Welcome to
WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION BIZTIMES MEDIA’S WISCONSIN 275. We once again looked across all industry sectors – including for-profit companies, nonprofits and educational institutions – to identify and profile the 275 most influential business leaders in Wisconsin.
Picking the people to profile in this publication is a process that takes place over months. We initially developed a list of nearly 500 names to consider, including ones suggested by those we recognized in the inaugural Wisconsin 275 in 2022. From there, our team discusses and debates the selections. It is often an apples and oranges process. How do you compare the influence of a real estate developer in Milwaukee with a nonprofit leader in Madison? Or what about a manufacturing executive in the Green Bay area compared to an entrepreneur in Rock County or a leading farmer of one of the state’s major crops? Ultimately, we often had to make comparisons within industries and do our best to represent the full breadth of the Wisconsin economy.
Our debates often came down to whether someone is shaping the direction of Wisconsin’s economy. There is no single objective measure that can truly compare business leaders across industries for a list like this and we inherently had to apply some of our own subjective judgment in making final decisions.
We trust that you will know and recognize many of the individuals profiled and the companies or organizations they represent, and you may learn about some leaders you didn’t already know. We know there are many leaders who were not included in this edition, and perhaps you disagree with some selections.
It is important for readers to know that advertising plays no role in the selection of the Wisconsin 275 and the individuals profiled in this publication did not pay to be included.
We asked all those selected for Wisconsin 275 a series of questions. Some of them are fun, like “If you could be an Olympian in any sport, what sport would you pick?” or “What was your first concert and your most recent concert?” Others are more serious, like “What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make
it even better?” or “What is one decision that you wish you didn’t make, and what did you learn from it?”
Those questions form the basis of the profiles on the following pages. You will find them full of thoughtful insights, leadership philosophies and interesting personal details. Wisconsin 275 goes far beyond the biographical details you might find on a LinkedIn profile or company website.
Ultimately, we want to help you get to know the business leaders we profiled. Greater familiarity with each other – especially among different industries and regions – builds trust and a greater willingness to collaborate with one another to ultimately grow the statewide economy.
Those of you in southeastern Wisconsin know us best as a locally owned company, founded in 1995. We publish a print magazine, BizTimes Milwaukee, 15 times a year along with daily business news coverage at BizTimes.com.
I would like to thank our staff editors Andrew Weiland, Arthur Thomas and Maredithe Meyer and project writer Lauren Anderson for their efforts on this endeavor. Thanks also goes to designer Alex Schneider and everyone behind the scenes, including Mary Ernst, Linda Crawford and our sales team. Lastly, I want to certainly acknowledge and thank our advertisers for their support in making Wisconsin 275 possible.
If you have any comments, recommendations or suggestions for who to feature in our 2026 edition of Wisconsin 275, you can reach me at dan.meyer@biztimes.com
Dan Meyer, founder and publisher BizTimes Media
PEOPLE
Adams, Todd 81
Ah Yun, Kimo 94
Ahern, Tripp 110
Aldana, Michael 19
Alexander, Joe 113
Anderson, David 8
Anderson, Kevin 8
Andrabi, Dr. Imran 44
Anthony, Ruben 98
Ariens, Dan 81
Bader, Daniel 98
Baichoo, Chris 81
Bakke, James 81
Barnhouse, Rich 94
Barrett, Rick 113
Barry III, Jim 114
Bartolotta, Paul 57
Barton, Lisa 38
Bauer, Kurt 103
Bauman, Chad 52
Baumann, Brad 18
Baumann, Wendy 8
Baumgartner, Donald and Donna 70
Bechthold, Kurt 110
Benz, Randy 81
Bergstrom, John 105
Bernier, Robert 24
Black, Shari 52
Blain Gilbertson, Jane 105
Bockhorst, Ken 82
Boelter, Eric 24
Boldt, Tom 110
Booth, Steve 8
Bordignon, Fabio 82
Borris, Jim 114
Brandon, Zach 103
Brennan, Joel 98
Brooks, Marty 52
Buelow, John 82
Bugher, Tony 76
Gresens, Kurt 18
Gries, Rebecca 103
Grosskopf, Mark 34
Gruber, David 19
Guthrie, Dana 35
Habelman Jr., Ray 102
Hall, Eve 99
Hallberg, Jackie 99
Hammes, Jon 115
Harmening, Andy 10
Harris, Wendy 34
Hau, Robert 34
Hendricks, Diane 110
Heywood, Matt 45
Hill, Tehassi 53
Hinton, Dustin 62
Hoerneman, Dr. Brian 45
Homel, Randy 110
Butman, Jim 24
Carey, Deb 76
Carter, Jackie Q. 40
Censky, Ellen 59
Chadha, Sharad 76
Chambas, Corey 10
Chang, Tina 33
Clayton, Michael 33
Col Ó n, H É ctor 98
Conroy, Kevin 32
Conway, Michael 52
Coquard, Philippe 76
Crawford, James 53
Cruz, Anthony 94
Culver, Craig 57
Dahlhauser, Christine 18
Daniels Jr., John 71
Daniels, Mike 10
Daniels-Carter, Valerie 70
DeLong, Christopher 40
Dickman, Craig 32
DiStefano, P.J. 18
Dranzik, Brian 40
Drees, Chris 83
DuBois, Charlie 77
Dufek, Kristin 114
Dunford, Ron 77
English, Pat 10
Fallucca, Giacomo 78
Faulkner, Judy 33
Feigin, Peter 58
Festerling, Ryan 21
Fields, Jason 103
Finley-Hazle, Gabrielle 44
Frautschi, W. Jerome 98
Gee, Rev. Alex 99
Gentine, Jeff 78
Gentine, Louie 78
Gerend, Tim 62
Gimbel, Franklyn 71
Gokhman, Tim 114
Goller, Chris 10
Graber, Richard 99
Graham, Ray 83
Mack, Jay 12
Mandel, Barry 118
Manley, Paul 86
Marcus, Greg 54
Marcus, Stephen 72
Matkom, Ted 118
Matthiae, Mark 86
Maura, David 26
Mayer, Shelly 102
McLean, Andrew 105
McPartland, Pete 62
Mellowes, John W. . 86
Menard Jr., John 106
Merrifield, Layla 94
Michels, Jeff 86
Michels, Tim 111
Mills, S.R. 118
Miskel, Chris 46
Rothman, Jay 96
Rourke, Mark 41
Saber, Wes 80
Sartori, Bert 80
Sato, Samuel 106
Schaefer, John 106
Schinner, Ken 27
Schlesinger, Rick 58
Schmidt, Eric 112
Selig, Bud 72
Senty, Christine 64
Shaikh, Omar 57
Shannon, Tom 35
Shivaram, Sachin 90
Sias, Thelma 72
Skogen, Mark 106
Smith, Justin 112
Snyder, Jud 13
Honkamp, Kevin 84
Huff, Gregory 78
Hughes, Missy 104
Hunzinger, John 111
Irgens, Mark 115
Iverson, Erik 32
Jackson, Daniel 46
Jacques, Rob 62
Jagdfeld, Aaron 84
Jansen, Michael 38
Jeffers, Josh 116
Johnson, Fisk 84
Johnson, Michael 100
Johnson, Nadiyah 32
Johnson, Nina 11
Johnson, Tracy 116
Johnson-Leipold, Helen 84
Jones, Kimberly 40
Juedes, Chip 24
Kacmarcik, Jim 85
Kakkak, Gena 53
Kaplan, Dr. Alan 46
Keller, Rustin 26
Kellner, Ted 71
Kelly, Oliver 79
Kelsey, Todd 85
Kingsbury, Tom 105
Kirgues, Joe 33
Kissinger, John 116
Klappa, Gale 38
Kohler, David 85
Kooyenga, Dale 104
Kress, William 85
Krutz, David 20
LaMue, Barb 104
Landowski, Lyle 116
Lauber, Scott 38
Lindley, Steve 111
Lindner, Amy 100
Link, Troy 79
Linton, Bill 34
Lonigro, Jeff 86
Lovern, Susan 20
Lubar, David 11
Mnookin, Jennifer 95
Mogensen, Teresa 39
Moledo, Paulo 26
Moll, Shane 87
Mone, Mark 95
Moret, Blake 87
Mulva, Jim and Miriam 100
Murphy, Emmy 118
Murphy, Mark 58
Murphy, Scott 63
Nelson, Todd 59
Nettles, Cory 12
Newell, Kevin 119
Niehaus, Mark 54
Nieman, Tom 87
Nobile, Paul 63
Nunemaker, Andy 34
Nwagbaraocha, Ugo 112
Ogilvie, Alan 64
Oliver, George 87
Olson, Brad 102
Orr, Albert 20
Ortiz, Dominic 54
Ø verland, Christian 59
Pancheri, Sarah 54
Peri, Gil 46
Perkins, Wendy 64
Pfeifer, John 88
Piefer, Greg 35
Pinchuk, Nicholas 88
Pinkham, Louis 88
Plant, Joel 56
Poehling Seymour, Katie 26
Polednik, Marcelle 59
Popp, Jim 13
Prising, Jonas 21
Quadracci, Joel 88
Raju, Ritu 96
Ramirez, Austin 90
Ramirez, Gus 90
Rathgaber, Dr. Scott 47
Raymond Sr., Dr. John 47
Reddy, Jag 90
Rinka, Matt 119
Spano, Dave 14
Specht, Chrstine 57
Stanek, Mary Ellen 14
Stayer, Shelly 80
Sternlieb, Paul 91
Stillmank, Paul 35
Strand, Summer 39
Sullivan, Tim 96
Swallow, John 96
Thome, Carrie 35
Thompson, Brian 97
Thompson, Tommy 72
Titus, Dick 27
Trick, Jenny 104
Uihlein, Dick 28
Uihlein, Liz 28
Van Laanen, Maria 56
Veum, Mike 29
Vincent, Chad 102
Voss Jr., David G. 112
Wahl, Nic 20
Wahlin, Bob 91
Wall, Terrence 119
Wallen, Tim 119
Waller, Debra 92
Walz, John 97
Wanek, Todd 107
Wesley, Greg 100
Westrate, Bill 65
Wheeler, Kevin 92
Wicinsky, Garth 65
Wiedemeier, Craig 29
Williams, Jay 29
Williams, Terrance 66
Williams-Smith, Peggy 59
Winter, Melissa 66
Witt, Gary 56
Wronski, Andrew 20
Yanda, Joe 80
Yehle, Jim 112
Zeitz, Jochen 92
Zelazo, Ronald 92
Ziegler, Andy 58
Zietlow, Scott 107
Burke, John 82
Greendeer, Jon 53
Lubar, Sheldon 71
Roehl, Rick 41
Zimmerman, Mike 56
YourPartnersBanking
Lubar President & CEO
Sheldon Lubar Founder & Chairman
Mark Wierman President Dennis Sampson Director of Commercial Banking
Greg Larson Chief Executive Officer
Karla Lauersdorf First Vice President
Steve McGuire Senior Vice President Alex Hinze First Vice President
Patrick Lubar First Vice President Alex Fisher Commercial Banking Officer Tyson Goecks Vice President
Hannah Dathan Commercial Banking Representative
Steve Clark Director of Treasury Management
Devin Grant, CTP® Treasury Management
WISCONSIN 275 2024
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BANKING & FINANCE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BMO | MILWAUKEE
DAVID ANDERSON is a senior vice president of BMO Commercial Bank and the lead executive in Milwaukee as chair of the Wisconsin Leadership Council. Anderson is also head of the middle market and large corporate banking teams as group managing director of Wisconsin. Thirty of Anderson’s 34 years in the banking industry have been with M&I Bank and later BMO. He serves on the boards of Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce, WMC Foundation and the Greater Milwaukee Committee and on the advisory board for the commercial banking program at Marquette University.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Fighter pilot. Had my eyesight been better I would have selected the military to fly fighter jets.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Leadership is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey, pay attention to life’s learnings, apply lessons you’ve learned to present situations. Leadership is about others, not you. It’s all about the people.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ I grew up in a small town, my dad was a banker in a small town, and the main actor (Jimmy Stewart) in the story is one of my favorites. The impacts his character (George Bailey) made on the community were huge, but he didn’t appreciate it until the end.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “The morning – it’s when my head is most clear, allowing me to tackle my most complex challenges of the day.”
Wendy Baumann PRESIDENT AND CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER
WISCONSIN WOMEN’S BUSINESS INITIATIVE CORP. | MILWAUKEE
WENDY BAUMANN is in her 30th year of leading the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., a statewide economic development organization focused on supporting women, minorities and low-wealth individuals.
Some of Baumann’s prominent projects have included leading the team that launched Milwaukee as a Kiva City, driving the development of the Milwaukee Public Market, co-founding the national Association of Women’s Business Centers, and co-creating the “Invest in Wisconsin” CDFI partnership. Among her current board appointments, she serves as chair on the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Not taking multiple languages in high school and after in college. My Spanish is fairly good, but despite living in France for a year early on, my French is not strong. Having the ability to converse in different languages is a great asset. Gracias. Merci.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Fair, level playing field for all.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Pan’s Labyrinth’: the sad (and true) story, the special effects, the love of people and hard hatred some people have for others portrayed so vividly in this film.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Mohammed Yunis was really a front-runner in microlending that began in Bangladesh.”
Kevin Anderson
MILWAUKEE MARKET PRESIDENT AND BUSINESS
BANKING PRESIDENT
OLD NATIONAL BANK | MILWAUKEE
KEVIN ANDERSON is Milwaukee market president and business banking president for Old National Bank, with responsibility for all commercial business banking group activities across Old National’s seven-state footprint. He was previously Wisconsin region CEO and Milwaukee region president for Old National. Prior to coming to Milwaukee, Anderson was a senior vice president for corporate banking in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. He serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Development Corp., and is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Kentucky
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Expansion of educational opportunities for Wisconsin’s disadvantaged children and citizens.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “One of my favorites is a classic from the 1950s, ‘Twelve Angry Men,’ starring Henry Fonda. The film reinforces the message of questioning our bias and asking tough questions when the stakes are the highest.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’ve decided to better understand the future impact and application of AI within the financial services industry. I believe it will have a profound impact in the very near future.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “That’s an easy question: hiking and sightseeing along the Ice Age Trails. What a gift for the people of Wisconsin.”
Steve Booth
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
BAIRD | MILWAUKEE
STEVE BOOTH leads Milwaukee-based international financial services company Baird as its chairman and chief executive officer and member of the board of directors. With over 5,000 employees and $2.9 billion in annual revenue, the firm has made its mark on the city by becoming the naming rights partner of the Baird Center, Wisconsin’s largest convention center, located in downtown Milwaukee. Booth is also chairman of the American Securities Association’s board of directors. He also serves on the boards of The Water Council, the United Performing Arts Fund, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology and RiverFront Investment Group LLC.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Southern Methodist University; MBA, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “‘Fresca-rita.’ Fresca (yes, the soft drink from the ‘70s), tequila and lime juice mixed to taste. Simple, low-cal and delicious.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Milwaukee is actually my favorite Wisconsin destination. Our city has never been a better place to live and work.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Lower or eliminate the state personal income tax. It would help attract and retain higher-earning/higher-spending individuals and families to our state.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “1) Lead how you would want to be led. 2) Communicate, communicate, communicate. 3) Embrace the power and importance of relationships and be very intentional in building them.”
David Anderson
Corey Chambas CEO
FIRST BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. | MADISON
COREY CHAMBAS is chief executive officer of First Business Financial Services Inc., a $3.6 billion-in-asset bank holding company with an additional $3.2 billion in off-balance sheet assets under management and administration. Chambas has more than 40 years of experience in the commercial banking industry, 30 of which have been at First Business Financial Services. During his tenure, the company has evolved from a local business bank to a financial institution with banks in four geographic markets, an additional six nationwide specialty finance business lines, a bank consulting business and private wealth and retirement plan businesses. Chambas is a member of the boards of First Business Financial Services and First Business Bank.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We continued to achieve our 10%-plus organic growth goal in an environment where most of the banking industry was very challenged.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Camp Randall Stadium.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “I think there will be a lot of changes in the banking industry. Banks that survive will not only need to be great at client service, but they will also need to embrace quickly advancing technology, like AI, to be competitive from an efficiency standpoint.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Podcasts. I listen on 2x speed so I can get through a lot of them. I like Wisconsin-based sports (I’m subscribed to four regular Packers pods) and also like economic, investment and business podcasts.”
Pat English
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN FIDUCIARY MANAGEMENT INC. | MILWAUKEE
PAT ENGLISH is executive chairman of Fiduciary Management Inc., a Milwaukee-based investment advisor with approximately $15 billion in assets under management. In his role, English analyzes stocks, markets and macro conditions, working with analysts and the senior leadership team. He previously was chief investment officer from 1989 to 2022, president from 2001 to 2010 and CEO from 2010 to 2022. English is chairman of the Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation, a Milwaukee-based grant-making organization that promotes principles and institutions of American exceptionalism. He is also on the board of Encounter for Culture and Education, a nonprofit corporation focused on strengthening the marketplace of ideas and preserving democratic culture.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Stanford University
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Change how we tax. Move to a 0% state income tax or 2.5% flat. The states that are most successful have done that and it makes economic sense not to tax the thing you want (income). There are other ways to tax fairly that make more economic sense.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Husband, father, grandfather, productive citizen, and making life better or more enjoyable for others.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Calvin Coolidge. Most underrated president. He believed in limited government and free markets.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, 1787.”
Mike Daniels
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
NICOLET NATIONAL BANK | GREEN BAY
MIKE DANIELS is chairman, president, chief executive officer and a director of Nicolet Bankshares Inc. and Nicolet National Bank, which he co-founded in 2000 with Bob Atwell. Green Bay-based Nicolet has grown steadily through mergers and acquisitions, with Daniels leading the integration of 10 acquisitions in eight years. With nearly 1,000 employees and 57 banking locations, Nicolet is the second largest bank headquartered in Wisconsin and has offices primarily in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. It reports $8.5 billion in assets. Daniels serves on the board of directors of the Green Bay Packers and the board of trustees at St. Norbert College.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Saint Norbert College
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Absent being talented enough to play in the NFL, a lawyer.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Less political posturing and more conversation with, rather than over, each other.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I’d go 30 years in the future to check on my kids and grandkids.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “At home, that your family is happy and healthy. At work, to see the growth and success of the company and the people who work here.”
Chris Goller
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HEAD OF CORPORATE
BANKING MIDWEST REGION PNC BANK | MILWAUKEE
CHRISTOPHER GOLLER is executive vice president and head of corporate banking for the Midwest region for Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank, where he is responsible for leading a team of senior bankers providing financing, capital markets services, treasury management, asset management services and corporate advisory services. Goller sits on the boards of the United Community Center, United Performing Arts Fund, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, Marquette University; graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington in Seattle
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I love listening to the BBC podcast ‘In Our Time,’ which provides storytelling in an easy, simple format that allows me to just sit, listen and absorb stimulating topics on history and life.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “If I could, I would love to be transported to the Ice Bowl, one of the most iconic games in NFL history, played between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys on December 31, 1967, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I would like to expand my travel to a new, unfamiliar destination and learn more about their way of life and culture. Croatia is on the top of the list.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “One that I watch every Christmas is ‘The Bishop’s Wife,’ a classic from 1947 starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.”
Andy Harmening
PRESIDENT AND CEO ASSOCIATED BANK GREEN BAY
ANDY HARMENING leads Green Baybased Associated Bank, the largest Wisconsin-based bank holding company, with $41 billion in assets and about 200 banking locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. Outside of its headquarters, the bank has corporate operations in Milwaukee. Harmening serves on Associated Bank’s board of directors and as president of Associated Trust Co., N.A. Previously, Harmening was senior executive vice president, consumer and business banking director for Huntington Bank and vice chairman of the consumer banking division of Bank of the West.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, DePauw University; MBA, University of Cincinnati
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “You don’t have to come up with every great idea. Listen, then take action.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I love ping-pong. We had a pingpong table in our house, and we played a lot of ping-pong. There’s a rhythm to it. And the beauty is anyone can play it.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Start with what’s not teachable. Find high achievers who like people and can connect. If you can get that along with subject matter expertise, you have a fantastic employee.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Growing up in the 1980s was an amazing time. While I like and embrace tech, there’s a simplicity to that time, and human interaction was pure.”
Nina Johnson
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & WISCONSIN CONSUMER AND BUSINESS BANKING MARKET LEADER U.S. BANK | MILWAUKEE
WITH 40 YEARS of banking industry experience, Nina Johnson has held several leadership roles throughout her career, ranging from computer operations and consumer lending to regulatory compliance and loss mitigation. Johnson has also served on more than 40 nonprofit boards, along with several national committees supporting the growth and modernization of low- and moderate-income geographies in the U.S. She is the executive advisor of U.S. Bank’s global Black Heritage business resource group, national chair of the bank’s political action committee board, local executive advisor of the Nosotros Latinos Milwaukee BRG and the bank’s Wisconsin Market Leader Advisory Board chair. She’s appeared on many media platforms, including WTMJ 4’s “The Morning Blend”, WITI Fox 6’s “Real Milwaukee,” as well as Milwaukee and Chicago radio programs.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Phoenix; CBA Executive Banking School graduate, Furman University
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I enjoy creating recipes and cooking, so I have a great time during the holiday season hosting family members.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Our Wisconsin lakes are one of my favorite topics of discussion, especially when speaking to someone from Minnesota, because we actually have more bodies of water. Wisconsin is really the ‘Land of Lakes.’”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Enjoying the role that you have been assigned for the purpose of making a positive impact at work and home.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Is the candidate willing to be collaborative, considerate of others, open to learning new things and shift as needed?”
David Lubar
PRESIDENT AND CEO
LUBAR & CO. | MILWAUKEE
DAVID LUBAR leads Lubar & Co., a Milwaukee-based family-owned private investment firm that invests in middle-market operating companies with a focus on long-term growth. He joined the business in 1983, six years after it was founded by his father, Sheldon Lubar, and has served as lead investor to more than 20 companies in various industries and stages of development. Lubar is chairman of the Ixonia Bank board and serves on the board of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is a former director of BMO Financial Corp. and Northwestern Mutual.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Bowdoin College; MBA, University of Minnesota
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Raising happy, confident children.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Be curious, be bold, develop relationships with mentors, have confidence in your own judgement, and be willing to change your decisions with changes in knowledge and circumstances.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Management decisions and actions taken in connection with formal strategic planning processes implemented over the past several years have enabled our businesses to weather the 2024 economic slowdown with minimal impact.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Casablanca.’ I am a fan of the wartime storyline as well as the memorable lines and acting of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.”
Jay Mack
WISCONSIN MARKET HEAD AND CEO TOWN BANK/WINTRUST | HARTLAND
WITH OVER 35 YEARS of banking experience, Jay Mack has been with Town Bank since its inception in 1998. Under his leadership, the bank has expanded its footprint in recent years in the Milwaukee area, having opened multiple locations in the city’s downtown as well as branches in the Riverwest neighborhood and Whitefish Bay. Mack serves on the boards of several community and educational organizations, including Milwaukee Development Corp., Greater Milwaukee Committee, Marquette University Economic Engagement Advisory Board, Impact Seven CDFI, Puelicher Center for Banking at the University of Wisconsin School of Business, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Seton Catholic Schools and Near West Side Partners.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Lambeau Field in December when the Packers are playing the Bears.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Rye Manhattan. Rocks. Olives. No cherries.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “I think St. John Paul II is one of the most remarkable figures in modern history. He was an influential world leader who overcame much adversity throughout his life. During his 27-year tenure as Pope, he promoted a greater understanding between countries and different religions, and he extended his influence beyond the Catholic Church by campaigning against political oppression, violence and materialism.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “There’s a lot to unpack with that question. Let’s pivot and circle back to it later.”
