Kent Palmer
Senior Pastor
Kent grew up in Indiana and then graduated from Moody Bible Institute, Calvary Bible College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, most recently with a Doctor of Ministry in 2012. He has served Ridgewood as Senior Pastor since 2007. Prior to coming to Ridgewood, he served the Evangelical Free Church of Libertyville, IL in various capacities, from Pastor of Adult Ministries to Lead Pastor. He is married to Phyllis whom he met while at Moody. They have three married sons and are now enjoying six grandchildren. Kent likes to ride a road bike (Specialized Roubaix) for fitness, and during the winter months rides inside. He also enjoys watching many sports.
Nathan Solak
Director of Youth and Children
Nathan grew up in the Chicagoland area and moved to Milwaukee after graduating from Moody Bible Institute where he received a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He is passionate about helping students of all ages learn to love the Bible and share what they love with others. He also loves bringing families together at events. In his free time, he loves to cook, run, and spend time outdoors with their two crazy huskies. Even though Nathan and his wife Rosalie now live in Milwaukee they claim they'll never give up on the Cubs!
Tammy Chingway
Financial Administrator
Tammy grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin. She graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Tammy has been working in the Accounting field for over 20 years. She has attended Ridgewood since early 2011 and came on staff as financial administrator in 2014. She works for the church a few hours a week in addition to her full time job in accounting. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys reading, spending time with her family, friends and her cats.
Jill Schilz
Music Director
Jill and her family live in Oconomowoc, where she works as an 8th grade ELA teacher. She and her husband, Joe, have three children -- Natalie, Nate and Naomi -- and much of the rest of the family is often involved in the music ministry as well. An avid cook, photographer, and musician, Jill has loved serving as Ridgewood's worship director since 2016.