Erika Zanto is one of the youngest NFL staff members. And yes as you might have guessed, she is the daughter of Associate Secretary, Carol Zanto. In fact you might recognize her, as she has modeled NFL merchandise in past Rostrums.

Erika was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1981, which is why when entering the NFL office one can immediately recognize her desk by the Irish memorabilia.

After graduating from Markesan High School in 1999, Erika attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point for two years, after which Erika transferred to Marian College (a college a little closer to home). Erika will finish her classes this fall in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and student teach in the spring. She enjoys helping out with the Brave Program, which is an after school program for children to help them develop socially, emotionally and provides homework assistance. Brave stands for Building Resiliency Assets Values in Everyone.

Erika started helping out at NFL at an early age. Since 1994, she has been organizing and collating the extemp topics by categories for the National Tournament. During the early years she helped fill affiliate packets, and prepared school supply packets. Every weekend one can find Erika cleaning the NFL office. She has been the official “NFL Cleaning Lady” since 1997. Thanks Erika, we appreciate it!

In November of 2001, the financial department was short one staff person. NFL was starting a new bookkeeping system and going online. Erika accepted the new challenge to work in a clerical position on a part-time basis while continuing her college education. Her duties in the financial department include billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, order processing , diamond letters, and any other tasks that need attention.

For the past three years, Erika has worked in the office during the week of Nationals. During that time, Erika ships orders to schools, ships any last minute items needed at Nationals, handles all accounting mail that comes in, including posting payments received and prepares billing invoices if needed upon request. Erika handles any financial questions by phone and accepts additional responsibilities in a willing and professional manner.

Working so close with her mom has been a good experience, and moving closer to home has enhanced her relationship with her dad and sister as well. Since leaving UW Stevens Point and attending Marian College, Erika has juggled school, working at NFL, and maintaining a long distance relationship as well. Erika lives with her mom and dad in Markesan; however, during the school year she lives in Eldorado with Paul and Ruth Moe (another NFL staff member).

No matter what Erika is asked to do, she does the job and does it well. The financial department will miss her when she begins her teaching career.

After working at NFL for so many years Erika says she recognizes the dedication and hard work of the NFL teachers and it makes her proud to eventually define herself as a teacher and a fellow colleague.

• 10. Canoeing
• 9. Playing tennis
• 8. Shopping
• 7. Watching TV
• 6. Reading
• 5. Watching movies
• 4. Stamping
• 3. Golfing
• 2. Rollerblading
• 1. Working with children