Cory Nettles
FOUNDER AND MANAGING
DIRECTOR
GENERATION GROWTH CAPITAL | MILWAUKEE
CORY NETTLES is founder and managing director of Generation Growth Capital Inc., a Milwaukee-based private equity fund focused on buyouts and providing growth capital to small businesses and lower-middle market companies in the upper Midwest. In his role, he oversees all fund strategy, marketing, transaction execution and portfolio management activity.
Prior to founding GGC in 2007, Nettles was a partner with Quarles & Brady LLP and served as secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce under former Gov. Jim Doyle. Outside of his role with GGC, Nettles has been involved in several key business deals in the state. When former Sen. Herb Kohl sold the Milwaukee Bucks to an ownership group from New York, Nettles helped assemble a group of five local African American families to invest in the team. He also played an influential role in garnering local and statewide support for the $500 million Fiserv Forum project.
Nettles currently serves on the boards of Weyco Group Inc., Robert W. Baird’s Baird Funds Inc., the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Associated Bank. He is also board chair of Royal Capital Group and Black Arts MKE, which hosts the Milwaukee Black Theater Festival. He previously chaired the board of Lawrence University, his alma mater, from 2021 to 2024. He and his wife, Michelle Nettles (chief people and culture officer at ManpowerGroup), are supporters of K-12 education in Milwaukee, especially the Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Charter School in Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Lawrence University; J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School
PARTNER WITH WISCONSIN’S BANK FOR BUSINES
Jim Popp PRESIDENT AND CEO JOHNSON FINANCIAL GROUP | RACINE
JIM POPP leads Johnson Financial Group Inc., the Racine-based holding company of Johnson Bank and Johnson Insurance Services. Johnson Financial Group is the largest family-owned SEC-registered investment advisor in Wisconsin, with approximately $10 billion in assets under management and more than 30 locations across Wisconsin and Minnesota. Popp was named president of Johnson Bank in 2017 and CEO of Johnson Financial Group in 2018, following nearly three decades at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Vanderbilt; MBA, DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I’m a Bears fan by birth, so maybe if the Packers would lose to us once in a while it would make Wisconsin better, at least for me!”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I actually like the drive in each day. It’s quiet time to think and prepare for the day ahead. And nothing’s gone wrong yet!”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Sounds corny, but I would probably go back and spend a day with my mother. She passed away almost 30 years ago, so she missed out on most of our family growing up. She was fun and outgoing and would have been a big part of our kids’ lives. I would go back and fill her in on all that she’s missed and make sure she knows what a great life we’ve all had.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “’Shawshank Redemption.’ It has hope, fear, desperation, humor, determination, patience and, ultimately, redemption.”
Jud Snyder
U.S. DEPUTY CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER BMO | MILWAUKEE
AFTER EIGHT YEARS as BMO Bank’s senior executive for southeast Wisconsin, Jud Snyder moved into a new role in June 2024 as U.S. deputy chief human resources officer. In that role, he has oversight of the bank’s national human capital strategy, organizational design, talent and succession planning and benefits. Snyder serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, Milwaukee World Festival and Teach for America Milwaukee, and he is the current board chair of Froedtert ThedaCare Health Systems.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “I’m a huge fan of the entire Kohler experience: amazing food, great spa, incredible golf and a beautiful city with numerous places to enjoy the great outdoors.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I would enjoy learning French and Spanish this year. I love languages and think there is something magical about being able to speak to people in their own language when traveling.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Pat Benatar in Minneapolis. Amazing show in a big stadium. The most recent show I went to was Mt. Joy at the BMO Pavilion stage at Summerfest.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “I played rugby in college and for a number of years afterwards. After watching rugby this past summer, I would have loved to compete in the Olympics in that sport.”
Dave Spano
PRESIDENT AND CEO
ANNEX WEALTH MANAGEMENT BROOKFIELD
WITH MORE than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Dave Spano leads Brookfield-based Annex Wealth Management as its founder, president and chief executive officer.
A prominent wealth management firm in the Milwaukee area, Annex provided asset management services to more than 9,000 clients with assets exceeding $5.5 billion as of May 31, 2024. The firm has eight offices across Wisconsin and northern Illinois and provides services such as financial and retirement planning, investment management, insurance assessment, tax preparation and planning and estate planning. Its reputation has been bolstered by personal finance shows on AM-1130 WISN and AM-620 WTMJ in Milwaukee and on AM-1150 WHBY in Kimberly. Spano was previously chairman of the board of the Financial Planning Association of Southern Wisconsin and president of the Italian Community Center, Festa Italiana and the United Ethnic Festivals, and he has served on the boards of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., Lakeshore State Park, the Historic Third Ward Association and the former Miller Park Stadium Board. He is chairman of the Annex Charitable Foundation, the firm’s 501(c)3.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mary Ellen Stanek
MANAGING DIRECTOR
FOUNDER AND CO-CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, BAIRD ADVISORS
PRESIDENT, BAIRD FUNDS
BAIRD | MILWAUKEE
WITH 45 YEARS of investment management experience, Mary Ellen Stanek serves as managing director of Milwaukee-based Baird and is founder and co-chief investment officer of Baird Advisors, responsible for more than $150 billion in assets under management. Stanek is also president of Baird Funds. She sits on the boards of Baird Financial Group and WEC Energy Group, along with several nonprofit groups: All-In Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Children’s Wisconsin Foundation, Faith In Our Future Trust, Froedtert Health, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; MBA, University of WisconsinMilwaukee
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Create more opportunities for young talent. Be seen as a destination to build your career and life. Milwaukee has so many great attributes. I didn’t grow up here but am a huge fan.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Sauvignon blanc.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “My favorite part of the day is early morning. It’s peaceful, I accomplish a lot and an added bonus is I often see the sun rise over Lake Michigan.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I start my day by listening to the ‘This Moring with Gordon Deal’ podcast (formerly The Wall Street Journal This Morning). It’s a great way to launch the day.”
NAMED TO THE WISCONSIN 275
Congrats on being named to the Wisconsin 275: Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders. Your positive impact has long been felt at Old National—and throughout Greater Milwaukee. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving for this honor.
Kevin Anderson
Executive Vice President, Old National Bank
Milwaukee Market President | Business Banking President
BUSINESS SERVICES
ACCOUNTING
18 Baumann, Brad
18 Dahlhauser, Christine
18 DiStefano, P. J.
18 Gresens, Kurt
LAW
19 Aldana, Michael
19 Gruber, David
20 Krutz, David
20 Lovern, Susan
20 Orr, Albert
20 Wahl, Nic
20 Wronski, Andrew
STAFFING
21 Festerling, Ryan
21 Prising, Jonas
ACCOUNTING, LAW, STAFFING
Brad Baumann
MANAGING PRINCIPAL OF OFFICE – SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
CLA | WAUWATOSA
BRAD BAUMANN leads a team of 300 as the managing principal of CLA’s southeast Wisconsin office. Baumann has more than 23 years of experience in the professional services industry and previously led various aspects of CLA’s service lines, industries and office. He is the past board chair of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp. and serves on the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s economic development committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I always wanted to be a chef. I love the idea of being able to create great food from scratch.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The accounting and professional services industry is even more important to our clients today than it has ever been. Between the advancement of AI, digital technologies and demands from our clients to bring more value to them, our capabilities and our industry will continue to rapidly evolve. At CLA, we envision eliminating data entry and leveraging our client data to provide more insight into their businesses.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would travel back to Los Altos, California, 1976. I would love to be sitting in Steve Jobs’ garage listening to the creation of Apple.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Twin B Dairy Farms in Marathon (family farm).”
Christine Dahlhauser
MANAGING PARTNER
BAKER TILLY | MADISON
CHRISTINE DAHLHAUSER is the managing principal of Baker Tilly’s Wisconsin market, responsible for the growth and strategic direction of the advisory, tax and assurance firm’s operations across the state. Baker Tilly’s Wisconsin market includes more than 1,000 employees. Dahlhauser serves on the board of directors for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and is involved with the United Way of Dane County, serving on its board of directors, several delegations and as the Tocqueville Chair.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I get energy from productive meetings where ideas flow and a spark of creativity ignites.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “As a lifelong Wisconsinite, my favorite escape is Up North. I especially enjoy time spent with my family on the lakes in the Minocqua area as well as the supper club vibes there.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Curiosity and culture fit are crucial traits when hiring a new employee. When you hire employees who are both curious and a good culture fit, you create a dynamic and cohesive team.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Effective leadership stems from surrounding yourself with exceptional people. My achievements are largely due to having an outstanding team. It is important to invest time nurturing new talent, to empower others with trust and to be adaptable.”
P.J. DiStefano
MANAGING PARTNER
DELOITTE | MILWAUKEE
P.J. DISTEFANO is managing partner of the Milwaukee practice of Deloitte LLP, where he oversees the firm’s audit, tax, consulting and advisory services. DiStefano has worked for more than 24 years in public accounting, with experience performing external audits, advising clients on process and controlrelated matters, advising clients on complex accounting matters and initial public offering readiness. He also has extensive experience with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and has assisted clients with several public financings. He has served as chairman of the Milwaukee Public Museum board during the planning and construction of its new building. He also serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute and the Marquette University College of Business Administration.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “When observing a challenging team dynamic, I wish I would have moved faster to address the problem.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a drummer.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We have been very fortunate and have realized many successes over the past 12 months, such as onboarding new clients and growing our revenues. Having said that, our most significant successes come in the form of developing and promoting our team members and giving back to the community in the form of time, talent and service.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “Everything about Gen AI.”
MANAGING PARTNER AND CHAIRMAN WIPFLI | GREEN BAY
KURT GRESENS is the managing partner and chairman of the board of Wauwatosa-based Wipfli LLP. Ranking among the top 25 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S., Wipfli reported $590 million in net revenue in 2024. Wipfli has grown during Gresens’ tenure through a series of acquisitions, including Harbour Results, Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions, Clayton & McKervey,
Oliver Group, Solve100 and Waypoint Consulting, among others. Today, it has nearly 300 partners and 3,200 full-time employees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘The Godfather.’ I enjoy the complexity of the characters, the performances of the cast and complex themes which explore family, loyalty and power.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Ultimately, the future of our industry will be defined by how well we integrate cutting-edge technology with human ingenuity. Firms that can successfully blend these elements will not only provide superior client service, but also remain leaders in a rapidly evolving market.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First: Depeche Mode, Summerfest. Most recent: Elton John at The O2 (Arena in London).”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Mornings. Getting the day going with a rested brain, few distractions and proactive time after starting off with reading and learning.”
Kurt Gresens
Michael Aldana MANAGING PARTNER AND CHAIR QUARLES | MILWAUKEE
MICHAEL ALDANA, a labor, employment and benefits attorney, was named managing partner of Quarles in 2018 and added the role of executive committee chair in 2020. The Milwaukee-based firm has about 550 attorneys practicing in its 13 offices nationwide. Its clients include major national and multinational corporations, including Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Molson Coors and Wells Fargo Bank. In addition to leading the daily management and operations of the law firm, Aldana works with employers on human resources issues, including layoffs and employment issues related to mergers and acquisitions. In 2023, he was elected a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a global honorary society for attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars. He is also a board director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; J.D., University of Michigan Law School
David Gruber FOUNDER AND CEO GRUBER LAW OFFICES | MILWAUKEE
DAVID GRUBER has been the leader and face of Milwaukee-based personal injury law firm Gruber Law Offices LLC since its founding 40 years ago. The family-owned firm – known for its catchy “One call, that’s all!” slogan – has a 125-person team, including David’s wife, attorney Nancy Gruber; and their son, attorney Steven Gruber. Gruber’s extensive charitable involvement includes support for Operation DREAM, Milwaukee Urban League and the MACC Fund, among others. Gruber is also seen frequently at local sporting events, cheering for the Milwaukee Bucks, Brewers and Admirals, and Marquette Golden Eagles, UWMilwaukee Panthers and Wisconsin Badgers.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Delaware; J.D., Marquette University Law School
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “That’s funny at this stage. I would probably choose to be a basketball coach or an executive in one of several sports.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Excellent. The way some people drive and act has made the need for our services more critical than ever.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concerts were Bruce Springsteen, Beach Boys and Doobie Brothers. Most recently, I have seen Barry Manilow and Pitbull.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Well, this could be a very long answer, but I will try to keep it short and concise. You must be yourself. There really are no shortcuts. Discipline, integrity and being a great, legitimate listener are critical. You should be flexible yet strong.”
120 years is just the beginning...
Since our founding in 1904, we have prided ourselves on being trusted legal advisors to our clients and dedicated partners to our communities. As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, we honor our strong foundation and recommit to our core values that have shaped who we are today: excellence, integrity, innovation, compassion and community. From our seven o ces throughout Wisconsin and in Chicago, we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence.
To learn more about our law firm, please visit vonbriesen.com or contact Susan E. Lovern, President & CEO, at susan.lovern@vonbriesen.com
business services | Law
David Krutz MANAGING PARTNER
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH | MILWAUKEE
DAVID KRUTZ has served as managing partner of Michael Best & Friedrich since 2008. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to more than 400 lawyers and professionals. In July 2024, the firm combined with Los Angeles-based venture law firm O&A P.C., enabling Michael Best to enter the California legal market. The national firm now has 19 offices and attorneys admitted to practice in more than two dozen states.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The legal industry is going through disruption like most other industries in terms of technology, consolidation and innovation. Ultimately, clients will still need legal and business advice because of the ever-changing regulatory landscape and complexity of deals and disputes.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Economist examining how macroeconomic policies influence microeconomic decisions of businesses and individuals.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Take time to understand and consider the motivations and concerns of those you are leading. Have some physical activity/exercise you do on a consistent basis. And be ready to make decisions based on your judgment and understand not everyone will agree with your decision, but indecision is not a good path.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Continue to strengthen the educational system at all levels to provide our next generations with the foundation for individual success, which will strengthen their families and our communities.”
Albert Orr CHAIR, CEO AND PRESIDENT REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN S.C. MILWAUKEE
ALBERT ORR is chairman, CEO and president of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. and a shareholder in the Milwaukee law firm’s corporate law practice. As an attorney, he has worked with private equity funds, portfolio companies and privately held businesses on complex mergers, acquisitions and financing. Among the 200 largest law firms in the nation, Reinhart has more than 200 attorneys and 383 employees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Miami University; J.D., The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “I love Mama D’s Coffee in Wales for a hot cup of coffee and a snack while biking the Glacial Drumlin trail.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I enjoy listening to 88Nine on the car radio, an eclectic mix of music on shuffle during a run and the occasional political or pop culture podcast on longer drives.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We have played a key part in some of our clients’ greatest successes, settling complex, high-stakes government prosecutions, structuring and negotiating complicated corporate acquisitions and divestitures for family businesses and private equity investors, and helping arrange real estate development that is transforming communities around Wisconsin and beyond.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘In the Loop,’ a political satire directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci. It never fails to make me laugh.”
PRESIDENT AND CEO
VON BRIESEN & ROPER S.C. | MILWAUKEE
SUSAN LOVERN is president and CEO of Milwaukee-based von Briesen & Roper s.c. and co-chairs the firm’s commercial and business litigation section. She represents clients in complex business litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations. von Briesen has roughly 300 employees across its offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Neenah, Waukesha, Green Bay, Eau Claire and Chicago. It entered the Chicago market in 2020 and opened a larger office in the city’s West Loop earlier this year.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Northern Iowa; J.D., University of Iowa
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’ve hardly ever considered this because I love being a lawyer, but if I had to choose, I might try consulting or teaching.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; she broke boundaries and ceilings and inspired countless young women to work in the law, and she did so with grace, courage, integrity and fairness.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Chicago in Sioux City, Iowa, and the most recent were U2 and Adele, within one day of each other in Las Vegas.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I’d spend a day in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail in 1840 or attend the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.”
PRESIDENT AND MANAGING PARTNER
GODFREY & KAHN | MILWAUKEE
NIC WAHL is president and managing partner of Milwaukee-based law firm Godfrey & Kahn. He joined the firm in 1990, and his practice has focused on corporate/securities, mergers and acquisitions and real estate transactions. Wahl is the North American chair of TerraLex, an international network of over 130 law firms, and he serves on the boards of directors for the Milwaukee Country Club, Marquette University Law School and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. He is also general counsel for the Wisconsin State Golf Association and a police commissioner for Fox Point.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Kansas; J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Easy – starting pitcher for the Brewers. I would get the ball every five games and then get to play golf and cards on my off days. A shoutout to the Brewers for playing some great baseball this year.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “I’m a beer guy. Give me a Czech-style pilsner or lager any day. If that’s not an option, give me a bourbon old fashioned, traditional style.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Everyone knows my least favorite word is ‘fine.’ It really means things aren’t that great but I’m not going to complain about it.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Listen, listen, listen, and focus on helping those around you be successful.”
MANAGING PARTNER FOLEY & LARDNER LLP | MILWAUKEE
ANDY WRONSKI is managing partner of the Milwaukee office of Foley & Lardner LLP, the largest law firm in the region and among the 50 largest firms in the country. In his role, Wronski has oversight of 400 lawyers and legal professionals. Wronski’s practice primarily focuses on complex litigation and trial work, representing corporate and manufacturing clients involved in commercial and financial disputes. Wronski also chairs the firm’s manufacturing sector.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; J.D., University of Minnesota Law School
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Coming out of law school, I had an opportunity to clerk for a very prestigious federal Court of Appeals judge, but the judge had already hired for the upcoming year and asked me to find something else to do for a year until a spot opened up. I was young, impatient and broke, and I declined the opportunity to start my real job right away. Looking back, it was short-sighted.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Wisconsin needs a more growth-oriented business and tax climate.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “April 8, 1974. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. There, I would witness Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run and break Babe Ruth’s record, which had stood since 1935.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Door County. This has been our family’s ‘happy place’ for many years and hopefully our retirement destination.”
Susan Lovern
Nic Wahl
Andrew Wronski
Ryan Festerling CEO QPS EMPLOYMENT GROUP | BROOKFIELD
RYAN FESTERLING is chief executive officer at QPS Employment Group, a Brookfield-based staffing agency with 54 locations across the Midwest. The firm has 335 internal employees, employs more than 6,000 associate employees weekly and works with more than 1,500 companies. Prior to joining QPS in 2019, Festerling was executive vice president of human resources at Kohl’s Corp., where he was responsible for leading the people functions for 130,000 employees and 1,150 locations across the country. Locally, he serves on the boards of directors at Wisconsin Lutheran High School and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “The successful transition from being a founder-led company into a 100% employee-owned company.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Outside of work, I enjoy building and fixing things. I especially like building homes, so if I could choose another path, I would build homes and develop properties.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I have a large yard and enjoy using a commercial zero-turn mower, and making great lines in my grass is very important to me. And while I am sure I am not better than average at it, I truly believe that I am.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I love to identify folks that can be transparent and vulnerable while also being able to drive confidence with themselves and their teams.”
Sally, HR Manager
Jonas Prising CHAIRMAN AND CEO MANPOWERGROUP | MILWAUKEE
JONAS PRISING was named chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup in 2014 and chairman the following year. The $20 billion global staffing firm is among Milwaukee’s largest employers. Prising has been with the company for more than 20 years, previously serving as ManpowerGroup North America president and president of the Americas. A sought-out expert on the labor market and future of work, Prising regularly speaks at events and in the media on employment trends, jobs and skills. He is a board member and former chairman of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and also serves on the board of directors of Kohl’s Corp.
EDUCATION: MBA, Stockholm School of Economics
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “We cannot underestimate the impact on work or workers of the transformative changes taking place in generative AI and the global green energy transition. We believe now is the time to take a human-centered approach to these – one that puts people first and shapes the future of work.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Door County is the go-to destination for our family. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful fresh coast just a short drive from our city.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I am a big fan of BBC World Podcasts, including The World Tonight.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Your success is your team’s success. Leadership is a team sport. To be a good leader, you must be capable, have a bias for action, put others before self and have a strong moral compass.”
C-SUITE
C-suite
24 Bernier, Robert
24 Boelter, Eric
24 Butman, Jim
24 Juedes, Chip
26 Keller, Rustin
26 Maura, David
26 Moledo, Paulo
26 Poehling Seymour, Katie
27 Schinner, Ken
27 Titus, Dick
28 Uihlein, Dick
28 Uihlein, Liz
29 Veum, Mike
29 Wiedemeier, Craig
29 Williams, Jay
Robert Bernier CEO
THE DOUGLAS STEWART CO. | MADISON
ROBERT BERNIER became chief executive officer of The Douglas Stewart Co. in late 2020. Previously, he was chief operating officer and vice president of operations for the Madison-based distributor and marketer of computer products, consumer electronics and school supplies.
The Douglas Stewart Co. was founded in 1950 by the former manager of the University Bookstore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in an effort to help college bookstores source products to meet the needs of students and faculty. Today the largest education-focused distributor in North America, the company works with more than 4,500 college bookstores, academic computing centers and resellers across both higher education and K-12. The company’s U.K. subsidiary, Douglas Stewart EDU Limited, provides distribution and marketing services to vendors and resellers in Europe.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, McGill University
Jim Butman
PRESIDENT AND CEO
TDS TELECOM | MADISON
JIM BUTMAN joined Madison-based TDS Telecom in 1985 and was appointed president and CEO in 2018. TDS, which provides internet, TV entertainment and phone services to rural and suburban communities throughout the U.S., has 3,400 employees. Previously, Butman was chief operating officer and group president of marketing, sales & customer operations at the TDS. He also served as president of TDS Metrocom, which became a $250 million business under his leadership. He serves on the boards of TDS Inc., UScellular, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Northcentral Technical College and Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Good Will Hunting.’ It’s such a great movie with terrific actors and storyline.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I enjoy what I call my Monday Morning Huddle, where our leaders set out expectations for the week and get started with renewed energy and passion for the business.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Take risks, try something out of your comfort zone, especially in new areas of the business. At TDS, we offer our leaders developmental positions that make our company and our leaders better.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The Northwoods. My family and I have a house in Manitowish Waters, and there’s nothing like being in a beautiful place surrounded by the most important people in your life.”
Chip Juedes CEO FOX WORLD TRAVEL | OSHKOSH
Eric Boelter PRESIDENT
THE BOELTER COMPANIES | PEWAUKEE
ERIC BOELTER is head of The Boelter Companies, a Pewaukeebased provider of commercial kitchen equipment, supplies and design services. The 95-year-old firm serves restaurants, breweries and distilleries. As the third generation in the familyowned business, Boelter joined Boelter Companies in 1992 and was named president in 2008. The company has 525 employees at offices in seven states. Under his leadership, The Boelter Companies acquired Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Premier Restaurant Equipment Co., which now operates as Boelter Premiere; Macon, Georgia-based Direct South Inc.; and Vancouver-based Chrislan Ceramics.
