Member Spotlight: Sara Chiamulera
We've brought back the Member Spotlight series so we can all get to know each other better. Do you know a WLIA colleague that you think people should know? Let us know at communications@wlia.org and send us their contact information. We may not get to everyone, but we'll try!
Sara Chiamulera serves as the Land Information Director for Oneida County, WI, where she has worked for the past six years, including two years in her current role. She is new to the WLIA board of directors as of 2024 and has stepped up in her role as the Vice-Chair of the Communications Committee. In this interview, we delve into Sara's journey in the GIS field, her passion for serving others, and her commitment to balancing professional and personal life. You might even pick up a few tips on how to fully experience the beauty of Northern Wisconsin.😉
How did you come to your current profession or job?
With a degree in Geography/GIS/Geology, I knew I wanted to do something with maps. I started on that track, working in a private forestry/land management/appraisal firm for 13 years. Then a position opened up at Oneida County in the Land Information Office (LIO) that was the right fit for my life at the time. In the past 6 years with the County, I have learned and worked in multiple aspects of the Land Information Office, i.e., Real Property, Addressing, Parcel Mapping/GIS, and many more. After the retirements of some of the best folks in Oneida County, I was able to jump into the Director/LIO position.
What’s your most favorite part and least favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is helping people understand our GIS/Mapping systems. I love it when someone walks out of the Land Information Office saying that they’ve learned so much!
My least favorite part is disappointing people. Even when enforcing ordinances and trying to get people to see the importance of quality Emergency Service Response or how important it is to know your property boundaries, people still want to disagree with you and believe in their own steadfast ways.
What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
The best advice given to me was to not volunteer too much in other aspects of life while your family is young. Enjoy that family time!
That’s great advice. Now that you’re ready to spend more time volunteering, what was it that led you to volunteer to be a WLIA Board member?
I have been a member of WLIA for over 15 years and have enjoyed all aspects of the organization. I’ve made great friends and have benefited from the contacts I’ve made with folks in similar County positions and beyond. I wanted to show my support for WLIA by volunteering, and I hope to allow other members the benefits I’ve gained since I’ve been a part of the group.
What do you like to do for fun? (Hobbies, volunteer work, etc.)
Camping, kayaking, & biking with my family is definitely a good time in the summers (after soccer season, of course!); skiing in the winters. Between those activities come any and all sports that my kids are involved in, plus volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association and our local soccer club. Being active is a definite must in order to enjoy all of the northern Wisconsin seasons!
It sounds like you guys really take advantage of the natural offerings of Northern Wisconsin. Are there any places you particularly enjoy camping at? Have you done any biking challenges/events?
A favorite campground of mine is in Florence County, Lost Lake in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Shhh, don’t tell anyone! 😊 It’s quiet and has plenty of hiking and water opportunities, with a trail all around the crystal-clear lake.
As for biking challenges, I’ve participated in a few local triathlons that I have really enjoyed, and I hope to register for them again next year. The Wolfman Triathlon in Langlade, WI is an amazingly fun and tough kayak, bike, and run course along the Wolf River; and of course, the Hodag Mini-Triathlon in Rhinelander!
What’s something most people wouldn’t guess about you?
That I wasn’t in any sports growing up and that I had no middle name until I was 18!
Okay, you have to explain the middle name thing. Did you end up getting it through marriage? Was there any reason your parents decided against giving you a middle name?
Ha! Good question! My mom couldn’t pick something she liked that went with Sara when I was born, so I went through school and childhood explaining that I had no middle name! Then, finally, when I got to college, she found something she liked and that fit me – Sunshine! We made it official and added it to my name. Thanks, Mom!
Where would you most like to travel to and why?
This is a tough one, as there are so many great travel destinations. I’ll start with Hawaii and Alaska, but Iceland is at the top of the list too! Any places with great geology and hiking destinations. Seeing the sights and staying active on vacation is a must!
