Executive Team

John Solberg, Executive Director

920-531-2500 | Email John

John Solberg began his service at Rawhide in the Development Department in 2000. He was responsible for fundraising and public relations. In May of 2004, he was chosen by the Board of Directors to serve as Executive Director. Prior to joining Rawhide, John spent eight years at First National Bank in the Fox Valley, where he served as a Vice President. John is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Economics and Political Science.  He also has a Master’s Degree from Marian College in Organizational Leadership and Quality.

John also serves as the Director of Human Resources at Rawhide.

“The most important aspect of my job is continuing the legacy at Rawhide that has positively impacted hundreds of troubled boys since 1965," Solberg said. "I have the privilege of leading our professional and committed staff as we inspire and equip youth and their families to be successful. I enjoy witnessing the Rawhide vision unfold through the quality programs we offer and new and innovative programs that respond to real needs among at-risk youth and their families. My favorite part of this job is cheering on our youth, and the Rawhide alumni, as they recognize their potential to make a positive difference. I am very blessed to have the opportunity to meet and partner with so many friends of Rawhide that support the work of changing lives.”

Paul Steffensmeier, Chief Financial Officer

920-531-2510 | Email Paul

Paul has been serving Rawhide since 1984, and is currently the Chief Financial Officer. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Nebraska.

Paul is committed to serving Rawhide and helping young men change their lives. He is very thankful that God, in His great mercy, sent Jesus Christ to this earth to die on the cross to pay for the penalty of our sins.

Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and family, bicycling, and playing disc golf.

Miles Smith, Vehicle Program Director

920-531-2600 | Email Miles

Miles joined the Rawhide team as Vehicle Program Director in 2012 and has held positions as General Manager for several small businesses over the years. Miles has a heart for the mission of Rawhide and broad management skills across many functional business disciplines in accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and leadership. Miles earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Oral Roberts University and a Master's in Business Administration from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University.

Miles’ main objective at Rawhide is to generate more auto, boat, and cycle donations through advertising and marketing and to maximize the funds generated from those donated items in order to give less fortunate, at-risk young men a chance to lead meaningful, productive, and rewarding lives. Miles is passionate about servant leadership and has authored a book on the subject Why Leadership Sucks: Fundamentals of Level 5 Leadership and Servant Leadership. He and his wife Carolyn live with their three children in Seymour, Wisconsin. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, networking, and writing.

Dan Birr, Education Director

920-531-2570 | Email Dan

Since 1979, Dan has been serving in the education field as an teacher, coach and administrator. Dan joined Rawhide in 2004, where he has served as the Principal of Starr Academy, and the Director of Education.

Dan is committed to providing leadership and direction to the education team, as they provide at-risk young men with opportunities to make positive changes in their attitudes, behaviors, and academic skills by modeling Christ through action and word.

Dan earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Midwestern Bible College and later a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Along with his wife, Roberta, Dan currently serves as a foster parent and has also served as a houseparent in the past. Dan and Roberta reside in Neenah, Wisconsin, and have four children and eight grandchildren. Dan's hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.

Steve Dorosz, Development Director

920-531-2590 | Email Steve

Steve brings over 26 years of non-profit management experience to Rawhide in fundraising, public relations, and marketing.

Steve earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from St. Norbert College. He is also an active member of the Pathways Church in Appleton.

Steve has been married for 25 years and has two sons. He enjoys competitive running and is a fitness enthusiast.

Danny Stone, LPC, Youth Services Director

920-531-2640 | Email Danny

Danny currently serves Rawhide as the Director of Youth Services. It's his job to ensure that the services offered to Rawhide's youth and alumni are proper, meaningful, and stay within our mission.

Danny earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheaton College and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a member of the Wisconsin Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Danny has a passion for seeing at-risk youth excel and enhance their moral development, leading them to become young men that are taught respect, responsibility and self control. Danny and his wife, Wendy, have a set of twins and live near New London. He enjoys bird hunting, fly-fishing and dog training.