In 2024, the company was recognized by Deloitte for its recent innovations, including its “EuroBar,” a premium underbar cocktail station, and Eleven36, a technology platform for food service operators. Boelter serves on various boards, including the Wisconsin Restaurant Association board of directors and on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar College of Business advisory council.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Indiana University; MBA, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
CHIP JUEDES is the third-generation family leader of Fox World Travel, a travel agency based in Oshkosh. Juedes joined Fox as a travel agent in 2005 and worked through the ranks to succeed his father as CEO in 2016. The firm, which provides business travel management for more than 400 corporations worldwide, reports $610 million in revenue and employs more than 330 people. Chip serves on the Delta Air Lines’ agency advisory board and the BCD affiliate advisory board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “This is what I have wanted to do since I was a kid, so that is tough to answer. Regardless, it would still be something in travel, whether an airline pilot, tour guide or something else that would allow me to see the world.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Any airport in Wisconsin. Initially, it represents the excitement departing for a business meeting or vacation, but when returning, it means I get to see my wife and kids or we can sleep in our own beds after a fun family vacation.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Being a good husband, father and leader.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “’Home Alone.’ It was a favorite growing up and now we watch it as a family several times each holiday season.”
Rustin Keller PRESIDENT AND CEO
J.
J. KELLER & ASSOCIATES INC. | NEENAH
RUSTIN KELLER represents the third generation of family leadership at Neenahbased J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. Keller began working for the family business at age 12 and rose through the organization to become president and CEO in 2018. One of the largest employers in northeastern Wisconsin, the firm has 400 employees and more than 560,000 customers, including 90% of the Fortune 1000. The firm offers cloud-based management tools, consulting, professional services, training, forms, PPE and safety supplies for clients in a variety of industries, including transportation, industrial, construction, utility, health care and education. He serves on the ThedaCare Family of Foundations – Neenah board of trustees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Typically, decisions I regret are the ones I took too long to make. Usually in hindsight you look back and say to yourself, ‘I was being advised to make a change, I knew in my gut it needed to get done, but I stalled.’ The ‘do nothing’ option is usually the wrong one.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Making even a small contribution to society in an area that is important to you.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Any of the martial arts.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I’m a fan of John Mayer, Chris Stapleton and other blues-style artists. I also have to relive the ‘90s alternative playlist of my college years quite a bit!”
David Maura
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CEO SPECTRUM BRANDS | MIDDLETON
DAVID MAURA has served as executive chairman and chief executive officer of Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. since 2018. The Middleton-based company manufactures, markets and distributes consumer products under the brand names Remington, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Spectracide, Garden Safe and others.
Established in 2005 as the successor to Rayovac Corp., Spectrum Brands merged in 2018 with controlling shareholder HRG Group Inc. in a deal valued at $10 billion. That same year, Spectrum sold its battery division and its global auto care division to Energizer. In 2021, the company sold its hardware and home improvement division to Assa Abloy for $4.3 billion. In July 2024, the company announced plans to spin off its home and personal care business.
Maura was previously managing director and executive vice president of investments at HRG Group, vice president and director of investments of Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and managing director and senior research analyst at First Albany Capital, Inc.
Maura served as chairman, president and CEO of Mosaic Acquisition Corp. from 2017 to 2020 and was an outside director of Mosaic’s successor, Vivint Smart Home Inc. in 2020. He previously served on the boards of directors of Ferrous Resources, Ltd., Russell Hobbs and Applica.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Stetson University
Paulo Moledo CEO AND PRESIDENT HY CITE | MIDDLETON
PAULO MOLEDO has led Middleton-based Hy Cite, a high-end direct selling kitchenware company, since 2022. Moledo joined the company in 2019 as senior vice president of strategy and was named president the following year. He previously held executive roles at Avon, AOL, Revlon and Ford Motor Company.
Hy Cite has more than 1,500 employees in eight corporate offices and eight distribution centers, with operations in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic. It has over 2.6 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. The company reported more than $500 million in annual sales, ranking 24th among the world’s leading direct selling firms, according to the 2023 DSN Global 100 List.
When he joined Hy Cite, Moledo helped develop a four-year strategic plan for the company, which included doubling its size in that time frame. Hy Cite achieved that goal a year ahead of schedule in 2022.
Hy Cite directs its philanthropic efforts toward humanitarian organizations that prioritize nutrition, community involvement and Hispanic empowerment. The company has made more than $3 million in charitable contributions since 2018. Locally, it supports United Way of Dane County and Centro Hispano.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Mackenzie University (Brazil); master’s, University of Miami
CEO AND PRESIDENT FIRST SUPPLY | MADISON
KATIE POEHLING SEYMOUR represents the fifth generation of Poehling family leadership at First Supply. Headquartered in La Crosse and Madison, First Supply operates 53 facilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan. The company broke ground earlier this year for a new distribution facility in West Salem, which is expected to add 100 employees in the La Crosse area. Poehling Seymour has served as an industry leader, including as the 2023 president of the American Supply Association and as its current chairwoman.
FAVORITE DESTINATION IN WISCONSIN: “Kohler will always stand out to me. Kohler is not only a giant engine of our state’s economy, but it is also a beautiful representation of what Wisconsin’s natural beauty has to offer.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “As my family continues to evolve our most responsible shareholder practices, I would like to take this opportunity to learn from others and gain perspective from those who have shown success in family governance.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “When entering a leadership position for the first time, my biggest piece of advice is to never stop learning.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Bigger ski hills near Milwaukee. I grew up skiing with my parents and siblings, learning in the bluffs of La Crosse. I am excited to teach my own girls and wish there were hills that compared to those.”
Katie Poehling Seymour
Ken Schinner CEO
RJ SCHINNER | MENOMONEE FALLS
KEN SCHINNER became chief executive officer of RJ Schinner in 2019 after nearly three decades with the familyowned and -operated company. One of the largest independent redistributors in the U.S., R.J. Schinner is a wholesale distributor servicing the food service, lodging, grocery, janitorial supply and office supply markets, with 20 locations across the U.S.
Schinner held a variety of sales, marketing and business leadership development positions within the company before being named president and later CEO. The company has 650 employees, including more than 75 sales professionals, and 2024 projected sales of $711 million. It ranked 46th on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list of the largest private companies, based on revenue.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Titus PRESIDENT AND CEO ETC | MIDDLETON
DICK TITUS has led Middleton-based theatrical and architectural technology company ETC since 2019. Founded in 1975, the company manufactures lighting, rigging, networking and control products for venues around the world. It has expanded over the years from a small, theatrical lighting company to a full-system provider for museums, stadiums, television studios, hotels, hospitals, schools and theaters. Locally, ETC’s architectural controls systems are featured in Milwaukee’s Baird Center expansion.
Titus joined ETC in 1990 as director of manufacturing and became president in 2002. In 2019, he was named president and chief executive officer. The company has more than 1,200 employees in 15 corporate worldwide offices. In 2024, ETC transitioned from a partial Employee Stock Option Plan, established in 2015, to 100% employee ownership.
Early in his career, Titus served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, becoming decorated for his service in Vietnam.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Carroll University
Dick
Dick Uihlein CEO
ULINE | PLEASANT PRAIRIE
liz Uihlein
PRESIDENT
ULINE | PLEASANT PRAIRIE
DICK AND LIZ UIHLEIN co-founded Uline 44 years ago and have grown the shipping and packaging distributor to 9,000 employees and roughly $7 billion in annual revenue. The husband-and-wife duo started Uline in their basement, initially selling carton-sizers. Today, the company sells more than 42,000 products in its 850-plus page catalog. Dick serves as chief executive officer and Liz as president. Each having a net worth of $6 billion, Dick and Liz were listed at No. 216 on Forbes’ list of the 400 wealthiest Americans in 2024.
In 2010, the Uihleins, who are Illinois residents, relocated the company from Waukegan, Illinois, to Pleasant Prairie. In addition to its Pleasant Prairie headquarters and Kenosha facilities, the company has distribution centers in Minneapolis; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Los Angeles; Atlanta; Dallas; Seattle; Reno; and locations in Mexico and Canada.
Outside Uline, Dick and Liz are a powerful donor couple in the Republican Party. Their combined giving to federal candidates and causes over the past decade totals a reported $230 million. They were major supporters of former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and of Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns. Dick gave nearly $59 million in 2024 alone to a Trump-supporting super PAC.
Dick is president of the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, a grantmaking institution that supports civic organizations and political groups and causes, including the Leadership Institute, the Media Research Center, and the National Right To Work Committee. Dick is the great grandson of August Uihlein, co-founder of Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. in Milwaukee.
In addition to Uline, the couple owns EAU Holdings, which operates restaurants, a salon and a spa in Manitowish Waters.
Mike Veum
PRESIDENT AND CEO
IEWC | NEW BERLIN
MIKE VEUM leads New Berlinbased IEWC, a global distributor of electric wire, cable and wire management products for industrial automation, commercial vehicles, telecom and renewable energies. Veum joined the company as president of the OEM North American division in 2016, was named corporate president in 2017 and became CEO in 2018. He is also a member of the board of directors and serves as a trustee. IEWC operates out of 22 locations in 11 countries, employs over 660 people and has more than 12,000 customers across 77 countries.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Whistling Straits stands out as a top destination.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I look for candidates with drive, determination and integrity. These qualities show me they’re committed, resilient in the face of challenges and, most importantly, that they can be trusted to uphold our values.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Know your strengths, and perhaps even more importantly, your weaknesses. Being self-aware lets you surround yourself with people who complement those gaps, making the team as a whole much stronger. Great leadership is about bringing together people whose diverse skills and perspectives elevate the entire company.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “I enjoy a real nice bourbon.”
Craig Wiedemeier PRESIDENT WERNER ELECTRIC SUPPLY
APPLETON
CRAIG WIEDEMEIER joined Werner Electric Supply in 2012 as its vice president of operations, was named chief operating officer in 2019 and became president of the company in 2020. Over the years, Werner Electric Supply has grown from its roots as a Neenahbased appliance store and electrical contractor shop into a multimillion-dollar Appleton-based distribution operation. The company provides automation, electrical and data communication products and services to a range of industrial, commercial and construction customers. Werner employs more than 400 people in 13 locations throughout Wisconsin, North Dakota and Upper Michigan. Wiedemeier was influential in the company’s decision to secure a vacant property and build a new 250,000-squarefoot regional distribution center and company headquarters in 2016, which tripled its operational capacity. More recently, the company has implemented a smart system for picking inventory from its warehouse, which has helped expedite order fulfillment.
Earlier in his career, Wiedemeier worked for GE Healthcare and GE Oil & Gas. He serves on the boards of the Winneconne Area Community Foundation and New North Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, Marquette University
Jay
Williams CHAIRMAN
CHURCH MUTUAL | MERRILL
ASSOCIATED BANK | GREEN BAY
JAY WILLIAMS joined the Church Mutual Insurance Co. board of directors in 2008 and the Associated Banc-Corp. Inc. board of directors in 2011. Today, he is chairman of both institutions.
His board service follows a 37-year career in banking, which included nearly 30 years at U.S. Bank and its predecessors and culminated in his role as founder and chairman of The PrivateBank N.A. (now CIBC).
In 2010, Williams was recruited to serve as president of the Milwaukee Public Museum. During his three-year tenure at MPM, he helped negotiate deals to pay off most of the $13.5 million debt owed by the museum at the time and brokered an agreement that provided $3 million to pay down the museum’s pension debt. After stepping down as president, he remained on as chairman of the museum board.
In addition to Associated and Church Mutual, he currently serves on the board of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Inc.
His past board service is extensive. He’s served as a director of the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, YMCA of Metro Milwaukee and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, among others.
In 2023, he was named one of the most influential leaders in corporate governance by the National Association of Corporate Directors.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Norbert College; MBA, Marquette University
EMERGING INDUSTRIES
32 Conroy, Kevin
Dickman, Craig
Iverson, Erik
Johnson, Nadiyah
Kirgues, Joe technology 33 Chang, Tina
Clayton, Michael
Faulkner, Judy
Grosskopf, Mark
Harris, Wendy
Hau, Robert
Linton, Bill
Nunemaker, Andy 35 Piefer, Greg
Stillmank, Paul venture
35 Guthrie, Dana 35 Shannon, Tom 35 Thome, Carrie
Startups, Technology, Venture Capital
emerging industries | Startups
Kevin Conroy CHAIRMAN AND CEO EXACT SCIENCES | MADISON
AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, Kevin Conroy is chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, a Madison-based company known for its innovative cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Under Conroy’s leadership, the company has seen significant growth and expanded its impact on early cancer detection. Conroy joined Exact Sciences in 2009 and has since overseen the company’s development and commercialization of the Cologuard test, a non-invasive screening option for colorectal cancer, among other screening tests.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Michigan State University; J.D., University of Michigan Law School HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Exact Sciences celebrated two huge milestones. We just celebrated the 10th anniversary of the approval of Cologuard. People have now used Cologuard more than 16 million times. We also recognized the 20th anniversary of Oncotype DX, a test to help cancer patients and their doctors understand what treatment options are right for them.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The lakes here in Madison.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert: The Romantics in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most recent: Hozier at Breese Stevens Field.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Curiosity. Someone who is naturally curious tends to be eager to learn, adaptable, and driven to explore new ideas or solutions. This mindset not only helps them grow personally, it also brings fresh perspectives and innovation to the team.”
WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION | MADISON
Craig Dickman MANAGING DIRECTOR
TITLETOWNTECH | GREEN BAY
CRAIG DICKMAN was among the original architects of TitletownTech, a venture capital firm formed as a partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. An inventor with multiple patents, Dickman founded energy information and supply chain management company Breakthrough Fuel, which he scaled to 47 countries and sold to U.S. Venture in 2019. He also served as CEO of Breakthrough Fuel, Paper Transport and Master Fleet and previously held executive positions at Schneider National and SHADE Information Systems. Dickman is
chairman and principal owner of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, a summer collegiate team in the Northwoods League. He also serves on the board of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Professional Baseball District.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; MBA, University of WisconsinOshkosh
FAVORITE MOVIE: “Field of Dreams.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We have expanded our partnership with Microsoft with the launch of the new AI Co-Innovation Lab in Wisconsin for Manufacturing, located at UW-Milwaukee.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “I am biased, but it is Neuroscience Group Field, where the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers play! “
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “It’s all about new technology – AI, Quantum, Autonomy, etc. –and the possibilities of solving big problems.”
Nadiyah Johnson
FOUNDER AND CEO
JET CONSTELLATIONS | MILWAUKEE
ERIK IVERSON leads the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the designated patenting and licensing organization for University of Wisconsin-Madison research. In his role, Iverson oversees the performance of technology transfer operations and WARF’s investment portfolio. WARF has invested directly in more than 50 startups with UW-Madison technology over the past two decades. WARF Ventures, a $110 million venture capital fund created by the foundation, is currently working with more than 30 portfolio companies. WARF provides an annual base grant to UW-Madison to support research programs. In 2023, it gave a base grant of $67.8 million, and its total support for the university and affiliates amounted to $134.1 million.
Prior to joining WARF, Iverson was president, business and operations, of the Infectious Disease Research Institute, a nonprofit global health organization in Seattle, and served as the first attorney dedicated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s global health and agricultural programs. He was also a founder and board member of Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines, a biotech company based in Cape Town, South Africa.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Gustavus Adolphus College; J.D., University of North Dakota School of Law; master’s, New York University School of Law
NADIYAH JOHNSON is founder and chief executive officer of Jet Constellations, a Milwaukeebased software company that provides tech solutions in the medical, financial and socially responsible industries. Through Jet Constellations, Johnson promotes STEM education in Milwaukee, consults tech-oriented startups and supports Milwaukee’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs. The company’s social impact arm, Milky Way Tech Hub, is focused on making Milwaukee a tech hub where people of color can thrive in the field of technology. In 2024, it launched a new accelerator in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and the nonprofit Milwaukee Turners. Milwaukee Way Tech Hub enjoys the backing of major corporate partners, including Northwestern Mutual and Milwaukee Tool.
Johnson played an influential role in having Gov. Tony Evers declare October “Wisconsin Tech Month.” The month launched in 2021 with 40 events, and today it has over 50 corporate partners and hosts more than 100 events with over 1,000 attendees.
Prior to founding Jet Constellations, Johnson worked for GE Healthcare and was a computer software instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Johnson served as a Wisconsin delegate representing Milwaukee at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Marquette University
Erik Iverson
CEO
Joe Kirgues CO-FOUNDER GENER8TOR | MADISON
JOE KIRGUES cofounded gener8tor, an accelerator that invests in highgrowth startups, in 2011. The company has since graduated over 1,400 startups, which have gone on to raise $1.3 billion in follow-on financing and create nearly 10,000 jobs. Gener8tor operates 285 accelerators in 46 communities, including several Wisconsin cities, as well as Anchorage, San Juan and Luxembourg. In addition gener8tor offers corporate programming, a speaker series, conferences, skills accelerators and fellowships. Kirgues manages the company – including its 125 employees – alongside business partner and co-founder Troy Vosseller. Kirgues previously served on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. board of directors and currently serves as co-chair of WEDC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Committee. Earlier in his career, Kirgues got his start as an associate at Quarles & Brady LLP.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; J.D., University of Wisconsin
Tina Chang CHAIRMAN, CEO AND OWNER SYSLOGIC | BROOKFIELD
TINA CHANG is widely recognized as a leader in Milwaukee’s technology sector, having served since 1996 as chief executive officer of SysLogic, a Brookfield-based information systems consulting and services firm. During her tenure, she has spun off three technology startups: SysSpark LLC, Cyberspect LLC and WillBridge Ltd.
Outside of SysLogic, she serves on the boards of Strattec Security Corp., Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Central States Manufacturing and Weyco Group, is an investor in Milwaukeebased online sports game Cover5 and is a partner of cybersecurity and information security company Ghostscale.
SysLogic has been a recipient of the Future 50 award (recognizing the fastest-growing companies in southeastern Wisconsin) multiple times, as well as the Wisconsin Small Business Innovation Award in 2010.
Chnag has won numerous awards for her leadership, including the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Peak Performer award, United Performing Arts Fund Civic Partnership Award and Professional Dimensions Sacagawea Award.
She’s served on many nonprofit boards including Alverno College, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee Police Department Foundation, Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Teach for America, Waukesha County Business Alliance and the YMCA-Metro Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Michael Clayton PRESIDENT AND CEO VBA | MILWAUKEE
MICHAEL CLAYTON joined Milwaukee-based software company VBA as its chief executive officer and 12th employee in 2013. Today, the fast-growing firm, which develops cloudbased health benefits software, has more than 125 employees. In August 2023, the firm received a $156 million private equity investment led by Spectrum Equity, a growth equity firm based in Boston and San Francisco, and in 2024 the company moved its headquarters from Germantown to Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.
Clayton, who was elected to the VBA board of directors in 2020, oversees VBA’s operations, has full profit and loss responsibility and leads its overall strategic plan development and execution.
Previously, Clayton was a partner in The Capital Executive Group LLC. As part of CEG, he was executive vice president, office of the chairman for Woods Equipment Company. Earlier, he worked for Textron’s Jacobsen Division, Deere & Company, Case Corporation/CNH Global NV and Ford Motor Company.
He currently serves on the board of directors for the Health Care Administrators Association.
An avid marathon runner and cyclist, he’s completed over 20 marathons, including those in Chicago, Boston and New York City, and bikes across the state of Iowa annually as part of the RAGBRAI bicycle tour. He’s helped fundraise for American Red Cross, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Children’s Hospital, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through some of his marathon and biking events.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Northern Iowa; MBA, Penn State University
Judy Faulkner
FOUNDER AND CEO
EPIC SYSTEMS | VERONA
FEW WISCONSIN COMPANIES have had as significant an impact on a community in recent history as Epic Systems. The health care technology company is credited with contributing to a massive population increase in the city of Verona and helping keep young people in Dane County after they graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Epic employs roughly 13,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the county.
Judy Faulkner co-founded Human Services Computer, which would later become Epic Systems, in 1979 with an investment of $70,000 from friends and family. In 2023, it came in 143rd on Forbes’ list of America’s largest private companies, with a reported $4.6 billion in revenue.
Epic’s electronic health records software is widely used in hospitals and clinics worldwide; more than 325 million patients have a current electronic record in Epic, according to the company.
Called the “most powerful woman in health care” by Forbes, Faulkner has an estimated net worth of $7.8 billion. She has pledged to give 99% of her assets to philanthropy.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Dickinson College; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mark Grosskopf PRESIDENT AND CEO NEW RESOURCES CONSULTING | MILWAUKEE
MARK GROSSKOPF leads Milwaukeebased management and information technology consulting company New Resources Consulting. After joining what was formerly New Resources Corporation in 1995, he bought out the partners in 2003, relaunched the business and became president and CEO.
The company has since grown organically and through a series of acquisitions, expanding from a team of less than 20 to more than 200 employees and consultants. With locations in Milwaukee, Kansas City and Winston-Salem, New Resources Consulting has provided IT support to more than 250 organizations in a variety of industries, including medical, finance and insurance. The firm was recognized among the Future 50 fastest-growing privately held businesses in southeastern Wisconsin in 2024.
Grosskopf also serves as president, CEO and owner of additional New Resources companies, including Clinical Path Consulting, which helps health care providers take advantage of technology to make operations more efficient, meet regulatory requirements and improve the quality of patient care; and Inflection Point Solutions, which works with water and wastewater treatment agencies across the United States to implement industry best practices and make better use of technology to improve operations.
A proponent of Milwaukee’s startup community and angel investor, Grosskopf was an early investor in startup accelerator gener8tor, which is based in Madison and has a significant presence in Milwaukee.
Robert Hau CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FISERV | MILWAUKEE
UNDER ROBERT HAU’S leadership as chief financial officer, Fiserv Inc. has grown in revenue from $5.5 billion in 2016 to over $19 billion in 2023. Hau was instrumental in the Milwaukee-based payments and financial services technology company’s acquisition of First Data Corporation in 2019, a $22 billion deal that put Fiserv among the world’s leading payment and financial technology providers. He also played a significant role in the company’s decision to move its global headquarters from Brookfield to a 170,000-square-foot space in downtown Milwaukee.
Hau has more than 35 years of experience in business and financial leadership roles, previously serving as CFO of TE Connectivity Ltd., a $12 billion global product technology company; and Lennox International Inc. He also spent 22 years at Honeywell International Inc. in a variety of financial and operations leadership roles, including serving as CFO of its aerospace business group, specialty materials business group and aerospace electronic systems unit.
Hau is a member of the board of directors of OpenText and serves on the board of Milwaukee-based nonprofit SHARP Literacy. He is also a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and a member of the President’s Advisory Council and Department of Finance Advisory Board at Marquette University, his alma mater. In 2023, he was named Marquette’s College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, USC Marshall School of Business
Wendy Harris
REGIONAL INNOVATION OFFICER WISCONSIN BIOHEALTH TECH HUB | MADISON/ MILWAUKEE
FOLLOWING A THREE-DECADE-LONG career with GE Healthcare, Wendy Harris was appointed in 2023 as the regional innovation officer of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, where she’s responsible for leading a consortium of 18 member companies and 30 supporting entities in the state’s biohealth Industry. Harris played an influential role in securing the national “Tech Hub” designation for Wisconsin, which netted $80 million in funding for project-based work in July 2024. Harris previously spent 25 years of her 33 years with GE Healthcare in executive leadership. She serves on the UW-Madison industry advisory board for the College of Engineering and is vice chair of the board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The biohealth industry has had high growth over the past years of 10.6%, and we are forecasting continued growth in the state of Wisconsin. Biohealth is one of the strongest growth industries.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “‘Up North’ – Manitowish Waters is my favorite. Even in the winter!”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I would like to learn more about genetics and radioisotopes. And, of course, golf!”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “The end of the day. I make my list for the next day, then I try to forget about it until then.”
