjoys being involved and staying busy with clubs, watching sporting events, and traveling.
Section Advisers
Section Adviser
Tim Welke
Tim is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Wag-O-Shag Lodge. He has served as a Chapter Adviser, a Lodge Committee Adviser, a Section Trading Post Adviser, and a Section Associate Adviser. He also held numerous committee positions in the Wag-O-Shag LEC as a youth.
Outside of Scouting, Tim works for Milwaukee Public Schools in the Facilities and Maintenance Department and is a proud father of 3. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Milwaukee Brewers, traveling, and playing cribbage.
Cassandra Archer
As a Vigil Honor member and Founders Award recipient of Waupecan Lodge, I’m honored to serve on the G9 adviser team. I support the lodge as an Associate Adviser, serve as VP of Communication & Marketing for the Rainbow Council Board, and as Committee Chair for Crew 702.
Outside of scouting, I enjoy traveling, water sports, developing new recipes, and spending time with family.
Patrick Wilson
Patrick is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Takhone Lodge, where he has served as Lodge Adviser. Through his involvement in the Order of the Arrow as a youth, Patrick previously served as Lodge Chief of Pachsegink Lodge and as Section C‑7 Chief. He is passionate about giving back to the program and empowering the youth leaders of the Section to reach their maximum potential.
Outside of Scouting, Patrick works in Global Controllership for Dover Corporation’s Vehicle Service Group. In his free time, Patrick enjoys sailing, golfing, and snowboarding.