Meet The Team
A team of tenured event staff will guide you every step of the way when you book your celebration at The Waters. Kate and her team of event managers work together to provide pristine customer service and the utmost attention to detail. A building manager along with a top-notch bartending staff will be at your service from start to end of your event to ensure arrangements are carried out according to your vision.
Kate Durkee
General Manager
Kate Durkee is the General Manager of The Waters. Kate has been with The Waters since 2018. She oversees events, operations, Oshkosh Yacht Club and all things that make this venue so special. She will most likely be the first person you hear from when inquiring about an event and will be with you throughout your planning journey. Kate has a deep passion for this building and her favorite part of her job is connecting with many different people and witnessing memories being made by all people who celebrate milestones at her favorite place. A fun fact about Kate is that she grew up sailing out of The Waters’ harbor and remembers the building and grounds when it was the American Legion prior to 2008 when it was remodeled. Kate and her husband had their wedding celebration here in September of 2021 and they welcomed their first child to the world in October of 2022.
Audrey Lamson
Director of Events & Finance
Audrey Lamson is the Director of Events and Finance at The Waters, bringing nearly a decade of dedicated service to our organization. Since joining in 2014 as a server for our yacht club nights, Audrey has showcased her versatility and commitment, as she continued contributing to the business through her college years, progressing to bartending and eventually excelling in event management. With an MBA in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Audrey brings an added level of financial and project management skills to the role. She is the main point of contact for event planning, ensuring a seamless experience for clients from start to finish. As a lifelong resident of Oshkosh, Audrey’s deep roots in the community allow her to navigate the area with ease, which enhances her ability to deliver exceptional, personalized service to our clients. Additionally, Audrey’s tenure at The Waters has provided her with ample opportunities to cultivate strong relationships with local vendors, ensuring access to top-quality resources for our events. When Audrey isn’t planning or working events, she enjoys golfing, time with family and friends, and most of all, spending time with her golden retriever, “Winnie.”
Abby Sheppard
Venue Manager
Abby Sheppard is the Venue Manager of The Waters. Abby is responsible for all operations of the venue including upholding and ensuring it is maintained and beautiful at all times, as well as managing events. Abby’s background is quite impressive, as she has over 15 years of working on yachts all over the world and as an estate manager in South Florida and New York. She sure knows how to keep a property in check! You might find Abby spending quality time with her daughter or spending time in Waupaca at her cozy cottage. Abby has been a great addition to The Waters team and we can’t wait to see the potential she has to run such a great facility.
Our Committment
Our committment is to provide stellar customer service to all guests with integrity and honesty in a picturesque waterfront setting, to ensure a memorable celebration.