Bill
Linton
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO PROMEGA | MADISON
OVER THE PAST 46 YEARS, William Linton has grown Promega Corp. from a startup in his garage to a global biotechnology company with revenues of $672 million. Promega is headquartered in Madison, with more than 1,400 employees, branches in 16 countries and over 50 global distributors. Linton founded the company in 1978 to provide restriction enzymes to molecular biologists. In 1984, the company launched a joint venture to set up China’s first genetic biochemical manufacturing facility. The company now has a portfolio of over 4,000 products that support a range of life science work in areas such as cell biology; DNA, RNA and protein analysis; drug development; human identification and molecular diagnostics. Its DNA IQ kit was used to help identify victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Linton also founded the Usona Institute, a medical research organization focused on the therapeutic application of psychedelic medicine for mental health conditions. The institute opened a 93,000-square-foot center, located near the Promega campus, in 2023, where it conducts clinical research and trials related to psychedelic therapies. In 2019, Usona received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the potential of psilocybin to treat major depressive disorder. Linton currently serves as a director for the Analytical, Life Science and Diagnostics Association; BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute; Bruker Biosciences; Eppendorf and Usona Institute.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of California, Berkeley
Andy Nunemaker CEO
GROUPWARE TECHNOLOGIES | WAUWATOSA
ANDY NUNEMAKER is CEO of Groupware Technologies, a Wauwatosa-based health care software company that serves the care management market. Previously, Nunemaker co-founded and was CEO of Dynamis Software Corp., CEO of EMSystems, and an executive at GE HealthCare. He is chairman of the board at Sprecher Brewing Co. and serves on the board of directors for Northwestern Mutual, EmOpti, and ConsortiEX. He has been an active investor with the Golden Angels for 20 years and taught in the entrepreneurial program at Marquette University’s College of Business Administration for a decade. His current nonprofit board service includes the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Summerfest and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Valparaiso University; master’s, Georgia Tech; MBA, Harvard University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Health care and technology will both be around for quite a long time. I’m very bullish on our space.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I’d like to spend a day traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis on the 1948 Brooks Stevens designed Milwaukee Road Hiawatha, with a fourhour stop to explore 1948 downtown Milwaukee.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert I bought tickets to was Tina Turner at Alpine Valley in 1985. Last one was Cage the Elephant in Madison.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘The Interview.’ It was the funniest movie I’ve seen.”
Greg Piefer FOUNDER AND CEO
SHINE
TECHNOLOGIES | JANESVILLE
GREG PIEFER is founder and chief executive officer of Janesville-based SHINE Technologies, a nuclear fusion technology and radioisotope production company. SHINE closed a $70 million funding round in 2023 that will allow it to complete the process of scaling up and commercializing near-term applications for its fusion technology, which is used in the industrial, defense and health care markets. Piefer, who holds a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from UW-Madison, founded the company in 2005. Previously, he was president of Monona-based Phoenix Nuclear Labs LLC and chief technology officer for Madison-based Gillware Data Recovery.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and doctorate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Earlier this year, we became the largest producer of non-carrier added lutetium-177 in North America. We’re now shipping our best-in-class product, Ilumira, to customers all over the world, every week. This is an essential product for cancer patients, and our customers are thrilled with our product quality. What’s more is that the trajectory of our medical isotopes business, combined with our non-destructive testing business, provides a strong growth engine to fuel our long-term ambitions.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “A deeper pool of early-stage and venture-stage investment capital would really help us grow our economic base.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “In business, creating more value than you’ve invested. This includes time, rate of return and opportunity cost considerations.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “A Manhattan, but with brandy as the base vs. the traditional bourbon.”
Dana Guthrie
MANAGING PARTNER
GATEWAY CAPITAL PARTNERS | MILWAUKEE
ENGINEER-TURNED-VENTURE
capitalist Dana Guthrie leads Gateway Capital, a Milwaukee-based fund that invests in pre-revenue startups. Guthrie began fundraising for Gateway in 2020 and was able to close her first fund oversubscribed the following year, raising $13.5 million within eight months.
Focusing on investment opportunities within low- to moderate-income communities, Gateway’s investment portfolio is composed of nearly 80% minority-led startups. Among the nine startups in its portfolio are Milwaukee-based health data technology company
Geno.Me, Burlington-based software company Ictect and Milwaukee-based manufacturing artificial intelligence startup Golgix. Geno.Me relocated from Madison to Milwaukee as a result of Gateway Capital’s investment.
Prior to founding Gateway, Guthrie founded and managed Alchemy Angel Investors, an angel investment network focused on early-stage startups. Previously, she spent nearly 13 years at Johnson Controls, where she worked her way up from software engineer to product manager.
Guthrie is a two-time patent recipient.
Raised in St. Louis, Guthrie relocated to Wisconsin when she attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where she studied computer engineering.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Milwaukee School of Engineering; master’s, University of Illinois Chicago
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
Paul Stillmank FOUNDER AND CEO
7RIVERS | MILWAUKEE
PAUL STILLMANK is a veteran technology executive and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief executive officer of 7Rivers Inc., a consulting services firm focused on AI and data modernization. The startup raised an initial $4 million seed round in 2023 and an additional $2 million in 2024 to support its expansion. Previously, he founded and grew 7Summits, a Salesforce consultancy, to 200 employees and five appearances on the Inc. 5000 list before selling it to IBM in 2021.
WOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR CAREER IF YOU COULD: “No way! I already had that conversation with myself over a dozen years ago and it led me to launch companies like the one I’m driving now: leveraging technology on the edge to drive incredible business value for our customers.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would have loved to have been on a major expedition alongside Roald Amundsen when he drew the first line through the Northwest Passage or made it successfully to the South Pole before anyone else.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “That’s an easy one for me: just picture me sitting in a 1923 cedar and canvas Old Town canoe floating down the beautiful Bois Brule River, fly rod in hand. That river flows through northwest Wisconsin in Douglas County near the Town of Brule, Wisconsin.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “A Sazerac: Rye Whiskey, absinthe, sugar, bitters, lemon or orange.”
Tom Shannon
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
BRIGHTSTAR WISCONSIN FOUNDATION | MILWAUKEE
TOM SHANNON co-founded BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Inc. in 2013 as a charitable organization with the mission of creating high-growth jobs through earlystage investment. The foundation has since funded 50 Wisconsin companies totaling $8 million. Previously, Shannon was CEO of biotech company Prodesse, which sold for $72 million. Since 2009, he has served as board chairman and a lead investor in the funding of Shamrock Energy Corp., Proxim Diagnostics, Somna Therapeutics LLC and Aver Informatics of Green Bay.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “With 70 companies funded and with exits now occurring, the future should be a self-sustaining nonprofit fund, gaining assets and creating jobs.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Solve the root causes of crime here. It is tragic hearing about deaths from shootings or stolen car crashes on the morning news each day.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Some companies are not going to be successful no matter how good the management team is if the raw materials are not there; one cannot always pivot. Entrepreneurial people stay too long trying to make things happen. At times I pulled the plug too late.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “To kayak. I need a new exercise and live on a small lake.”
MANAGING DIRECTOR NVNG INVESTMENT ADVISORS | MADISON
CARRIE THORNE is managing director of NVNG Investment Advisors LLC, a firm she cofounded in 2019 as Wisconsin’s first private fund of venture funds vehicle. The firm’s first two funds have collectively received commitments of more than $50 million from Wisconsin-based investors. Previously, Thorne was chief investment officer for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, where she oversaw the management of a $3 billion investment portfolio.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “NVNG created and held our first investment conference in Milwaukee, hosting over 250+ venture capitalists, corporations and other partners for a day dedicated to innovation and venture capital. Since our firm is built around building and strengthening networks and connections between all of these groups within and outside of Wisconsin, this physical manifestation of our efforts was highly rewarding and given high marks by attendees.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU ADMIRE: “Ruth Bader Ginsberg for her lifelong battle for equality. All that she accomplished across all aspects of her life is nothing short of inspirational.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “An ability to take the long view and weather/withstand the short-term noise that frequently knocks people off their long-term plans.”
Carrie Thome
ENERGY & TRANSPORTATION
Energy & Utilities, Transportation & Logistics
Energy & Utilities
38 Barton, Lisa
38 Jansen, Michael
38 Klappa, Gale
38 Lauber, Scott 39 Mogensen, Teresa
39 Strand, Summer
Transportation & Logistics
40 Carter, Jackie Q. 40 DeLong, Christopher 40 Dranzik, Brian 40 Jones, Kimberly
41 Roehl, Rick
41 Rourke, Mark
Lisa Barton PRESIDENT AND CEO ALLIANT ENERGY CORP. | MADISON
LISA BARTON became president and chief executive officer of Madisonbased Alliant Energy Corp. at the beginning of 2024. She is also CEO of two utility subsidiaries, Interstate Power and Light and Wisconsin Power and Light. She was formerly president and chief operating officer of the company.
With 3,281 employees, Alliant Energy provides electric and natural gas service to about 1 million electric and approximately 425,000 natural gas customers in the Midwest. It reported $4 billion in operating revenue in 2023.
Barton has held leadership positions in several organizations including Wires, ReliabilityFirst, GridWise Alliance and the Electric Power Research Institute. She began her career at Northeast Utilities, now Eversource, and rejoined the company in 2002 after working with consulting firms. She also served as a lobbyist and senior counsel to clients in the gas and electric utility sector. Before joining Alliant, she was executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio.
Barton is a former International Women’s Foundation Fellow and current member of the organization. Locally, she serves on the board of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; J.D., Suffolk University Law School
Gale Klappa
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
WEC ENERGY GROUP | MILWAUKEE
Michael Jansen CHAIRMAN AND CEO
FAITH TECHNOLOGIES INC. | MENASHA
MICHAEL JANSEN began his career at Faith Technologies Inc. as an electrical apprentice and took on increasing responsibility to become a project manager, executive vice president, president and ultimately chief executive officer and chairman in 2013.
With more than 2,500 employees, Menasha-based FTI is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the U.S. In 2024, the company ranked 35th on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list, a ranking of the largest private companies in Wisconsin based on sales revenue.
The electrical and specialty systems contractor operates three divisions: Faith Technologies, Excellerate and EnTech Solutions.
Prior to the Great Recession, the company largely worked on projects within the Fox Valley and other areas of the state. FTI then began taking on projects in other parts of the country and now has locations in six states.
Among its high-profile projects, FTI worked with Exact Sciences on its NEXUS One laboratory and warehouse on its Madison campus. FTI’s work included lighting installation and controls, laboratory power, mechanical power, one-line distribution, power monitoring and metering, fire alarm systems, access control, security cameras and emergency communication systems.
Under Jansen’s leadership, FTI built a new, 385,000-square-foot smart manufacturing facility in Little Chute to serve as the headquarters of Excellerate.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
GALE KLAPPA has served as chairman of the WEC Energy Group board since 2019. The Milwaukee-based energy company has 7,000 employees, reported $8.8 billion in revenue in 2023, and serves nearly 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. Klappa previously led WEC Energy Group as CEO, including during its acquisition of Integrys Energy Group in 2015. He serves on the board of Associated Bank, is co-chair of the Milwaukee 7 and serves on the UWM School of Business Advisory Council. He also owns a minority interest in the Milwaukee Bucks.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Become a great listener. Set clear, measurable goals for yourself and your team. Be calm and transparent through the ups and downs. And communicate, communicate, communicate.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “It’s a three-way tie between the Milwaukee lakefront, Fiserv Forum and Lambeau Field.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Very simply: Have you left a place better than you found it?”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Ronald Reagan. He was elected president at a time of great turmoil. His leadership and policies led to an end of the Cold War and ushered in an era of progress and prosperity in the U.S. He is still known today as the ‘Great Communicator.’”
Scott Lauber
PRESIDENT AND CEO
WEC ENERGY GROUP | MILWAUKEE
SCOTT LAUBER is president and CEO of WEC Energy Group, one of the largest public companies in Wisconsin. WEC provides electricity and natural gas to 4.4 million customers through its subsidiaries: Milwaukee-based We Energies, Madison-based Wisconsin Public Service, Michigan Gas Utilities, Upper Michigan Energy Resources, Minnesota Energy and Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The company has about 7,000 employees and reported revenue of $8.8 billion in 2023. Lauber has been with WEC since 1990. Lauber is also on the board of directors of American Transmission Co.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Integrity and motivation to drive for results.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The utility industry is at the beginning of an era of growth not seen for decades. We are delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy to our customers. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building and maintaining safe, resilient infrastructure. And powering the future of everything from AI and electric vehicles to advanced manufacturing and small businesses.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “A brandy old fashioned; I am from Wisconsin.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “When everything around you grows and gets better – the company, employees and community.”
Teresa Mogensen
CHAIR, PRESIDENT AND CEO
ATC | PEWAUKEE
TERESA MOGENSEN is chair of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer at ATC, a Pewaukee-based utility that owns and operates more than 10,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines across Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Mogensen returned to ATC (formerly known as American Transmission Co.) as president and CEO in August 2023 after previously working for the company from 2000 to 2007 in a variety of leadership roles. Mogensen was also named chair of the ATC board of directors in January 2024. ATC has more than 500 employees across its four office locations in Wisconsin and Michigan, and it has more than 5 million customers.
Between her stints at ATC, Mogensen was senior vice president, energy supply at Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, where she was responsible for a generation fleet of more than 80 power plants that produced more than 20,000 megawatts of electric power for 3.7 million customers across eight states.
She also serves on the boards of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Edison Electric Institute. She chairs the North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s Reliability Issues Steering Committee and serves on the Executive Advisory Committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power Engineering Society.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
Summer Strand
CHAIRPERSON
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN MADISON
SUMMER STRAND was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2023 for a six-year term, and in January 2024, she was appointed chairperson of the commission. Prior to joining the PSC, an independent agency that regulates public utilities in the state, Strand was the director of government affairs for the Walbec Group, a Pewaukeebased family of companies that specializes in transportation infrastructure design and construction.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My parents took my brother and me to see the Grateful Dead at Soldier Field in July 1995, which turned out to be their last shows ever because Jerry Garcia died a month later. So that is a great core memory, but also bittersweet. The two most recent were The War on Drugs and Zach Bryan.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “At home, I like to make sort of a no-frills variation of an unsweetened old fashioned – lots of ice, a couple shots of bourbon, a splash of club soda, and an orange wedge. I need to come up with a name for it.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “More current than historical: Michelle Obama.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “While I love spending time with my kids, once they’re on the bus to school in the morning, I get a lot done from 7:10-9 a.m.”
Congratulations!
We are proud to congratulate Gale Klappa and Scott Lauber on being named to Wisconsin 275 — BizTimes Media’s list of most influential people. With a mission to provide affordable, reliable and clean energy, you are helping to build a bright, sustainable future.
Thank you for the outstanding leadership you bring in guiding WEC Energy Group’s pursuit of excellence.
Jackie Q. Carter DIRECTOR
PORT MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE
JACKIE Q. CARTER was selected in early 2023 by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson as director of Port Milwaukee. In her role, Carter directs commercial and recreational operations at the city’s municipal port and oversees a staff of 21. She also works with business owners and government leaders to increase local and regional trade through maritime commerce. Prior to joining the port, she worked in the local nonprofit and public sector for more than 20 years.
EDUCATION: Associate, Milwaukee Area Technical College; bachelor’s, Alverno College; MBA, Concordia University
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Coming to America.’ It reminds me of summers at Grandma’s house. I watched it at least once a week with my siblings and cousins. We could recite it word for word. More recent faves: ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Inside Out 2.’”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “The early morning, when it’s quiet before meetings and pop-in conversations.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would travel back to 1970 to have conversations with family elders who passed away before I was born. I would ask them about their life, their parents and grandparents. I would get information I need to fill in my family tree beyond my great grandparents. I would better understand my family’s history to redirect our legacy.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Perspective is the most valuable thing any of us can bring, and it’s the one thing that no one else in the room will ever have.”
Christopher DeLong
PRESIDENT
THE DELONG CO. INC. | CLINTON
CHRISTOPHER DELONG represents the sixth generation of family leadership at The DeLong Co. Inc. He has been with the Clinton-based agricultural and logistics company since 2011 and in 2023 was named president. The largest U.S. exporter of agricultural products via shipping containers, The DeLong Co. reports $1.8 billion in annual revenue. The company comprises six divisions of agricultural and logistical sales and services; it has 38 locations, subsidiaries around the U.S. and 550 employees. In 2023, The Delong Co. developed a new $40 million shipping facility for agricultural products at Port Milwaukee, expected to generate $63 million in statewide economic impact each year. DeLong serves on the Federal Reserve Beige Book advisory board and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Organic advisory board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, Sacred Heart University
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “1. Grit, 2. Intelligence, 3. Ability to work with people, 4. Compatibility with agriculture.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Charlie Munger and Ben Franklin. Both encompassed a lifetime goal of continually learning and bettering oneself.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Expectation of a higher level of service and efficiency.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “A happy, healthy and well-provided for family.”
Brian Dranzik DIRECTOR
MILWAUKEE MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | MILWAUKEE
SINCE BEING APPOINTED director of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in 2017, Brian Dranzik has led the airport through pandemic headwinds, the ensuing rebound of air travel and the massive influx of visitors to Milwaukee during the 2024 Republican National Convention. Also under his leadership, the airport has added service and revamped its retail and dining options. In summer 2024, county officials announced the revival of previous plans to develop an international terminal that would replace the longvacant Concourse E at the airport.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Morning. Walking through the airport seeing people off to wherever they are going reminds me of why we do what we do.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Negotiating a long-term lease agreement with the airlines, providing stability for the airport and airlines.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would probably go back to a time when my family immigrated to the U.S. to talk to them and ask them what that was like. I cannot imagine doing something like that.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Aviation is in recovery with room for growth.”
KIMBERLY JONES is director of the Dane County Airport, the thirdlargest full-time employer in Dane County. Jones has oversight of the airport’s finances and operations, including its 4,000 employees.
The airport generates an economic impact of over $600 million annually. According to the airport, nearly 6,500 workers are employed in the county as a result of airport operations and facilities use, generating over $140 million in wages to airportrelated workers and $82 million in secondary wages paid to workers throughout the county.
Under Jones’ leadership, the airport completed an $85 million expansion of its south terminal in 2023, adding 90,000 square feet to the terminal. The airport saw nearly 1.1 million passengers in 2023, its third-busiest year in its history, and the airport has seen recent growth in commercial airline partnerships.
Jones has worked for the airport since 2004, was named its deputy director of finance and administration in 2011 and was selected as its director in 2018. Earlier in her career, Jones worked for the Des Moines International Airport.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Drake University
Kimberly Jones DIRECTOR
DANE COUNTY AIRPORT MADISON
Rick Roehl CEO
ROEHL TRANSPORT | MARSHFIELD
RICK ROEHL leads Marshfieldbased Roehl Transport, a family-owned multi-modal carrier. Roehl Transport is one of the 100 largest trucking companies in the nation, with more than 1,900 tractors and 5,200 trailers and annual revenues approaching $500 million. It employs more than 2,400 drivers. Roehl’s transportation services include dry van, flatbed and specialized, curtainside and refrigerated van. In addition to Marshfield, the company has terminal locations in Appleton, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Iron Mountain (Michigan), Phoenix and drop yards in many other locations. Roehl’s father, Everett Roehl, founded the company with a single truck in 1962. Beginning his career as a truck driver, Rick Roehl held several jobs within the family firm before becoming chief executive officer, including fleet manager, load planner and other roles. Roehl maintains his Class A CDL and continues to get behind the wheel.
EDUCATION: Associate, Northcentral Technical College
Mark Rourke
PRESIDENT AND CEO
SCHNEIDER NATIONAL | ASHWAUBENON
MARK ROURKE has led Schneider National, a provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, since 2019. The company has about 17,300 employees and reports $5.5 billion in annual operating revenues. With a fleet of about 10,600 tractors and 47,300 trailers, the company manages about $2.4 billion in third-party freight annually.
Under Rourke’s leadership, the company acquired Ohiobased carrier Midwest Logistics Systems (a $263 million deal) and Blenker, Wisconsin-based deBoer Transportation in 2022. In 2023, the company acquired Massachusetts-based M&M Transport Services LLC, a deal that Schneider said placed it “on a glide path” toward $1.5 billion in annual dedicated contract revenues and 6,500 dedicated tractors in service to its customers.
Rourke serves on the board of directors for the Green Bay Packers, The Shyft Group and the Trucking Alliance. He joined the company in 1987 as a service team leader, and held various leadership roles, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, before being named president and chief executive officer.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Akron
MOVING TO DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
In spring 2025, our company returns to our roots in downtown Milwaukee. We are proud to be part of our city’s growing business community and look forward to moving into our new global headquarters at the Enerpac Center.
Health care
44 Andrabi, Dr. Imran
44 Finley-Hazle, Gabrielle
45 Heywood, Matt
45 Hoerneman, Dr. Brian
46 Jackson, Daniel
46 Kaplan, Dr. Alan
46 Miskel, Chris
46 Peri, Gil
47 Rathgaber, Dr. Scott
47 Raymond Sr., Dr. John
Dr. Imran Andrabi PRESIDENT AND CEO
FROEDTERT THEDACARE HEALTH INC.
WAUWATOSA
DR. IMRAN ANDRABI was appointed president of the newly combined Froedtert ThedaCare in January 2024, and six months later became chief executive officer of the Wauwatosabased health system. Froedtert
ThedaCare has more than 22,000 employees, 3,400 providers, 18 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations.
Previously, Andrabi led ThedaCare as president and CEO. Under his leadership, ThedaCare completed a $100 million project to modernize its legacy hospital in Neenah with its Level 2 Trauma Center and ThedaStar Air Medical system; built a new Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center in Appleton; and built a new emergency department in Berlin. Prior to joining ThedaCare in 2017, Andrabi was president and CEO of Mercy Health in Toledo, Ohio.
EDUCATION: M.D., King Edward Medical College in Pakistan; pre-medicine studies, F.G. Sir Syed College
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a singer and have been a vocalist in a band in a past life. Long time ago.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Values, principles, fit and mindset.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “We are a best kept secret, and we need to talk about it more so we can attract the right businesses and people to our state and continue to make it a healthy, highquality, vibrant state in the future.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Top Gun.’ I love flying. I grew up as an Air Force brat. Love fighter jets.”
