Paul Hoover, Chair (left); Jacob Immel, Northeast Field Director
From Holy Saturday to New Beginnings: Strengthening the Team for What’s Ahead
Tomorrow marks the most important day in the Christian calendar—Easter Sunday. But before the celebration comes Holy Saturday: a quieter moment of waiting, reflection, and preparation for what is about to unfold.
In many ways, that’s where we find ourselves right now.
After months of groundwork, relationship-building, and planning, Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition is preparing to shift into a new phase—expanding our efforts to register voters, strengthen grassroots networks, and engage communities across the state.
And with that next step comes important growth in our leadership team.
At our March 31 annual board meeting, Pastor Paul Hoover of South Milwaukee was elected to his first full term as Chairman, after faithfully stepping in to complete the term of our founding Chairman, Arni Jacobson, now Chair Emeritus.
At the same time, we are expanding our field leadership footprint across Wisconsin to meet the demands of the moment.
Jake handling Northeast enables Joe Meleski to focus on his expanded role as Northeast Director, a great balance since Chris O’Brien our Executive Director can handle the Central Part of the state from Watertown and in during projects we have based field in LaCrosse and Eau Claire.Not in the Midwest? See info on two other organizations events:
If you are not in the Midwest, you may be looking for team members:
Mid-Atlantic: April 11 and April 21: Stops throughout Virginia on Saturday, April 11 then election day Tuesday, April 21. Details at www.stopthegerrymander.com
www.freedomandfamilyaction.com – South – South: April 12 – 11:15 am Sunday Service, Church of the Highlands, 3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243 folllowed by 1 pm CT Freedom and Family Action (c4) HQ Opening at followed by Freedom and Family Action (c4) HQ Grand Opening at 1477 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, www.freedomandfamilyaction.com.
You can view all team bios here:
https://wisconsinffc.com/bios/
Below are two of the newest additions and updates to our leadership team.
Pastor Paul Hoover, Chairman
Pastor Paul Hoover serves as Chairman of the Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition. He is a respected faith leader and a clear voice for the role of biblical truth and Christian living in the public square, encouraging believers to engage culture with conviction and compassion.
He is the Senior Pastor of Souls Harbor Baptist Church in Milwaukee, a ministry he has been part of since childhood. After returning to Milwaukee in 2014 to co-pastor alongside his father, he was installed as Senior Pastor on September 25, 2016, continuing a legacy of gospel-centered ministry in the city.
His leadership emphasizes preaching the gospel, discipleship, biblical counseling, and reaching the
next generation, with a particular burden for urban ministry and strengthening families through the local church.
Pastor Hoover graduated from the Milwaukee Police Academy and served as a police officer in District 5, a diverse area that includes the artistic and eclectic Riverwest neighborhood as well as the 53206 ZIP code, known for its high incarceration rates and systemic struggles.. This experience has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Milwaukee and reinforces his commitment to serve both spiritually and practically.
Pastor Hoover’s work reflects a conviction that strong communities are built through faith, personal responsibility, and active engagement. As Chairman of the Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition, he brings a steady voice shaped by pastoral ministry, real-world experience, and a passion to see people of faith live out their beliefs in every area of life.
1477 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, USA
Jacob Immel, Northeast Field Director
Jacob Immel joins Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition as Northeast Field Director, bringing both grassroots campaign experience and a record of electoral success at a young age.
In 2020, Jacob gained attention when he ran for the Sheboygan County Board at the age of 25. ,During the height of the pandemic, Jacob defeated a ten-year incumbent in a 53%–47% upset victory. For years later he was re-elected after being endorsed as the conservative candidate and recognized by Conservative Majority for his leadership.
In addition to his strong campaign experience, Jacob’s work is built on a foundation of service at the local level. His background includes service on the Sheboygan Falls City Council, the County Traffic Safety Committee, and the Joint County Library Planning Committee. Through training with American Majority, Jacob developed grassroots organizing and voter outreach skills that helped fuel his early success. . Reflecting on his winning campaign experiences, Jacob emphasizes the importance of persistence and relationships.:
He also encourages others—especially young people—to get involved:
“Don’t be afraid to go for it… it doesn’t have to even be running for office. It can be joining a committee and working up from there.”
Based in Sheboygan, Jacob is already leading canvassing efforts across the region and will play a key role in expanding voter contact programs throughout Northeast Wisconsin. He lives with his wife and son. Jacob is also very involved with local ministry.
Looking Ahead
As we move from preparation into action, we do so with a strengthened team and a renewed sense of purpose.
Holy Saturday reminds us that some of the most important work happens in the quiet moments before a breakthrough. But Easter Sunday reminds us that new life—and new opportunity—is always just ahead.
We are ready to get to work.