Gabrielle Finley-Hazle PRESIDENT
AURORA HEALTH CARE | MILWAUKEE
GABRIELLE FINLEY-HAZLE became president of Aurora Health Care in late 2023. A subsidiary of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, Aurora Health is the largest health care system in Wisconsin and the state’s largest private employer, with about 42,000 employees. Finley-Hazle oversees 18 hospitals and 300 sites of care across the state. Previously, she was market president and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona Central and West Valley Markets in the Southwest Division of CommonSpirit Health. She is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and a board member for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee World Festival.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Cornell University WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Be an owner of an NBA team and the owner of a private equity firm.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “People are surprised to learn that I ran a marathon in Alaska to raise money for cancer patients, but I love to dance so that’s probably my true hidden talent.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Make sure you know the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and it’s important to have both.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer and an inspiration for so many women, including myself. She was the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. ambassador, the first Black woman to become the dean of a law school, the first Black woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the first African American to be named health and human services secretary.”
Helping the people of Wisconsin live their unique, best lives
As a newly combined health system, Froedtert ThedaCare Health is building a better future for the people of Wisconsin, and beyond. From rural to suburban and urban communities, we are connecting people to the right care, at the right time and place. We are building healthier communities through our commitment to exceptional safety, reliability, equity, coordination of care and accessibility for everyone. By innovating, listening and responding to the needs of our diverse communities, we will help people live their unique, best lives.
Matt Heywood PRESIDENT AND CEO ASPIRUS HEALTH | WAUSAU
UNDER MATT HEYWOOD’S leadership since 2013, Wausau-based Aspirus Health has grown from a $600 million to $2.5 billion health system, thanks largely to its aggressive M&A strategy.
Today, Aspirus includes 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations throughout Wisconsin, northeastern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It employs nearly 14,000 people, including 1,300 physicians and advanced practice clinicians.
Aspirus has enveloped several health systems in recent years. It acquired Portage-based Divine Savior Healthcare in 2019, creating a $1.4 billion combined health system. Aspirus then brought seven former Ascension hospitals, 21 physician clinics and air and ground medical transport services into its system in 2021. Earlier in 2024, Aspirus acquired Duluth, Minnesota-based St. Luke’s, a two-hospital health system with about $560 million in annual revenue.
Heywood has nearly 30 years of business and health care leadership experience. Before joining Aspirus, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of New Hanover Health Network in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Heywood currently serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, YMCA Foundation, Northcentral Technical College Foundation and Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Dartmouth College; MBA, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business
Dr. Brian Hoerneman
INTERIM CEO
MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM
MARSHFIELD
EMERGENCY MEDICINE SPECIALIST Dr. Brian Hoerneman has served as interim chief executive officer of Marshfield Clinic Health System since September 2023, following the departure of former CEO, Dr. Susan Turney.
Marshfield Clinic operates more than 60 clinic sites, 11 hospitals, a children’s hospital, a research institute and the Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. It has more than 1,400 providers across Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Under his leadership, the health system has pursued a merger with Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Sanford Health, a deal that is expected to close by the end of 2024. When combined, they will form a 56-hospital, $10 billion health system with nearly 56,000 employees. Under the deal, Sanford Health will become the parent company, with Marshfield Clinic becoming a region within Sanford Health. Hoerneman would serve as president and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic Health System region. Earlier, Marshfield Clinic explored a merger with Essentia Health but called off those talks in January 2024.
EDUCATION: M.D., University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Daniel Jackson
MINISTRY MARKET CEO
ASCENSION WISCONSIN | GLENDALE
AS THE HEAD of Ascension’s Wisconsin market, Daniel Jackson oversees 10 hospital campuses, more than 100 health care facilities and 10,000 employees. Jackson joined Ascension Wisconsin in 2023 as interim president and CEO of Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee campus. He then was named ministry market CEO of Ascension Wisconsin later that year. Previously, Jackson was CEO of Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital, part of Tenet Healthcare, and prior to that, was chief administrative officer at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center South.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Morehouse College; master’s Meharry Medical College
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “The organizational response to the cyberattack Ascension suffered in May this year. Despite an unfortunate set of circumstances, the team demonstrated resilience and creativity while working in compromised circumstances and without the usual tools.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I have two teenage boys. I’m always seeking to understand what’s hip and new from their perspective.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “No day is ever the same. Every day has its own set of challenges and nuances, and I appreciate and embrace that wholeheartedly.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I’d love to make sure the temperature never drops below zero.”
Chris Miskel
PRESIDENT
AND CEO
VERSITI | MILWAUKEE
Dr. Alan Kaplan CEO
UW HEALTH | MADISON
DR. ALAN KAPLAN is chief executive officer of UW Health, a multi-state academic health system affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The system comprises six hospitals in Wisconsin and Illinois and serves 800,000 patients annually. With more than 1,800 faculty physicians and 24,000 total employees, the health system is one of Dane County’s largest employers.
In October, UW Health opened its new Eastpark Medical Center, the largest ambulatory medical center to open in the U.S. this year. The 475,000-square-foot, seven-story facility offers more than 40 types of specialty care, including integrated specialized care for women, and is one of the first facilities in the world to offer upright proton therapy.
Under his leadership, UW Health entered a joint operating agreement with UnityPoint Health-Meriter in 2017.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; M.D., Rush Medical College; master’s, Carnegie Mellon University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Tumultuous. Demand will continue to rise as the baby boomers age. At the same time, we have significant headwinds including financial challenges, workforce shortages and growing pharmaceutical costs.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Small town and rural dinner clubs.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Always consider feedback as a gift. Use it to build self-awareness and improve your leadership skills.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Country music. I like the stories, messages and clever lyrics. One of my favorite lyrics: ‘If you don’t lie about me, I won’t tell the truth about you.’”
CHRIS MISKEL has led Milwaukee-based blood health organization Versiti since 2017. Under his leadership, Versiti has made a series of acquisitions, including life sciences consulting firm Pearl Pathways, specialty lab Quantigen, Missouri-based Ethical and Independent Review Services and Texasbased Cenetron Central Laboratories and Salus IRB. The organization also established a partnership with the Ohio State University, making Ohio the fifth state where it operates blood collection and distribution centers. Versiti reports more than $418 million in annual revenue and has more than 2,300 employees. Miskel serves on the board of his alma mater, Butler University, and on the Medical College of Wisconsin board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Butler University; MBA, Harvard Business School
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “My paternal grandmother died when my dad was two years old. It would be amazing to go back and spend time with her and learn more about her journey.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “After my time on the basketball team at Butler University, I passed on pursuing an overseas basketball career and took a safer path in the corporate world. In retrospect, it would have been great to delay that by a couple of years and try to make it as a professional athlete.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Carnevor.” (restaurant in downtown Milwaukee)
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “WIAA, please put a shot clock in high school basketball!”
Gil Peri
PRESIDENT AND CEO
CHILDREN’S WISCONSIN | WAUWATOSA IN AUGUST 2024, Gil Peri became president and chief executive officer of Children’s Wisconsin, the largest nonprofit, community-based agency serving children in Wisconsin and the only nonprofit, independent children’s hospital in the state. The 6,600-employee organization offers pediatric specialties and subspecialties to infants, children, teens and young adults. The system operates a 298-bed hospital in Wauwatosa – a Level 1 children’s surgery center and trauma center – and a 42-bed hospital in the Fox Valley, along with clinics across the state. Its research institute has more than 1,000 active clinical studies and nearly $30 million in external funding. Previously, Peri was president of Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis, a 485-bed children’s health system that is part of Indiana University Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, master’s and MBA, University of South Florida
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Health care will continue to utilize analytics, AI and digital technology to enable teams to best serve patients and the community. There will be a shift to proactive prevention to drive better outcomes.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘E.T.’ The power of connection.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First was Michael Jackson and most recent was Imagine Dragons.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Member of the 1992 Dream Team (basketball).”
Dr. Scott Rathgaber CEO
EMPLIFY HEALTH | GREEN BAY AND LA CROSSE
DR. SCOTT RATHGABER is chief executive officer of Emplify Health. He was CEO of La Crossebased Gundersen Health System from 2015 until the health system merged with Green Baybased Bellin Health and adopted the name Emplify in late 2022. The health system has about 15,000 employees and operates 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan and Iowa. Rathgaber joined Gundersen Health System gastroenterology in 1998 and became gastroenterology section chief in 2005 before being appointed medical vice president in 2012.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Wabash College; master’s, Viterbo University; M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Successfully integrating two enduring legacy health systems in a true merger of equals to better serve our communities bringing care close to home.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I pray our elected officials would come together in more constructive conversations and a spirit of compromise to continue the support of thriving communities and the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Wisconsin.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I would like to learn to play the ukelele.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Work-life balance. Work is part of life, not in opposition to life. I prefer ‘life balance.’”
Dr. John Raymond Sr.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN | WAUWATOSA
UNDER DR. JOHN R. RAYMOND SR.’S LEADERSHIP, the Medical College of Wisconsin has opened two regional campuses, launched a pharmacy school and carried out a partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Royal Capital Group to address social determinants of health. With an operating budget of $1.65 billion and roughly 7,300 faculty and staff, MCW is the fifth largest private employer in metro Milwaukee. The school makes a significant impact on the workforce, with half of the physicians practicing in Wisconsin being an alumnus of MCW or its residency programs.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and M.D., The Ohio State University
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Astrophysics. I am a big fan of hard science fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by the inner working of the universe that underpins our reality.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “We reduced incentive payouts one year during a financial challenge, which resulted in long-lasting resentment. The rationale for the decision was sound, but it was not adequately socialized. I learned that people feel institutional decisions at a very personal level, and that we did not adequately connect the financial intervention to preserving the essential work of those who were affected.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “July 20, 1969, to be there again for the Apollo 11 mission, the first moon landing.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Diet Coke.”
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HOSPITALITY, ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM
entertainment, Restaurants, sports, tourism
entertainment
52 Bauman, Chad
52 Black, Shari
52 Brooks, Marty
52 Conway, Michael
53 Crawford, James
53 Greendeer, Jon
53 Hill, Tehassi
53 Kakkak, Gena
54 Marcus, Greg
54 Niehaus, Mark
54 Ortiz, Dominic
54 Pancheri, Sarah
56 Plant, Joel
56 Van Laanen, Maria
56 Witt, Gary
56 Zimmerman, Mike
Restaurants
57 Bartolotta, Paul
57 Culver, Craig
57 Shaikh, Omar
57 Specht, Chrstine
Sports
58 Feigin, Peter
58 Murphy, Mark
58 Schlesinger, Rick
58 Ziegler, Andy
tourism
59 Censky, Ellen
59 Nelson, Todd
59 Ø verland, Christian
59 Polednik, Marcelle
59 Williams-Smith, Peggy
Chad Bauman EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER | MILWAUKEE
CHAD BAUMAN has served as executive director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater since 2013. Under his leadership, the theater has experienced significant growth and worked to solidify its financial footing by eliminating its debt, nearly doubling its endowment, and achieving annual operating surpluses. The theater’s net assets have also grown from $19 million to $84 million, and the organization has raised $100 million through three capital campaigns. The theater is in the process of constructing the new Associated Bank Theater Center. Bauman is president of the Milwaukee Arts Partners board and a board member of Pathways High School, ImagineMKE and AFS Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Missouri State University; master’s, CalArts; doctoral in education (in process), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Completing the design of the Associated Bank Theater Center and raising nearly all of the $78 million necessary to create Wisconsin’s best new performing arts center set to open in 2025.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Wisconsin is the worst state in the nation for government support of the arts. To ensure the future of our cultural assets, that must change.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Extra dirty vodka martini with three blue cheese olives.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Surfing. Riding such huge waves in the most beautiful locations in the world without dying. What could be better?”
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Carroll University
Shari Black
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK | WEST ALLIS
SHARI BLACK serves as executive director and chief executive officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she oversees a staff of nearly 100 year-round employees and about 1,600 part-time and seasonal employees. Under her leadership, the fair set a new attendance record with 1,136,805 visitors over its 11-day run in 2024. She joined the State Fair in 2016 as event services director and was later named chief programming officer. Previously, she worked for the Waukesha County Fair Association for nearly 20 years, including 15 years as executive director.
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “I see the future of our industry growing. Fairs have always been a place to showcase innovation, and I see that continuing, especially in agriculture. We now know how to grow crops indoors.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Margaret Thatcher. She was a remarkable woman. My favorite quote is by her, ‘If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.’”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert was Alabama at Wisconsin State Fair and most recent concert was Kenny Chesney at Am Fam Field (Kenny was good, but I was really there to see Zac Brown).”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Top Gun’ 1 and 2. Do I really need to explain why?”
Marty Brooks
PRESIDENT AND CEO
WISCONSIN CENTER DISTRICT
MILWAUKEE
MARTY BROOKS leads the Wisconsin Center District, owner and operator of high-profile Milwaukee venues including the Baird Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. The WCD completed a $456 million expansion of the Baird Center, downtown Milwaukee’s convention and exhibition center, in 2024, just in time for the Republican National Convention. The project – which added a 300,000-square-foot exposition hall, 52 meeting rooms and a rooftop ballroom, among other enhancements – doubled the center’s footprint. Previously, Brooks managed venues in St. Louis and held senior roles at Madison Square Garden. He serves on the boards of Westown Association, VISIT Milwaukee and the downtown Milwaukee business improvement district.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Maryland
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “The patience to assemble large, intricate LEGO projects.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would spend time with both of my parents the day they passed away. I was not with either of them when they passed and was unable to express my love and appreciation to them. I miss them deeply and would gladly take one day to go back in time for that.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Being in the live events industry means a lot of things happen in our venues during evening hours. I love it first thing in the morning when I can check my email and see what has happened since I went to bed.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The Third Ward and the lakefront.”
Michael Conway CO-CEO AND COO OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS | MADISON
MICHAEL CONWAY joined Overture Center for the Arts’ executive leadership team in late 2022 as chief operating officer. Overture Center, a nonprofit arts organization and performance venue located on State Street in downtown Madison, hosts roughly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences annually and houses the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Ballet, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Madison Opera. It also hosts residencies with Forward Theater Company, Kanopy Dance Company, Li Chiao-Ping Dance, Children’s Theater of Madison and the James Watrous Gallery. Previously, Conway was general manager at Live Nation in Indianapolis, where he had oversight of the organization’s club-sized venue Old National Centre, and held operations roles at Second City in Chicago.
EDUCATION: Loyola University Chicago and Columbia College Chicago
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I wish I had taken the opportunity to work at different venues earlier in my career. Staying in familiar environments felt safe, but moving to new venues later taught me the value of embracing change. I’ve learned that growth comes not just from timing, but from being willing to step into new opportunities.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “The state government’s funding for the arts. Currently, Wisconsin ranks last among all 50 states in arts funding, spending only 18 cents per capita.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The entire Driftless region.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Hard stop.”
James Crawford
CHAIRMAN
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY | CRANDON
JAMES CRAWFORD is chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the largest employer in Forest County and a significant employer in Milwaukee County. The tribe owns Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, which attracts about 6 million visitors annually.
FCPC also owns Potawatomi Business Development Corp., its capital investment and real estate arm based in Milwaukee, and Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Carter, Wisconsin.
FCPC owns nearly 400 acres of land in Kenosha County, including 240 acres at the former Dairyland Greyhound Park, where construction is underway on a business park, and 128 acres at LakeView Corporate Park along I-94 in Pleasant Prairie.
Across its enterprises, FCPC employs about 2,700 people, 60% of whom are non-native and about 1,900 of whom work in Milwaukee County.
As chairman, Crawford works with the six-person executive council to manage the economy of the tribe, govern its administration and handle all agreements with local, state and federal governments. Previously, Crawford was vice-chairman of the tribe and CEO of the Potawatomi Community Development Corp. Crawford delivered an address during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, York College
Tehassi Hill
CHAIRMAN
ONEIDA NATION | ONEIDA
TEHASSI HILL is serving his third term as chairman for Oneida Nation, the fifth largest employer in Brown County and 14th largest in Outagamie County, employing roughly 3,085 people. The federally recognized tribe has more than 16,567 members. Its reservation, located in Brown and Outagamie counties, totals 65,400 acres. The tribe owns Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay. In 2024, the Oneida Hotel and Oneida Casino completed a consolidation, through which the hotel was brought under the Oneida Gaming umbrella and rebranded from Radisson to Oneida.
Other business enterprises include Oneida One Stops (retail convenience stores), Thornberry Creek at Oneida (golf course), Tsyunhehkwa Retail (grocery store), Oneida Apple Orchards/Farm (agriculture and Black Angus cattle farming), Oneida Seven Generations Corp. (property management/real estate development), Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (environmental and civil engineering) and Bay Bank.
Hill serves on the board of directors for the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, a consortium of 11 tribes in Wisconsin. Hill also serves on the Natural Resources Damage Trustee Council and is a designee to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Tribal Operating Committee.
EDUCATION: Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
PRESIDENT HO-CHUNK NATION | BLACK RIVER FALLS
JON GREENDEER has twice been elected president of the Ho-Chunk Nation, once in 2011 and again in 2023. With more than 6,500 members, the Black River Falls-based nation is the largest employer in both Sauk and Jackson counties, employing roughly 3,100. The Ho-Chunk Nation owns and operates six casinos across the state, located in Black River Falls, Baraboo, Madison, Nekoosa, Tomah and Wittenberg, as well as several restaurants, hotels and gas stations. Construction on its seventh casino, a $405 million gaming center in Beloit, is underway. The 240,478-square-foot casino will be the second largest casino in the state, with 1,800 slot machines, 44 table games, a sportsbook, four restaurants and a casino bar. The project broke ground in October 2024 and is expected to open in 2026. A second phase of construction will include a 312-room hotel and conference center.
After Greendeer’s initial term, which ended in 2015, he served the Ho-Chunk Nation in various capacities including as its health and wellness coordinator and as executive director of Heritage Preservation. He is now serving his second four-year term as president.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Gena Kakkak
CHAIRPERSON
MENOMINEE INDIAN TRIBE OF WISCONSIN | KESHENA
GENA KAKKAK is chairperson of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, a federally recognized tribe based in the village of Keshena with about 8,720 members. The Menominee Indian Tribe is the largest employer in Menominee County, employing about 700 people. Its chartered businesses include Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena, forest management business Menominee Tribal Enterprises in Neopit, Menominee Indian Economic Development Authority and Kenosha Gaming Authority.
The tribe is currently working with Hard Rock International to develop a casino and entertainment center on a 60-acre site in Kenosha. The $360 million project is expected to create 1,000 jobs. When completed, the development – which will include a casino, 150room hotel, Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, six new restaurants and other amenities – is projected to attract an estimated 2.4 million guests and visitors annually to the area, including many out-of-state residents.
In October 2024, Kakkak was one of six tribal leaders to accompany President Joe Biden on Air Force One when he flew to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to issue an apology for the country’s historic role in forcing indigenous children into boarding schools.
Jon Greendeer
Greg Marcus
PRESIDENT AND CEO
THE MARCUS CORP. | MILWAUKEE
GREG MARCUS is chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corp., a Milwaukee-based movie theater and lodging business. Representing the third generation of family leadership, Marcus succeeded his father, Stephen Marcus, as president in 2008 and as chief executive officer in 2009. He was elected chairman of the board in 2023. Marcus is among the more visible leaders in the Milwaukee community, thanks in part to his appearances in pre-movie commercials at Marcus theaters, as well as his extensive civic involvement. He serves as a director for the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Milwaukee Jewish Community Foundation, United Performing Arts Fund and Wisconsin Center District, among other organizations.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Indiana University; J.D., Boston University School of Law
FAVORITE MOVIE: “I see a lot of movies, but I would say my favorite drama is ‘North by Northwest.’ It was just a perfectly crafted suspense film. My favorite comedy is ‘Blazing Saddles.’ It is just brilliant.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “ESPN radio.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “‘Opportunity’ as a substitute for ‘problem.’”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I’m a night owl. I like the quiet of post 10 p.m. That is when I get going.”
Dominic Ortiz
CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER
POTAWATOMI CASINOS & HOTELS
MILWAUKEE, CARTER
DOMINIC ORTIZ was named chief executive officer and general manager of Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels in 2021. Since then, he has led the casino through reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic and championed and executed on a $190 million master plan to upgrade and modernize Potawatomi’s Milwaukee casino offerings. A top employer in Milwaukee, Potawatomi has more than 2,400 employees.
Earlier this year, the Milwaukee casino opened a new 200-seat, Las Vegas-style retail sportsbook, which replaced the 500-seat Northern Lights Theater and the Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill. With capacity for nearly 420 people, it is the largest retail sports betting venue in the Midwest.
In September, the casino reported recovery in its gaming revenues, reporting a net win of $430 million for the first time since 2019. That figure represents the amount the house gains from gamblers at table games, sports betting and the casino’s 3,000 slot machines.
The casino’s signature charity program, Heart of Canal Street, has awarded more than $21 million in donations to nearly 350 children’s charities since its inception.
An enrolled member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas, Ortiz previously served as chief financial officer of Soaring Eagle Gaming Properties and Corporate Services in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He also previously worked in casinos in Kansas and Texas.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Kansas
Mark Niehaus
PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MILWAUKEE
MARK NIEHAUS has led the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since 2012. The largest cultural institution in Wisconsin, the MSO employs 83 fulltime professional musicians, who perform more than 130 classics, pops, family, education and community concerts each season. The orchestra generates an estimated $44 million in economic activity each year.
Under his leadership, the MSO completed a years-long project in 2021 to restore and renovate the Warner Grand Theatre in downtown Milwaukee to become the Bradley Symphony Center. The $89 million project has catalyzed further development on West Wisconsin Avenue.
MSO serves 30,000 children and their families through its Arts in Community Education program, youth and teen concerts, family series and Meet the Music pre-concert talks. The ACE program provides arts education amid budget cuts that have eliminated programming in schools.
Niehaus previously was principal trumpet of MSO from 1998 until his appointment as president and executive director. He started his career at age 18 while a freshman at The Juilliard School as he played principal trumpet for the New Haven Symphony.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, The Juilliard School
Sarah Pancheri
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MILWAUKEE WORLD FESTIVAL | MILWAUKEE
SARAH PANCHERI took the helm of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., the nonprofit producer of Summerfest and manager of the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park, in early 2024. This year, the organization hosted nearly 60 events, including Summerfest, Milwaukee’s various ethnic festivals and other live entertainment. The year prior, events held on the park grounds generated $318 million in economic impact to the state and $22.4 million in state and local taxes and supported 4,700 jobs, according to MWF. Pancheri previously served as vice president of sales and marketing for MWF until her promotion to president in 2022 and CEO in 2024, succeeding the organization’s longtime, high-profile leader Don Smiley. She also previously held fundraising and development roles at Marquette University and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. She currently chairs the VISIT Milwaukee board and serves on the boards of the Sponsorship Marketing Association, Milwaukee School of Art & Design and the Historic Third Ward Association.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Keep a diary of important decisions, with a focus on your individual process.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “Pickleball.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “Any movie by John Hughes, including ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘The Great Outdoors,’ etc.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “One of my first concerts was Boy George at MECCA. My most recent was Pitbull at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Both were excellent!”
MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS LEADERS IN WISCONSIN
As part of their prestigious Wisconsin 275 accolade, BizTimes Media has recognized both the Chairman of Forest County Potawatomi, James Crawford and Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s CEO Dominic Ortiz, as two of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders in 2024.
CHAIRMAN OF FOREST COUNTY
DOMINIC ORTIZ
CEO/GM | POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL
Their vision and leadership has enacted immense change across Potawatomi’s properties, positioning the Forest County Potawatomi Community for further growth and success.
The Wisconsin 275 publication highlights the 275 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state as selected by BizTimes Media editors and staff.
JAMES CRAWFORD
POTAWATOMI
hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism | Entertainment
Joel Plant CEO FRANK PRODUCTIONS | MADISON
JOEL PLANT is chief executive officer of Madison-based Frank Productions, one of the largest concert promotion companies in the country. Frank Productions has a national footprint, producing and promoting events in arenas, performing arts centers, theaters, clubs and other venues across the U.S. The company manages Madison-based FPC Live and Nashvillebased National Shows 2, and it has offices and venues in Madison; Nashville; Columbia, Missouri; and Charleston, South Carolina.
FPC Live is currently developing a 4,500-spectator capacity venue in Milwaukee, south of Fiserv Forum in Deer District, on the northeast corner of the vacant lot once occupied by the Bradley Center. The $70 million venue is expected to open in late 2025.
Plant was previously chief of staff in the Milwaukee Police Department, an aide to former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz – a role in which he was responsible for public safety and neighborhood issues – and Madison’s first alcohol policy coordinator. While working in the mayor’s office, Plant helped develop downtown Madison’s annual Freakfest celebration, which served as his introduction to Frank Productions.
Plant has also worked as a research assistant for the Center for ProblemOriented Policing, a crime analyst in the Tempe (Arizona) Police Department and a teaching assistant and adjunct professor. He also has criminal prosecution experience.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, Arizona State University; J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Maria Van Laanen
PRESIDENT AND CEO
FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
APPLETON
MARIA VAN LAANEN has led the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center since 2014. The downtown Appleton performance venue hosts more than 350 events annually, generating roughly $17.9 million in economic activity each season. The space includes a 2,100-seat opera-style theater, a 350-seat black box-style theater and a 75-person private function space. Van Laanen is a Tony voting member of The Broadway League, where she is a member of their board of governors and various committees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of WisconsinGreen Bay
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “People say it all the time: Make sure that you always surround yourself with people smarter than you, and don’t be afraid to listen to them. And always remain humble and curious. There’s always more to learn.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “My favorite, favorite thing is the moment when you can feel the audience – who comes in as a collection of individuals – switch into a collective, sharing an experience. I love experiencing that, when that flip happens.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “I think the most powerful thing about the industry and what we do with live performing arts is our ability to transcend the things that separate us and find the things that connect us.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “For me, it is having that deep-seated inner joy, and part of that comes from knowing that every day you’re doing your best and that you are going through life with integrity, and you’re allowed to do that.”
Gary Witt
PRESIDENT AND CEO
PABST THEATER GROUP | MILWAUKEE
GARY WITT has led the Pabst Theater, a 1,339-capacity concert venue in downtown Milwaukee, since 2002. The Pabst Theater Group’s portfolio has since grown to include the 2,450-capacity Riverside Theater, 1,000-capacity Turner Hall Ballroom and the 450-capacity Vivarium, along with The Fitzgerald wedding venue. The group books, markets and hosts more than 800 live performances annually at its own venues as well as Fiserv Forum, the Miller High Life Theatre, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Bradley Symphony Center. Beginning with just Witt and chief operating officer Matt Beringer as its sole team members 22 years ago, the company has grown to about 350 employees. PTG contributes more than $250 million to Milwaukee’s economy annually, according to the company. An advocate for music venues and downtown Milwaukee businesses –and not one to shy away from politics – Witt was vocal about what he said was an underwhelming level of ancillary events and economic activity generated during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Mike Zimmerman OWNER AND CEO ROC VENTURES | FRANKLIN SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR Mike Zimmerman might be best known for his sports ventures, including the Rock Sports Complex, Ballpark Commons and professional minor-league baseball team the Milwaukee Milkmen, all based in Franklin.
Zimmerman in 2014 founded ROC Ventures, a private equity fund and holding company for sports, entertainment, hospitality and real estate-oriented projects. His Rock Sports Complex, a sports and entertainment facility that includes a ski hill and several baseball fields, attracts over 2 million visits a year and close to 600,000 unique visitors annually. The adjacent Ballpark Commons includes apartments, commercial space, Luxe Golf Bays and 4,000-seat stadium Franklin Field, home of the Milwaukee Milkmen. Zimmerman founded and owns the baseball team. He also owns professional indoor soccer team the Milwaukee Wave.
Zimmerman was also a co-founder and investor in Nineteen88 Productions, the company behind the Milwaukee Marathon, Run MKE and The Hill Has Eyes.
Since 2004, Zimmerman has owned and operated 30 businesses across the health care, sports and entertainment industries. His former health care companies are now working collectively with over 80% of U.S. hospitals.
Paul Bartolotta
CHEF,
OWNER, CO-FOUNDER
THE BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS | MILWAUKEE
CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR Paul Bartolotta leads The Bartolotta Restaurants, a group of 18 restaurants and catering facilities in the Milwaukee area. The group is known for its Milwaukee fine-dining concepts Bacchus, Lake Park Bistro and Harbor House and the recently opened The Commodore in Lake Country. Across all sites, the group employs 700 people. Bartolotta is a two-time winner and six-time James Beard Award nominee and has worked in kitchens all over the world, from Italy to Paris to New York to Las Vegas. He serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Visit Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
EDUCATION: Graduate of the Restaurant and Hotel Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I would be a cobbler or a bespoke tailor. I love working with my hands and seeing something beautiful be created from start to finish.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “We need more direct flights to and from Milwaukee. Not only because I love to travel, but I want others to be able to see Milwaukee’s beauty.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I have the ability to sense things about people when I first meet them. I can see the good in everyone and can feel the tenderness in people, even when they can’t.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would travel back to any Christmas morning with my family when we lived on 71st Street in Wauwatosa when I was a child. Family means everything to me. And the second day would be my wedding day 25 years ago. Both moments have defined who I am today. “
Omar
Shaikh PARTNER
CARNEVOR; 3RD STREET MARKET HALL
MILWAUKEE
RESTAURATEUR AND DEVELOPER
Omar Shaikh has played an influential role in promoting tourism and economic activity in southeastern Wisconsin. Shaikh leads Carnevor, an upscale steakhouse in Milwaukee’s central business district that has become a go-to spot for highprofile athletes dining downtown. He was also part of the team that redeveloped the former Grand Avenue property on West Wisconsin Avenue, creating the 3rd Street Market Hall and giving new life to the former mall. The new market hall features a variety of food vendors, Topgolf and indoor games. Shaikh is also a partner in O&B Consulting and Tuk Tuk Chicago, a short-distance electric cab service. He previously was board chair for Visit Milwaukee for seven years, serving as a vocal advocate for increasing tourism in southeastern Wisconsin. He is currently a member of the Wisconsin Center District board of directors and worked with state and local officials to develop a financing mechanism to fund the $456 million expansion of the city’s convention center. He was also chairman of the Home Crew Coalition, a community group that worked in 2023 to advacate for upgrades to American Family Field. He also served on the host committee that worked to secure the 2024 Republican National Convention. Shaikh and his wife, Connie, have served as co-chairs for several community fundraisers, including the Harry & Rose Sampson Jewish Community Center’s KidShare and Sharp Literacy’s A Novel Event.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Cardinal Stritch University
Craig Culver CO-FOUNDER
CULVER’S | PRAIRIE DU SAC
CRAIG CULVER and his family opened the first Culver’s in Sauk City in 1987. Three years later, the restaurant’s franchising arm was born. Culver went on to lead the company, from a single restaurant to more than 530 locations and $1 billion in revenue, until 2015. This year, Culver’s is on track to open its 1000th location, with operations in 26 states and more than 45,000 employees. Since retiring as CEO in 2015, Culver has remained involved in the business as board chairman and brand ambassador. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2016.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I still like getting to the office early in the day and grabbing my cup of coffee and greeting the team as they come in. I also greatly enjoy meeting and presenting to the different management and franchise classes that come into the Support Center.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Beefeater or Safire extra dry dirty martini with a lemon twist and stuffed blue cheese olive.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’d like to learn to be a better golfer, so one day I can beat my brother, Curt, and shoot my age. Isn’t going to happen.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I like to cook at home and I’m pretty good at opening the refrigerator door to check out what I could throw together for dinner.”
CEO
COUSINS SUBS MENOMONEE FALLS
CHRISTINE SPECHT leads Cousins Subs, the fast-casual sandwich franchise established by her father, the late William “Bill” Specht, in 1972. The chain operates 95 locations, almost all in Wisconsin, along with two in Indianapolis. Over the past year, Cousins grew its presence in Wisconsin, opening new shops in Appleton, Wausau, Stoughton, Kenosha and Sun Prairie, and reported record sales. Having grown up in the family business, Specht rejoined Cousins as an adult in 2001 and worked her way up to become president and CEO in 2015. She’s driven the company’s growth strategy since narrowing in on the CEO role in 2019.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, American University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Stressed but resilient. Hospitality has been through economic ebbs and flows and while there is always change in industry leaders, as a whole, the restaurant industry will continue to adapt and serve.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I would ensure that every child, whether in a public or private school, receives the education he or she deserves.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I’d go back to around AD 28. It would be pretty cool to hang out with Jesus for a while.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I work in each of our corporate restaurants once per year. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with our store teams, support them and express my gratitude for their daily efforts.”
Christine Specht
hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism | Sports
Peter Feigin PRESIDENT MILWAUKEE BUCKS; FISERV FORUM | MILWAUKEE
OVER THE PAST DECADE, Peter Feigin has led the Milwaukee Bucks to become a top NBA franchise and Fiserv Forum to become a top event venue. Under his leadership, the team has seen substantial increases in attendance, ticket revenue, merchandise revenue, partnership sales and TV viewership. In 2024, Fiserv Forum hosted 40 concerts and more than 140 event nights and gained international attention by hosting the Republican National Convention. Deer District also continues to take shape, with the 2023 opening of The Trade Hotel. Madison-based promoter and venues operator FPC Live, a division of Frank Productions, broke ground in 2024 for a 4,500-person live music venue on North Vel R. Phillips Avenue, at the former site of the Bradley Center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Franklin & Marshall; financial executive program, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Greece to meet Julius Caesar to get his point of view of leadership in ancient culture.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The American Club in Kohler.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Peter Gabriel at Madison Square Garden. My most recent concert was Blink 182 at Fiserv Forum.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Tip-off.”
Rick Schlesinger PRESIDENT – BUSINESS OPERATIONS MILWAUKEE BREWERS | MILWAUKEE
RICK SCHLESINGER is entering his sixth season as president of business operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, with oversight of the team’s finances, human resources, information technology, legal, sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, business analytics, broadcasting, communications, stadium operations and special events. Schlesinger oversaw the deal that granted naming rights for the team’s home to American Family Insurance in 2021. And recently he helped lead the successful effort to secure a lease extension for the Brewers at American Family Field, ensuring the facility will be upgraded and remain the team’s home through at least 2050. Recent investments in the ballpark have included a new main scoreboard and a second digital board in right field, a local food vendor area known as the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex, the J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, and X-Golf. Schlesinger also oversees the team’s Spring Training complex in Phoenix, Arizona, and the business operations of the Carolina Mudcats, the organization’s Low-A affiliate.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Harvard University YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Baseball (assuming it is part of the 2028 Games).”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘The Caine Mutiny.’ I find war movies to be fascinating.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Very positive that we will make progress on improving the macroeconomics of Major League Baseball in partnership with players, owners, fans and partners.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Miller Lite.”
Mark Murphy
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GREEN BAY PACKERS | GREEN BAY
MARK MURPHY is in his 17th and final year as the president and chief executive officer of the Green Bay Packers. Largely under his leadership, the franchise has invested $600 million in Lambeau Field since 2003. The Titletown District, a mixed-use development that came to fruition under Murphy’s leadership, has also performed well commercially and has transformed the area surrounding Lambeau. It was also influential in the league’s awarding of the 2025 NFL Draft to Green Bay. The three-day event in April 2025 is expected to have a statewide economic impact of about $94 million. Murphy will retire in 2025 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Colgate University; MBA, American University; J.D., Georgetown University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Promoting a person who was not respected within the organization. I learned that when you make a mistake, correct it, don’t try to force it.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Vince Lombardi. His success, obviously, but his ability to break down racial biases.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Resist the temptation to make immediate changes. Make sure you know the organization well before you start making changes.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “I worked security at a Rolling Stones concert at Rich Stadium in the 1970s. The most recent one was the Paul McCartney concert at Lambeau Field.”
Andy Ziegler OWNER
ERIN HILLS | TOWN OF ERIN
ANDY ZIEGLER co-founded Milwaukeebased institutional investment management firm Artisan Partners in 1994. He served as managing director and chief executive officer of the firm from its founding through 2010. He served as chairman of the board of directors from 2011 to 2015. In 2023, he retired from the Artisan Partners board.
Prior to founding Artisan Partners, Ziegler was president and chief operating officer of Strong Capital Management and president of the Strong Funds.
In 2009, Ziegler purchased Erin Hills golf course in Washington County from its founder, Bob Lang, for $10.5 million. In 2010, Erin Hills was awarded the 2017 U.S. Open, becoming the first course in Wisconsin to host the championship. Ziegler worked with the U.S. Golf Association to renovate the course in preparation for the event. Other tournaments hosted at Erin Hills have included the 2011 U.S. Amateur and the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.
Erin Hills is scheduled to host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.
The course will also play host to the 2027 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball; the 2030 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball; the 2033 U.S. Women’s Amateur; the 2035 U.S. Amateur, and the 2039 U.S. Junior Amateur.
Golf Digest ranked Erin Hills as the 10th best public golf course in the United States.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
Ellen Censky PRESIDENT AND CEO
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM | MILWAUKEE
A CEDARBURG NATIVE, Ellen Censky launched her career at the Milwaukee Public Museum in 1977 and went on to work for museums across the country before returning to MPM in 2008 as senior vice president and academic dean. In 2018, she was named president and CEO, assuming leadership of MPM as it was in the process of planning its new home. Now, she is responsible for overseeing the $240 million campaign to raise funds for the new MPM, which is under construction at Sixth and McKinley streets in the city’s Haymarket neighborhood. Construction began in the spring of 2024, with the new museum expected to open in late 2026.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; doctorate, University of Pittsburgh
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We have seen a tremendous amount of progress made on the future museum project. We completed all design documents for the building architecture and the exhibits galleries. We hit the 70% funding mark and broke ground and have begun construction. All this while still welcoming over 500,000 visitors to the museum.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Surround yourself with people smarter than you and listen to them.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “My 10-year-old grand-nephew’s Old Fashioned Lemonade. Recipe: muddled cherries and juice, bitters, lemonade and sprite or grapefruit juice.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Bruce Springsteen anytime/anywhere.”
Christian Ø verland
RUTH & HARTLEY BARKER DIRECTOR AND CEO
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MADISON
CHRISTIAN ØVERLAND is the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Under his leadership, WHS has garnered public support for a new, five-story, 100,000-square-foot building that will replace the current Wisconsin Historical Museum located on the Capitol square in Madison. Construction is underway on the new facility, which is expected to open in 2027. Previously, Øverland held leadership and administrative roles at The Henry Ford, a history museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Øverland is also a member of the Governor’s Council on Tourism in Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Minnesota; master’s, Cooperstown Graduate Program at State University of New York
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “November 19, 1863, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I would like to have stood with my great, great grandmother listening to President Lincoln read his Gettysburg Address and then have a conversation with her about my great, great grandfather.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Every Wisconsin waterfall.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Led Zeppelin, and my most recent was a Milwaukee Summerfest ‘twofer’ with James Taylor and Sheryl Crow.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Maya Angelou, American poet. She inspired people to understand each other with an innate ability to view events and situations from many perspectives and then create beauty and call to action with her words from many voices, such as ‘On the Pulse of Morning.’”
Todd Nelson OWNER
KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS | WISCONSIN DELLS AS THE OWNER and operator of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Todd Nelson’s focus is on expanding the brand he founded 24 years ago. A trip to Africa in the mid-1990s inspired the entrepreneur and Wisconsin Dells native to develop the first Kalahari Resort in 2000. Today, the resort brand includes locations nationwide in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Nelson family also owns and operates Trapper’s Turn Golf Club and Lake Delton Waterfront Villas in Wisconsin Dells.
In 2020, Kalahari opened a 223,000-square-foot waterpark in Round Rock, Texas, which is the largest indoor waterpark in the country. In the fall of 2023, the company broke ground on its fifth property, located in Spotsylvania, Virginia, with a planned opening in 2026. In 2024, the Nelson family announced plans to develop a new $50 million resort in the Wisconsin Dells area, called Dawn Manor, that will include 21 partially supported luxury treehouses, 31 groundsupported houses and a supper club.
Kalahari works with a number of nonprofit organizations and hosts many annual fundraising events, including the United Way Duck Derby, Golf for the Future hosted by the Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation and the annual Andy North Classic at Trappers Turn Golf Club for the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. The company also supports international organizations, including Charity: Water and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
Nelson and his wife, Sheri, were inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2023.
Marcelle Polednik
DONNA AND DONALD BAUMGARTNER DIRECTOR MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM MILWAUKEE
MARCELLE POLEDNIK has served as the Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum since 2016. Under her leadership, the museum introduced a new strategic direction in 2020 that prioritizes strengthening its connection to the community. Polednik has put an emphasis on original scholarship and activation of the museum’s collection while also leading efforts to broaden its reach and impact in Milwaukee. Polednik, who holds a Ph.D. in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, is active in art historical scholarship. In 2019, she curated “Nares: Moves,” the first retrospective of the contemporary artist. Prior to joining the Milwaukee Art Museum, Polednik was the director and chief curator at MOCA Jacksonville. Previously, she was the chief curator at the Monterey Museum of Art and an assistant curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Southern California; master’s and doctorate, New York University
Peggy Williams-Smith
PRESIDENT AND CEO VISIT MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE PEGGY WILLIAMS-SMITH joined Visit Milwaukee as its first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her leadership, the firm recently completed a rebrand and has launched several marketing campaigns to elevate the city’s reputation and tourism economy. Williams-Smith was instrumental in promoting the city during the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 championship run and during the city’s bid to secure the 2024 Republican National Convention. Prior to Visit, she held leadership roles at Marcus Hotels & Resorts for over 22 years.
EDUCATION: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We had a recordbreaking year for tourism in 2023. We played a pivotal role in driving Milwaukee County’s direct visitor spending to an all-time high of $2.3 billion … (thanks to) partnerships with local sports celebrities, large-scale events like the USA Triathlon and creative marketing initiatives like the Emmynominated Good Things Brewing. We continued the growth into 2024 with ‘Top Chef,’ welcoming the 2024 Republican National Convention and hosting Connect Marketplace.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a fabulous cribbage player.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Surround yourself with people smarter than you.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Back to 1988, as a junior in high school. My grandparents and parents were still alive. It was a time of innocence that we can’t recapture today.”
INSURANCE
62 Gerend, Tim
62 Hinton, Dustin
62 Jacques, Rob
62 McPartland, Pete
63 Murphy, Scott
63 Nobile, Paul
64 Ogilvie, Alan
64 Perkins, Wendy
64 Senty, Christine
65 Westrate, Bill
65 Wicinsky, Garth
66 Williams, Terrance
66 Winter, Melissa
Tim Gerend PRESIDENT NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL | MILWAUKEE
TIM GEREND is president of Northwestern Mutual and will become the Milwaukee-based life insurance and financial services company’s next CEO on Jan. 1, 2025. During his more than two decades with the company, Gerend has held leadership roles in various areas, including law, compliance, field compensation and campus planning. Most recently as executive vice president and chief distribution officer, he was responsible for the company’s go-to-market strategy, including the company’s 20,000 advisors and employees, and strategic communications and marketing strategies.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Butler University; J.D., Notre Dame Law School
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “We love visiting our three (of four) kids in Madison. We also love the beauty and serenity of the North Woods and, of course, Lambeau Field. That said, I’ll say anywhere on the shore of Lake Michigan.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I want people who are smart, curious and willing to be more about the team than themselves.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Northwestern Mutual awarded an industry-leading $7.3 billion dividend to our life insurance policyowners – our largest-ever payout and nearly three times the size of our nearest competitor.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “First and foremost, be authentic and allow your values to guide your decisions and actions. A leader’s role extends far beyond managing tasks and teams. They must set a bold vision, communicate and advocate, secure buy-in from stakeholders and drive the organization forward.”
Rob Jacques PRESIDENT AND CEO
WEST BEND INSURANCE CO. | WEST BEND
ROB JACQUES was promoted in 2024 to become chief executive officer of West Bend Insurance Co. A 24-year veteran of the insurance agency, Jacques was previously vice president of commercial lines and senior VP of commercial underwriting before assuming the role of president of West Bend Insurance in 2022. One of the largest employers in Washington County, West Bend Insurance has about 1,600 employees. The firm reported $2.1 billion in direct written premium and wrote $244 million of new business in 2023.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Trial attorney, because I’m passionate about engaging in a lively debate and thrive on asking the questions that get to the heart of the matter.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m eager to dive deeper into how artificial intelligence can positively transform our industry. But I’m equally curious about where AI might be steering us down a less favorable path.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “The original movie ‘Jaws.’ It was so real to me at a young age. It was one of those movies that I still remember like it was yesterday.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Vince Lombardi epitomizes leadership and inspiration, with a remarkable eye for detail. He consistently fostered a winning culture, grounded in unwavering moral integrity and character.”
Dustin Hinton
PRESIDENT AND CEO, WISCONSIN AND MICHIGAN
UNITEDHEALTHCARE | MILWAUKEE
DUSTIN HINTON has led UnitedHealthcare’s operations in Wisconsin and Michigan for the past decade. The largest private health insurer in the U.S., UnitedHealthcare has 8,800 employees in Wisconsin and 1.7 million members in the state. Hinton also serves as the UnitedHealthcare executive sponsor for the Business Health Group of Wisconsin, the vice president of the Alliance of Health Insurers and serves on the boards of the American Lung Association of Wisconsin and the American Lung Association for the Upper Midwest.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We had a competitor go out of business over the last 12 months. I am really proud of my team and our business partners working together to deliver solutions for employers that were looking for a new home for their benefits.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would go back and relive the birth of our son, Cole. Probably the happiest day of my wife, Dawn’s, and my lives. At the time, we didn’t realize he would be our one and only. I would relive that day in a heartbeat.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I can juggle. I remember giving a speech in college juggling in front of the class. It helped me with my nerves with public speaking.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “U2 Joshua Tree was my first concert. My most recent was U2 Zoo Station - The Sphere Las Vegas in 2024.”
Pete McPartland
CEO AND CHAIRMAN
SENTRY INSURANCE | STEVENS POINT
PETE MCPARTLAND has been chief executive officer of Sentry Mutual Holding Co. since 2012 and chairman since 2013. He joined the Stevens Point-based insurance company in 2010 as president and chief operating officer. Sentry has about 5,000 employees across the country. The company reported $4.3 billion in premium revenue in 2023.
In September 2024, Sentry announced its acquisition of Nashville-based The General from American Family Insurance in a deal valued at $1.7 billion. The acquisition, which will add about 1,300 employees to Sentry’s workforce, is expected to close by the end of 2024.
McPartland also has oversight of Sentry’s hospitality arm, which includes SentryWorld, an 18-hole golf course, a 64-room boutique hotel, a banquet facility, two restaurants and a sports complex on its Stevens Point campus. In 2023, SentryWorld hosted the 43rd U.S. Senior Open, the third U.S. Golf Association championship to be played at SentryWorld.
Sentry has been the title sponsor of the opening tournament of the PGA Tour season, called The Sentry, since 2018.
Sentry also makes significant charitable contributions to the Stevens Point community. The company’s employee-led 2023 United Way campaign raised $1.67 million, of which $1.33 million was given to United Way of Portage County. Through its foundation, Sentry has donated $16.7 million to support STEM education in public and private school districts in Stevens Point over the past 15 years.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Florida
Scott Murphy
PRESIDENT
AND CEO
JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP
NEENAH
SCOTT MURPHY has led Neenah-based Jewelers Mutual Group since 2015. The firm, which provides insurance to jewelry retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, appraisers and individuals, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in northeast Wisconsin.
The company has grown through acquisition in recent years, including Wexler Insurance Agency in 2020, fine jewelry e-commerce site Gem + Jewel in 2021 and pawnbroker insurance provider Union Life & Casualty Insurance Agency in the summer of 2024. It has also introduced several tech-driven tools for jewelers, including the Zing Marketplace platform and a mobile app that assists consumers in protecting and managing their jewelry.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Tennessee YOUR SECRET TALENT: “My wife and daughters will argue this is the burden they have had to carry over the years, but as a stress reliever I often make up words to whatever song is playing on the radio at the time.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Look at everything as a learning opportunity and embrace a ‘learn fast’ mindset.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would go back in time to talk to my younger self. Although I probably would not be able to change, I would tell myself that all those things that are out of my control that I will worry about over the years did not come true – and not because I worried about them.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Embrace a digital future. The world is going through a major digital disruption and leading through this change can be challenging. Promoting the importance of moving digital forward is critical to the state’s progress.”
Paul Nobile PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
ANTHEM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE
PAUL NOBILE is president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin, one of the largest insurance companies providing medical coverage in the state. Nobile is a 20-year veteran of the insurance industry. He previously held roles at Rush Prudential Health Plans, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. Prior to joining Anthem, Nobile served as the director of sales and account management for the Midwest region at UniCare, a health benefits company based in Chicago and owned by Anthem’s parent company, Elevance Health.
At Anthem, Nobile oversees all aspects of its commercial business in the state, including sales, marketing and underwriting, cost of care, provider relations and network development and clinical management functions.
Nobile has served on the boards of the Alliance of Health Insurers, National Association of Health Underwriters and the Wisconsin Association of Health Underwriters.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Illinois Chicago
Alan Ogilvie
PRESIDENT
AND CEO
CHURCH MUTUAL
| MERRILL
ALAN OGILVIE became president of Merrill-based Church Mutual Insurance Co. in January 2023 and assumed the role of CEO in January of this year. An “entrepreneur at heart,” he founded Church Mutual subsidiary CM Vantage Specialty Insurance Co. with colleagues in 2016. He was promoted to president of Church Mutual subsidiaries in February 2020 with responsibility for CM Vantage, CM Regent, CM Select and Wausau MedMal Management Services. He was promoted to executive vice president and president – subsidiaries in 2021. Recognized as the largest insurer of religious organizations in the country, Church Mutual has 1,150 employees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The property and casualty insurance industry is going through a very challenging period with the rise in catastrophic weather events, social inflation and inflation in general, all of which significantly impact the cost of claims and the industry’s overall cost of doing business.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Camp Randall on a crisp fall day with the Wisconsin Badgers playing any Big Ten opponent.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “My ring tone is Led Zeppelin, which gives you a hint at my fondness for classic rock. But I also love Neil Diamond, Pearl Jam and U2. So, let’s just say my musical taste is eclectic.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “‘Synergy,’ ‘right-sized,’ ‘iterate’ and ‘think outside the box’ can all go away.”
Wendy Perkins
PRESIDENT AND CEO
WPS HEALTH SOLUTIONS | MONONA WENDY PERKINS became president and chief executive officer of Monona-based WPS Health Solutions in 2023. With more than 2,500 employees, WPS is a benefits administrator for a variety of government programs and not-for-profit health insurer serving employee groups in Wisconsin, senior citizens around the country and military members around the world. Perkins joined the company in 2016 and previously held various roles, including chief management officer. Prior to joining WPS, she held leadership positions at Anthem and at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “I’m incredibly proud of the work the team has done in standing up our Data Logistics business. Data Logistics is a new venture we launched to help other companies better manage their data and documents. We’ve done that by creating tailored, end-to-end solutions that adapt to our customers’ needs.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Tito’s and water with a lemon and lime.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “INXS at Summerfest was my first. My most recent was the BoDeans at an outdoor venue in the Northwoods.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Swimming. I’m amazed at the power and speed of these athletes.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Listen. You learn so much more from listening than talking. It allows you to hear other viewpoints and connect with those you’re working with.”
Christine Senty PRESIDENT AND CEO
QUARTZ HEALTH SOLUTIONS | MADISON
CHRISTINE SENTY was appointed president and chief executive officer of Quartz Health Solutions Inc. beginning Jan. 1, 2024, after serving in an interim capacity since April 2023. Previously, she was vice president, general counsel and secretary at Quartz since 2015. Quartz – which is jointly owned by Gundersen Health System, UW Health, UnityPoint Health and Advocate Aurora Health – has more than 740 employees and more than 300,000 members across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Senty is a director on the Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund, Wisconsin Association of Health Plans and Health Plan Alliance boards of directors. Christine also serves on the Overture Center Foundation board of directors.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; J.D., Hamline University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Rising costs, workforce shortages and the impact of social determinants are just a few challenges the industry faces. “
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I’d increase both private and public efforts to attract new talent and retain the many highly skilled residents who are educated here, and advance initiatives that encourage students to pursue careers in health care, STEM and other in-demand fields.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a black belt in karate.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First: Prince’s Purple Rain Tour. Recent: Ludacris.”
Bill Westrate CEO AND CHAIR
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE | MADISON
BILL WESTRATE oversees American Family Insurance Group, one of the nation’s largest property and casualty insurers. Westrate started at American Family in 1996 as an actuarial analyst and progressed through several leadership roles before being named chief operating officer in 2014 and enterprise president in 2017. In 2022, he became chief executive officer and two years later became chair of the board. Reporting $17.1 billion in revenue, American Family is one of Dane County’s largest employers, with 12,500 employees nationwide.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Northwestern College
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “I enjoy the great sports venues throughout the state, from Camp Randall Stadium, the Field House and the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, to Lambeau Field in Green Bay and, of course, American Family Field in Milwaukee.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Supporting customers impacted by natural catastrophes in record numbers while transforming internal operations for greater agility and efficiency, which has resulted in improved profitability, strong revenue growth and greater value for our customers.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘The Bourne Identity.’ It could just be that it’s action-packed with a suspenseful story line, but it may also have something to do with the fact that I knew nothing about it when I watched it the first time, and it was unexpectedly good.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Connecting with people informally at the beginning of the day.”
Garth Wicinsky
PRESIDENT AND CEO
SECURA INSURANCE | FOX CROSSING
GARTH WICINSKY has served as president and CEO of SECURA Insurance since 2022. Wicinsky joined SECURA’s human resources division in 1996 and was promoted to progressive leadership roles over the next 25 years before being selected as its top leader in 2021. The property/casualty insurance company operates in 13 states and has 1,100 employees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; MBA, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’ve often said it would be some type of manufacturing where I felt a great passion for the product – custom wood canoes, nearly anything related to waterfowl hunting, etc.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Northern Wisconsin and the greater Eagle River area. I’ve been going there since I was a child, and I love the area.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Doing what you set out to do. It might not be winning a Super Bowl and may instead be getting motivated to sign up and help weekly at a food pantry. The act of actually doing what you set out to do versus merely thinking and dreaming about it.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “To make my mom happy, I’d be a gold medal winner in figure skating as she loves that event. Everyone who knows me well understands there’s absolutely no chance (not even in my dreams) of that happening!”
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Terrance Williams PRESIDENT AND CEO TRUSTAGE | MADISON
TERRANCE WILLIAMS is president and chief executive officer of TruStage, the Madisonbased insurance and financial services firm formerly known as CUNA Mutual. With more than 4,200 employees, the company has operations across the U.S. and operates international businesses in Canada and the Caribbean. It reports $5.4 billion in annual revenue. Previously, Williams was president of protection products and services for Allstate. Earlier in his career, he spent more than 20 years at Nationwide.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of South Carolina
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “You may not believe it, but I knew from a very young age that I wanted to build a career in this profession. My aunt, who was one of the first women of color to become an officer at a major insurance company, inspired me as a teenager to explore insurance as a career and help lead the charge toward making a brighter financial future accessible to everyone.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “I am a big motorsports aficionado. Road America, one of the fastest permanent road racing tracks in Wisconsin, is a place I have actually been to a couple of times before joining TruStage.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Leadership is about followership. I am a huge proponent of getting good people together and then getting out of their way.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “My dad was born in 1938. At the time when he finished high school, Black men in the South were not allowed to go to college. I would like to go back and meet that young 18- or 19-year-old Terry Williams, learn what he was like and better understand the experiences that shaped the man he is today.”
Melissa Winter PRESIDENT
ACUITY INSURANCE | SHEBOYGAN
MELISSA WINTER was named president of Acuity Insurance in 2023 as part of a long-range leadership transition plan. Winter began her career at Acuity in 1998 as a claims representative. She worked her way up to become vice president of business consulting in 2016 and oversaw Acuity’s strategic planning process, staff functions and internal innovation teams. In 2024, Winter joined the company’s board of directors. She holds advanced leadership certificates from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Lubar School of Business, University of Wisconsin Executive Education Center and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Winter is actively involved in Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.
With more than $3 billion in annual written premium, Acuity manages assets exceeding $7 billion. The Sheboygan-based property and casualty insurer has more than 1,700 employees. Reporting $2.6 billion in revenue in 2023, the company has said it planned to hire 150 employees in 2024. The insurer has been named to the Ward’s 50 list of top-performing property-casualty companies for 25 consecutive years.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Cardinal Stritch University
Saluting a leader who’s lighting the way
We join BizTimes Media in congratulating Dustin Hinton for being named one of Wisconsin’s 275 most influential executives. Thank you for making a difference in the community and for all you do to make the health system work better for everyone.
Dustin Hinton President and CEO UnitedHealthcare of WI and MI Employer & Individual
LIVING LEGENDS
living legends
70 Baumgartner, Donald and donna
70 Daniels-Carter, Valerie
71 Daniels Jr., John
71 Gimbel, Franklyn
71 Kellner, Ted
71 Lubar, Sheldon
72 Marcus, Stephen
72 Selig, Bud
72 Sias, Thelma
72 Thompson, Tommy
Donald and Donna Baumgartner
PHILANTHROPISTS | MILWAUKEE
PHILANTHROPISTS Donald and Donna Baumgartner have invested millions in support of Milwaukee’s nonprofit arts scene. The couple donated $10 million for the construction of the Milwaukee Ballet’s headquarters in the Historic Third Ward and $8 million to the Milwaukee Art Museum’s endowment fund to pay the future salary of museum directors. They have also made $1.5 million in gifts to Milwaukee Film, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Florentine Opera, along with a $1 million contribution for the renovation of Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Donald is past president of the art museum’s board of trustees and was instrumental in bringing the Santiago Calatrava addition to fruition at the museum. He is also a life director of the Florentine Opera and a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Donna serves on the board of the Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Film and is a Milwaukee Art Museum trustee.
Donald founded and led Milwaukee-based Paper Machinery Corp. to become an international manufacturer of forming machinery for the production of paper cups, paperboard containers and custom packages. Following the company’s transition in 2016 to 100% employee ownership, he remains chairman of the board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Donald); Stevens College (Donna)
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: Donald: “Be sure to acknowledge the value of the people reporting to you.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: Donna: “I regret quitting piano lessons. I learned that patience and tenacity are good values to cultivate.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: Donald: “General Douglas MacArthur, a great leader in war and peace.” YOUR SECRET TALENT: Donna: “Race car driving. I have been racing for 30 years and have at least one trophy.”
Valerie Daniels-Carter
PRESIDENT AND CEO
V&J HOLDING COMPANIES | MILWAUKEE
VALERIE DANIELS-CARTER opened a single Burger King restaurant in Milwaukee in 1982 with her brother, John Daniels, as the sole investor. Over the next 16 years, she grew her business, V&J Holding Companies, into a multi-brand, quick-service restaurant enterprise, with 132 locations in eight states employing 4,500 people. Today, V&J is the largest female-owned franchise organization and among the largest restaurant franchise companies in the country. Daniels-Carter serves on the board of the Green Bay Packers and is a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. She has also served as president of Milwaukee World Festival Inc. and as chair of the Automobile Association of America.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Lincoln University; master’s, Cardinal Stritch University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I would reconsider the decision to expand in one of the national brands we invested in. I learned to always research both the brand and its parent.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Wisconsin must become better at embracing diversity.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “How to better assist emerging leaders.” YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Women’s basketball.”
Daniels
CHAIR EMERITUS QUARLES | MILWAUKEE
AS CHAIR EMERITUS of Quarles, John Daniels Jr. serves as a thought leader and strategic business advisor to clients of the Milwaukee law firm. Daniels joined Quarles & Brady in 1974, was named partner in 1981 and joined its management committee in 1994. He was named chairman and managing partner in 2007 and went on to lead the firm through the Great Recession, growing its team of attorneys, practice specialties and locations. In 2011, he founded the MKE Fellows program to provide scholarships and mentorship for young men who have demonstrated academic talent. He is widely recognized for championing diversity, equity and inclusion, entrepreneurialism and highquality education access for Milwaukee youth.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, North Central College; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Harvard Law School
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Although I know it’s challenging, I might choose a career in public service. The issues of our day are complicated and require people who know and understand that success is a combination of things that include bringing as many people to alignment to drive to a common and worthy goal.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I had an opportunity to acquire an interest in what turned out to be a remarkable company that has had enormous growth in the last 35 years. My legal instincts, unfortunately, made me a little too cautious about an expanding industry. I learned that the future involves uncharted territory and if you want to experience the remarkable things that occur in the future there is an element of risk – take it!”
HISTORICAL FIGURES YOU ADMIRE: “Jackie Robinson and Sandra Day O’Connor. Both demonstrated that even if your remarkable abilities are restricted by others, when you get the chance, you can do remarkable things and have an impact well beyond what anyone could imagine.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “The most important thing is to make sure that those things which are not measured in financial terms stay aligned. Support for the family, the community and having aspiration for the notion that the next day may be the best is important.”
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
LUBAR & CO. | MILWAUKEE
FOUNDING PARTNER
GIMBEL, REILLY, GUERIN & BROWN LLP | MILWAUKEE
FRANK GIMBEL started practicing law in 1960 after graduating from Marquette University Law School and soon became one of four assistant U.S. attorneys in Milwaukee. A successful trial attorney, Gimbel made a name for himself early in his career by winning a case against mob boss Frank Balistreri.
In 1968, Gimbel established Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP, one of the state’s leading trial and litigation firms, and has tried 200 jury cases over his legal career. He also served as the lawyer for the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriff’s Association for over 30 years.
Gimbel was appointed to serve on the Wisconsin Center District board of directors in the 1990s by then Gov. Tommy Thompson. Gimbel was elected chairperson at its first meeting and served in that capacity until 2015. Under his guidance, the district completed the construction, renovation and financing of the Wisconsin Center (now the Baird Center), UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre.
He’s also served on the board of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, as president of the Downtown Rotary Club and as vice chairman of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, among other appointments.
Gimbel was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquette University and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Milwaukee Bar Association.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Marquette University
FOUNDER
FIDUCIARY MANAGEMENT INC. | MILWAUKEE
PROMINENT BUSINESS executive and philanthropist Ted Kellner is the retired founder and portfolio manager of Fiduciary Management Inc., a Milwaukee-based investment management firm he established in 1980. The firm currently manages approximately $16.3 billion in assets. Kellner also founded and serves as chairman of Milwaukee-based Fiduciary Real Estate Development Inc.
Kellner has served on the boards of many corporate, charitable and civic organizations, including American Family Mutual Insurance Co., Park Bank, BMO Harris Bradley Center, Lakeview Equity Partners LLC, Children’s Wisconsin, Chipstone Foundation, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, Milwaukee World Festival Inc. (past chairman), Greater Milwaukee Committee (past chairman), Medical College of Wisconsin, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (past chairman), University of Wisconsin Foundation and University of Wisconsin National Alumni Association.
He and his wife, Mary, are major donors to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, their shared alma mater. Portions of the campus’s two major sports venues bear the couple’s last name: Kellner Hall at Camp Randall Stadium and Kellner Club in the Kohl Center.
Kellner served as the chief executive officer of the 2024 Republican National Convention host committee, which raised $85 million for the event.
He received the Harvard Business School of Wisconsin Business Leader of the Year Award in 2016, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Distinguished Executive Award in 2011, as well as distinguished alumni awards from UWMadison.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
SHELDON LUBAR is founder and chairman of Lubar & Co., a Milwaukee-based private investment and wealth management firm. He is currently a director of several public companies, including Star Gas and Hallador Energy. He’s held governmental appointments under presidents Carter, Nixon and Ford and was past president of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. Lubar has made significant gifts to support higher education in Milwaukee. His $10 million gift to UW-Milwaukee in 2015 established the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2006, he gave $10 million to support the UWM business school, now known as the Lubar College of Business. His $5.5 million gift to Marquette University Law School established the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education. Lubar also co-founded and served as president of the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Lower the cost of tuition for in-state students so that all who seek a college education can earn it without taking on huge debt.” ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “If I could go back and start over, I would do the same thing again. I have no regrets or thoughts that I could’ve done better.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “My home.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Integrity, schooling, character, intelligence, experience and hard worker – simply put, character.”
John
Jr.
Franklyn Gimbel
Ted Kellner
Sheldon Lubar
Stephen Marcus
CHAIRMAN
THE
MARCUS CORP. MILWAUKEE
AFTER 60 YEARS of working for and leading The Marcus Corp., Stephen Marcus was appointed chairman emeritus and special advisor to the company in 2023. He previously served as chairman of the board since 1991, chief executive officer from 1988 to 2009 and as president from 1988 until 2008.
Founded in 1935 by his father, Ben Marcus, today the Marcus Corp.’s movie theater division is the fourth largest in the U.S. It owns or operates 995 screens at 79 locations in 17 states. While leading the company, Stephen oversaw its expansion into the hospitality industry, playing an influential role in the acquisition of The Pfister Hotel and the Milwaukee Hilton City Center hotel and construction of the tower expansion to the Pfister.
A prominent community leader, Marcus has chaired the Greater Milwaukee Committee and co-chaired annual campaigns for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the United Performing Arts Fund. He served as chair of Summerfest in the 1970s, helping grow the annual festival by bringing in a variety of food vendors.
In 2017, he led the launch of Sculpture Milwaukee, an annual public art display in downtown Milwaukee, in an effort to help revitalize Wisconsin Avenue.
He is also former chair of The Marcus Corp.’s philanthropic arm. The Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee is named in recognition of a naming rights contribution from The Marcus Corp. Foundation, which funded the renovation and expansion of the downtown venue. The Marcus family also donated the Warner Grand Theatre to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, which is now the Bradley Symphony Center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., University of Michigan Law School
Thelma Sias
THE SIAS GROUP FOUNDER AND CEO | MILWAUKEE
THELMA SIAS is the founder and president of The Sias Group, a Milwaukee-based firm that provides political and leadership consulting expertise. Prior to retiring in 2017, Sias was vice president of local affairs for We Energies. She’s also held numerous leadership roles in the community, serving on the boards of the African American Women’s Project, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Sojourner Family Peace Center and Cardinal Stritch University. A sought-after professional speaker, Sias uses her speaking opportunities to develop the careers and skills of diverse professionals. A native of Mississippi, she grew up on her family farm and watched her parents’ involvement in the civil rights movement, which she has cited as a motivator for her work.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Clark Atlanta University
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Navigating communications strategy for diverse audiences; facilitating opinion leadership and intergenerational conversation exchanges; providing mentorship and leadership design for our future.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I’ve made the decision to not give up on the possibility of change and progress. What I’ve learned is though it is my desire in my lifetime to see critical change and significant inclusion and passing the baton for future generations…I’ve learned everyone doesn’t agree with my strategy.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “If I were given the wand to command change, it wouldn’t just be for Wisconsin but for the world. To rid itself of all of the isms, racism, and sexism; to remove all of the isms to give everyone dignity and respect.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Champagne.”
Bud Selig COMMISSIONER EMERITUS
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL | MILWAUKEE
ALLAN H. “BUD” SELIG led Major League Baseball for 23 years before his retirement and now serves as commissioner emeritus. Locally, he is credited with bringing Major League Baseball back to Milwaukee and leading the fight to build the stadium now known as American Family Field. Selig owned the Milwaukee Brewers from 1970-2005.
A lifelong Milwaukee resident and avid baseball fan, Selig was named chairman of MLB’s executive council in 1992, serving as de facto commissioner until he was officially installed as commissioner in 1998. He retired from that post in 2015. During his tenure, the game’s annual revenues grew from $1.2 billion to $9 billion, and he led the league’s response to players using banned substances and the implementation of instant replay. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Decades before becoming MLB commissioner, Selig was instrumental in bringing MLB back to Milwaukee. After the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, Selig led a group that sought to bring another MLB team to Milwaukee, acquiring the Seattle Pilots and moving them to Milwaukee in 1970 to become the Milwaukee Brewers. Under Selig’s ownership, the Brewers grew to be a successful franchise, winning the 1982 American League championship and making the only World Series appearance in its history.
Selig endowed the Allan H. Selig Chair in the History of Sport and Society in the United States and the Distinguished Lecture Series in Sport and Society at UW-Madison in 2010.
He and his wife, Suzanne, support arts and education in the Milwaukee community, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Film, the Milwaukee Public Library and UW-Milwaukee, among other organizations.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tommy Thompson
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
THOMPSON FAMILY HOLDINGS | MADISON
FORMER U.S. HEALTH and Human Services secretary and four-term Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson now serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Thompson Family Holdings and on a number of boards of directors.
Thompson is the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin’s history and the only individual to be elected to that office four times. A former Army captain and member of the U.S. Army Reserve, he was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1966, elected assistant minority leader in 1973, and elected Republican floor leader in 1981. In November 1986, he was elected governor and reelected in three successive elections. In the 1990s, he was chairman of the Republican Governors Association and the National Governors Association.
Thompson served in President George W. Bush’s cabinet as Health and Human Services secretary from 2001 to 2005. After leaving office, he joined the private sector, becoming a senior advisor at Deloitte LLP and senior partner at the law firm Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld LLP.
From 2020 to 2022, he led the University of Wisconsin System as its interim president, stepping in after the retirement of former president Ray Cross.
Thompson is currently a senior fellow with the Bipartisan Policy Center and co-chairs its Long-Term Care Initiative. In 2022, he joined the Council for Responsible Social Media project, which is aimed at addressing the negative impact of social media on society. He is executive chairman of the TherapeuticsMD Inc. board of directors. He also serves on the boards of Centene Corp., C.R. Bard Inc., Healthpeak Properties Inc., United Therapeutics Corp. and Cytori Therapeutics Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
MANUFACTURING
food & Beverage
76 Bugher, Tony
76 Carey, Deb
76 Chadha, Sharad
76 Coquard, Philippe
77 DuBois, Charlie
77 Dunford, Ron
78 Fallucca, Giacomo
78 Gentine, Jeff
78 Gentine, Louie
78 Huff, Gregory
79 Kelly, Oliver
79 Link, Troy
80 Saber, Wes
80 Sartori, Bert
80 Stayer, Shelly
80 Yanda, Joe
manufacturing
81 Adams, Todd
81 Ariens, Dan
81 Baichoo, Chris
81 Bakke, James
81 Benz, Randy
82 Bockhorst, Ken
82 Bordignon, Fabio
manufacturing
(continued)
85 Kacmarcik, Jim
85 Kelsey, Todd
85 Kohler, David
85 Kress, William
86 Lonigro, Jeff
86 Manley, Paul
86 Matthiae, Mark
86 Mellowes, John W.
86 Michels, Jeff
87 Moll, Shane
87 Moret, Blake
87 Nieman, Tom
87 Oliver, George
88 Pfeifer, John
88 Pinchuk, Nicholas
88 Pinkham, Louis
88 Quadracci, Joel
90 Ramirez, Austin
90 Ramirez, Gus
90 Reddy, Jag
90 Shivaram, Sachin
91 Sternlieb, Paul
91 Wahlin, Robert
92 Waller, Debra
92 Wheeler, Kevin
Food & Beverage, Manufacturing
82 Buelow, John
82 Burke, John
83 Drees, Chris
83 Graham, Ray
84 Honkamp, Kevin
84 Jagdfeld, Aaron
84 Johnson, Fisk
84 Johnson-Leipold, Helen
92 Zeitz, Jochen
92 Zelazo, Ronald
Tony Bugher PRESIDENT JACOB LEINENKUGEL BREWING CO. | CHIPPEWA FALLS
TONY BUGHER is president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., serving as the face of the brand since taking over the family business in 2023. Bugher represents the sixth generation of Leinenkugel family leadership at the Chippewa Falls-based Molson Coors subsidiary, best known nationally for its Summer Shandy.
During his college years, Bugher worked at the brewery in bottling and at its hospitality center. He began his career at TDS Telecom in Madison, working in various sales and marketing roles. In 2014, Bugher’s uncle and then company president, Dick Leinenkugel, encouraged him to join the beer business. Bugher was first hired by MillerCoors as a craft and import development manager in Dallas and later promoted to field marketing manager in Atlanta, followed by senior distributor sales executive. In early 2022, Leinenkugel announced his plan to retire at the end of the year, and the company announced its succession plan, transitioning leadership to Bugher.
In his role, Bugher shares the Leinenkugel’s story and history with distributors, retailers and brewery fans as a representative of the family and advises on brand marketing efforts, production and the Leinie Lodge. In recent years, Leinenkugel Brewing Co. has launched a small-scale innovation brewery, which allows the brand to develop new beers and receive immediate feedback from customers who visit the Chippewa Falls brewery. In 2024, Leinenkugel partnered with Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Beer Co. on an exclusive beer at American Family Field, called Pitch Clock IPA.
In November 2024, Molson Coors announced it will close the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. brewery in Chippewa Falls and its craft beer brewery near downtown Milwaukee and will consolidate beer production from those facilities at its Miller Brewing Co. facility on the west side of Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Edgewood College; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Sharad Chadha
PRESIDENT, CEO AND OWNER
SPRECHER BREWING CO. | GLENDALE
SINCE ASSUMING LEADERSHIP of Sprecher Brewing Co. in 2020, Sharad Chadha has led the company to triple its sales, grow its distribution by 400% and expand its footprint nationally. In that same time frame, the soda and beer-maker’s workforce has grown from 50 to 160 employees, and the company completed the expansion of its bottling line, introduced a can production line and expanded its warehouse by 215,000 square feet. Under Chadha’s leadership, Sprecher has acquired several beverage companies, diversifying its portfolio of craft beverages. Chadha was inspired to get into the industry because of his great-grandfather’s legacy of bottling and distributing natural soda in pre-independence British India. Previously, Chadha has held senior executive roles at Samsung Electronics, GE HealthCare, Electrolux, ABB and startups. He also serves as president of the International Developing Country Aid Organization.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Savitribai Phule Pune University; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Senator.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Bradford Beach, Milwaukee.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Rapid growth in all 50 states. Expansion into energy drinks, Juvee energy.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Single malt scotch with ice and a dash of club soda.”
Deb Carey
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT NEW GLARUS BREWING CO. | NEW GLARUS IN A QUINTESSENTIAL entrepreneur story, Deborah Carey and her husband, Dan, built a brewing company from scratch. After selling their home, raising seed money and crowd-sourcing the rest, the couple negotiated to rent an abandoned warehouse in New Glarus in exchange for stock in what would become New Glarus Brewing Co. After rolling out its first barrels in 1993, the company’s popularity later skyrocketed thanks to its Spotted Cow farmhouse ale. Today, New Glarus ranks 11th among the top 50 largest craft brewers in the U.S., according to the Brewers Association. The brewery produces about 250,000 barrels of beer annually. It is also one of the older craft brewers in the country, having established itself decades before the explosion of new microbreweries in the 2010s. The company’s Bavarian village-like facility in New Glarus draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, a tourism boon to Green County.
Carey is acknowledged as the first woman to found and operate a brewery in the U.S. She was recognized by former President Barack Obama and the White House as a Champion of Change for her entrepreneurship and was a guest in the first lady’s box at Obama’s 2013 State of the Union Address.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Carroll College (Helena, Montana)
Philippe Coquard
OWNER AND HEAD WINEMAKER
WOLLERSHEIM WINERY | PRAIRIE DU SAC
PHILIPPE COQUARD is the head winemaker and co-owner of Wollersheim Winery, a popular wine destination in Sauk County.
A 13th-generation winemaker, Coquard grew up on his family’s farm in the Beaujolais region of France and holds degrees in winemaking, viticulture and wine marketing. He joined Wollersheim on an agricultural exchange in 1984 and later became the son-in-law of its founder, the late Bob Wollersheim. Today, he leads the business with his wife, Julie.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Wisconsin River in the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area, Wollersheim produces more than 1 million bottles of wine each year and draws more than 350,000 people to Prairie du Sac annually. The winery sources about 85% of its fruit from out of state and grows the remainder on its 30-acre vineyard.
Its most renowned wine, Prairie Fumé, debuted in the late 1980s and played a pivotal role in elevating Wollersheim’s reputation. The winery has expanded significantly over the years, enhancing both its production capabilities and retail presence. The winery diversified in 2015 by opening a distillery, where it produces gin, absinthe, whiskey and bourbon. Today, family members work at the winery and distillery in various areas, including winemaking, distilling, marketing, vineyard and the stores.
Wollersheim was honored with the Winery of the Year award at the San Diego International Wine Competition in 2012 and with the Riverside International Wine Competition’s Small Winery of the Year in 2015.
Wollersheim also owns Cedar Creek Winery, located in Cedarburg, as a sister business.
Charlie DuBois
PRESIDENT AND CEO
STANDARD PROCESS | PALMYRA
CHARLIE DUBOIS leads Standard Process, representing the third generation of family ownership at the Palmyra-based whole foodbased nutritional supplement company.
DuBois joined the company in 1983 doing various summer jobs, including handweeding the beet fields on the farm. Within a few years, he had the opportunity to help design the Standard Process manufacturing plant in Palmyra while studying electrical engineering at Marquette University. Upon graduation, he joined the company full time as a plant engineer. In 1993, he became executive vice president, and in 1995 he was elected president by the board of directors.
In 1996, the DuBois family became the third generation to own Standard Process, with Charlie carrying on the legacy of his great uncle and founder, Royal Lee. The tradition is expected to continue with Charlie’s children, Simone DuBois and Jack DuBois, who are preparing to provide leadership of the company.
In 2024, Standard Process was named among Deloitte’s annual Wisconsin 75 list, which recognizes the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies, based on sales revenue. The company has made the list for six consecutive years.
Also in 2024, the company completed construction of a new 60,000-squarefoot distribution center located next to the company’s current headquarters and manufacturing facility. The new facility doubled the company’s storage capacity.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Ron Dunford
PRESIDENT AND CEO
SCHREIBER FOODS | GREEN BAY
RON DUNFORD is president and chief executive officer of Green Bay-based Schreiber Foods, one of the largest dairy companies in the world. With more than 10,000 employees and annual revenues of $7.5 billion, the employee-owned company produces and distributes yogurt, cream cheese, natural cheese, American cheese and shelf-stable beverages. Its 32 production facilities span five continents. Dunford currently co-chairs the University of WisconsinGreen Bay’s $20 million “Ignite the Future” campaign, and Schreiber Foods made a major gift in 2023 to endow the Institute for Women’s Leadership at UWGB.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Utah State University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Schreiber has (pursued) innovation as a future path to growth. For example, we’re now in the logistics, risk management and software businesses. We’ve successfully grown our non-manufacturing business, which is an important part of our growth strategy.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m a visual person, and I have an appreciation for art. I’ve been inspired by how former President George W. Bush took up painting after he left office. I would like to learn how to paint.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Some of my go-to podcasts are ‘Freakonomics,’ ‘How I Built This,’ ‘Corporate Competitor,’ ‘Wisdom from the Top,’ ‘How Leaders Lead,’ ‘Ted Radio Hour,’ ‘Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory,’ ‘Hidden Brain,’ ‘Finding Mastery’ and ‘Outside.’”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’d be an outdoor adventure guide, leading people up mountains, navigating white water rapids or heli-skiing. I love a good outdoor adventure and helping create memorable experiences for others would be extremely satisfying.”
Giacomo Fallucca
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
PALERMO VILLA INC. | MILWAUKEE
GIACOMO FALLUCCA grew up in the pizza business, starting with the family restaurant, Palermo Villa on Milwaukee’s East side, at age 15 and later joined the frozen pizza business at age 18. Today, he is the second-generation family leader of Palermo’s Pizza, one of the largest independent frozen pizza brands in the U.S. Palermo’s makes nearly 300 million pizzas annually at two production facilities in Milwaukee and Jefferson and employs over 1,200 people.
Fallucca is executive chair of FaB, Wisconsin’s food and beverage business network, serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and mentors young entrepreneurs with the Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service. He is also a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce board of directors. He is also a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Any time of the day I get to spend with people and pizza.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I would be a doctor because I would want to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Rome. I’d like to be able to travel there and back in a day.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Remember that ‘a leader needs to do the right thing’ while those within the company ‘are doing those things right.’”
Louie Gentine CHAIRMAN AND CEO SARGENTO FOODS | PLYMOUTH
LOUIE GENTINE worked his way up in the family business, from washing trucks and working on the production lines to now serving as CEO and chairman of Sargento Foods, a $1.8 billion company with more than 2,500 employees. He represents the third generation of family ownership and leadership of the Plymouth-based cheese maker. Prior to becoming CEO in 2013, he led all three Sargento business units: retail, ingredients and food service. He is a board member of the International Dairy Foods Association, the Consumer Brands Association, Lakeside Foods, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Road America. He is also president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul store in Plymouth.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Notre Dame; MBA, Loyola University YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I make a fantastic grilled cheese sandwich.” WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I would bring more affordable housing to Wisconsin for individuals and families to begin building equity for themselves.” TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Empathy, ability to listen, inquisitiveness, humility and communication skills.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert was Steve Miller Band and the most recent was U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.”
Jeff Gentine
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MASTERS GALLERY FOODS | PLYMOUTH
CHEESE HAS BEEN the Gentine family business dating back to 1953, when Jeff Gentine’s grandfather, Leonard Gentine Sr., founded Sargento Foods. Jeff’s father, Leonard “Butch” Gentine Jr., went on to found Masters Gallery Foods. After starting his career at Richfood Inc., Jeff Gentine joined Masters Gallery Foods in 1996 and held various roles before becoming president and CEO in 2017. A leading national cheese supplier, the company reports $1.7 billion in annual sales and has 1,100 employees. Gentine serves on the International Dairy Foods Association cheese board and executive council, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association board of directors, and FaB Wisconsin executive board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Bryant University
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Door County.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Jaws.’ Growing up I spent many summers on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard where the movie was filmed, so it’s extremely nostalgic, but it’s also one of the best Spielberg movies ever with terrific actors (even the shark, when it worked)!”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Strong. Natural cheese consumption continues to grow worldwide, and with that comes an escalating need for countries to import a safe, reliable cheese supply.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “More housing to attract workers, something we are working on in Sheboygan County through the Forward Fund, a public-private partnership developed to build 400-500 homes throughout the county to help attract workers to our area.”
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRAKEBUSH BROTHERS INC. | WESTFIELD
GREGORY HUFF is president and chief executive officer of Brakebush Brothers Inc., a Westfield-based processor of chicken products. Huff joined Brakebush as chief financial officer in 2015 before moving into his current position in 2022. The $1 billion company operates five production facilities, where it processes chicken products that are served in food service kitchens, at national chains and as industrial ingredients. The company also has its own transportation fleet. Its corporate headquarters has more than 1,100 employees, more than 553,000-square-feet of production space and a capacity of more than 2.3 million pounds per week.
Under Huff’s leadership, Brakebush acquired Lake Foods’ processing facility in Hartwell, Georgia, a deal that was finalized at the end of 2023.
The family-owned company is nearly 100 years old, and it is led by a combination of family and non-family executives. Huff is also a member of the company’s board of directors.
Previously, Huff was chief operating officer and CFO at Dickinson Frozen Foods, vice president of finance and CFO of Western Sugar Co. and senior VP of finance and CFO of Preferred Meal Systems.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Winona State University; MBA, University of Illinois
Gregory Huff
Oliver Kelly
PRESIDENT AND CEO
KERRY NORTH AMERICA | BELOIT
OLIVER KELLY serves as president and chief executive officer of Kerry’s North American operations. Kerry, an Ireland-based global food and ingredients corporation, has operations in Beloit. Kelly joined Kerry in 1991 and served in several commercial and management roles before moving from Ireland to the U.S. in 2018 to take on the role of business president of food service and direct-to-retail for North America. He later became chief commercial officer before being appointed the head leader of North America in 2022.
Kerry operates out of a 300,000-square-foot technology and innovation center in Beloit. One of the 10 largest employers in the city, the company has about 600 local employees. In June, Kerry opened a 2,000-square-foot biosafety certified food and preservation laboratory at its Beloit center.
Across its operations globally, Kerry has 22,000 employees and more than 150 innovation and manufacturing centers across more than 30 countries. The company reported $8.6 billion in sales in 2023.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University College Dublin
Troy Link
PRESIDENT AND CEO
JACK LINK’S PROTEIN SNACKS | MINONG
TROY LINK is president and chief executive officer of Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, credited as the world’s largest manufacturer of meat snacks. The company was founded in 1986 by Troy’s father, John “Jack” Link. Using the recipes of his great-grandfather, a master sausage maker from Germany, Jack began selling beef steaks in convenience stores around Wisconsin before buying a jerky packaging machine and taking the business nationwide. Today, the company’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, World Kitchen’s, BiFi and Peperami, among others. Based in the village of Minong in Washburn County, Jack Link’s operates processing plants throughout the Midwest as well as New Zealand, Brazil and Germany.
Troy became president in 2003 and was appointed CEO in 2013. In that role, he oversees the executive team and has responsibility for the company’s roughly 4,000 employees.
Under his leadership, the company acquired Unilever’s meat snack division, a deal that included the BiFi brand and Peperami, in 2014. In 2019, Jack Link’s acquired Tyson Foods’ Golden Island brand. In 2024, the company inked a deal to become the title sponsor of the Nascar Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, replacing former naming rights sponsor Geico. The event, to be held in April 2025, will be known as the Jack Link’s 500. In recent years, the company made a $450 million investment in a new plant in Georgia, which is expected to create 800 jobs. It’s the company’s first manufacturing facility outside of the Midwest.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Wes Saber
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO
HARIBO OF AMERICA | KENOSHA
WES SABER is executive vice president and chief financial officer of gummy candy manufacturer HARIBO of America. Saber spearheaded the development of the German-based company’s $400 million factory in Pleasant Prairie, one of the largest confectionary plants in the U.S. and HARIBO’s first North American manufacturing facility. HARIBO has nearly 7,000 employees around the world. Saber is on the board of directors for the Business and Professional Coalition Steering Committee at Carthage College and the University of WisconsinParkside Foundation. He’s a board member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and is vice chair of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance board.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Cairo University; MBA, Northern Illinois University
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Be true to who you are and that you’re still part of a team. Being authentic and humble are critical traits of an exemplary leader.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The first place that comes to my mind and heart as my favorite is the Boys & Girls Clubs. Spending time with the club kids and seeing how they’re supported in learning and developing is energizing, and it fills me with hope.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Seeing and talking with all our associates. In our HARIBO community, our people are our greatest asset, and getting to know each other and celebrating together is a big part of our culture.”
CO-OWNER AND BOARD CHAIRMAN
JOHNSONVILLE LLC | SHEBOYGAN COUNTY
SHELLY STAYER is co-owner and chairman of Johnsonville LLC, a billion-dollar global sausage maker with more than 4,000 employees. Stayer has led the Sheboygan Countybased company’s marketing sponsorship efforts, including the Tailgate Village at Lambeau Field and its Racing Sausages sponsorship at American Family Field. In 2023, she and her husband, Ralph Stayer, joined the Milwaukee Brewers ownership group. An active philanthropist, Stayer has chaired numerous fundraising efforts in Wisconsin and Florida, including capital campaigns for the Fond du Lac YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. She’s served on the boards of Edgewood College, Marian University, John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Children’s Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marian University
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’d work in the 911 emergency call center.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I worked full time when I had young children at home. I’d probably change that if I could now. You don’t listen to people when they say, ‘It goes so fast before they are gone.’”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “More direct flights to warmer climates.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The Milwaukee lakeshore.”
Bert Sartori CEO SARTORI CO. | PLYMOUTH
BERT SARTORI leads Sartori Co., representing the fourth generation of family leadership in the Plymouth-based cheese manufacturer’s 85-year history. Sartori is a licensed cheesemaker with more than 17 years of experience in finance, operations and business development roles. Early in his career, he was a national accounts manager for Sartori for three years. He was then general manager of Blue Moose of Boulder before rejoining the family company in 2016 as production supervisor. He was named executive vice president of sales in 2017, president in 2020 and chief executive officer in 2022. Sartori succeeded his father, Jim, who led the company for nearly three decades. The company has grown from 12 employees at the time of its founding in 1939 to more than 900 today, including nearly 50 licensed cheesemakers. It has customers in more than 50 countries worldwide. Sartori’s lineup of cheeses includes flavored cheddars and its signature BellaVitano varieties. Its MontAmoré Cheddar and Merlot BellaVitano are best-sellers and have received honors at events like the World Cheese Awards. Bert serves on the board of directors for Sheboygan County Food Bank.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Colorado Boulder; MBA, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
Joe Yanda PRESIDENT AND CEO LAKESIDE FOODS | MANITOWOC
JOE YANDA represents the fourth generation of family leadership at Lakeside Foods, a Manitowoc-based producer of food products for the retail, food service and industrial sectors. He joined the family business full-time in 1999 as a quality assurance technologist and went on to hold leadership roles in the areas of sales, operations and supply chain. He became chief operating officer in 2019 and president and CEO in 2021. Founded in 1887 as a peacanning plant, the company today has 1,200 employees and 14 production facilities.
Its products – which include canned and frozen vegetables, canned meat, canned dry beans, smoked sausage, frozen desserts, appetizers and canned pet food – are distributed across the U.S. and in 14 countries. Under his leadership, Lakeside acquired Cher-Make Sausage Co., also of Manitowoc, in 2021. Yanda serves on the boards of the Consumer Brands Association and National Association of Manufacturers.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Luther College; master’s, Silver Lake College
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Stay humble, listen more than you talk, lead by example, and empower your team.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Manitowoc.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Nordic skiing. I think Nordic skiers are some of the most fit athletes in the world.”
Shelly Stayer
Todd Adams CHAIRMAN AND CEO
ZURN ELKAY WATER SOLUTIONS
MILWAUKEE
TODD ADAMS leads Zurn Elkay, a Milwaukee-based supplier of clean water solutions for drinking water, hygiene and sustainable water management. He was appointed chief executive officer in 2009 and elected chair of the board in 2020. Adams joined the company, then Rexnord Corp., in 2004 as vice president, treasurer and controller, and later became senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 2007, he spearheaded the acquisition of Zurn Industries and the creation of the company’s Water Management Platform, which nearly doubled the size of the business and laid the groundwork for the company’s 2021 separation from Rexnord to become Zurn Water Solutions, a pure-play water business. Under his leadership, the company merged with Elkay Manufacturing Co. in 2022 to become Zurn Elkay.
Previously, Adams held senior financial roles with The Boeing Company, APW Ltd., Applied Power and IDEX.
Adams is a member of the board of directors of Badger Meter Inc., is chair of Marquette University’s board of trustees and serves on the boards of Children’s Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Eastern Illinois University; Certified Public Accountant
Chris Baichoo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO WMEP MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS MADISON
FOLLOWING THREE DECADES in the manufacturing industry, Chris Baichoo was named executive director and CEO of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions in early 2023. The Madisonbased private, nonprofit consulting organization promotes the growth of small- and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturers. In 2023, WMEP recorded more than $1 billion in economic impact, including cost savings and increased sales, from its project work with manufacturers. Baichoo previously worked in Asia, Canada and North and South America, holding leadership roles at Datec Coating Corp., Perlick Corp., Federal Industries and Watlow Electric.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Missouri University of Science and Technology; MBA, Southern Illinois University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Hiring an HR leader for skill set rather than for cultural fit. Learned that it is best to hire for cultural fit first then skills after.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Build trusting relationships, have a learning mindset, make thoughtful decisions, take managed risks and don’t be afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Shawshank Redemption.’ The movie depicted perseverance, ingenuity, patience and friendship.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Thomas Edison because of his innovative mindset and determination to keep trying until he succeeded.”
Dan Ariens
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
ARIENSCO | BRILLION
DAN ARIENS, great-grandson of AriensCo founder Henry Ariens, joined the company in 1983 and became CEO in 1998. The Brillion-based outdoor power equipment manufacturer has 1,200 employees. Under his leadership, AriensCo acquired Germany-based AS-Motor in 2021 and Thomas Equipment in 2022. A proponent of STEM education, Ariens has been recognized for his partnership with K-12 schools to develop projectbased STEM learning centers. He serves on the boards of the Green Bay Packers, Mansfield Energy Corp., Research Products Corp., Road America and Sartori Company.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Be Socratic, perfect the skill of listening and asking meaningful questions. Build a team around you who are completely transparent in their thoughts, words and actions. Together you will do great things.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Technology advances will continue to drive change in the outdoor power equipment industry, with battery power and other alternatives changing how our lawns are cared for. In the meantime, let it snow!”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Architectural design – I love to create, design and build things.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “I’ve always been a fan of Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln and Margaret Thatcher – visionary and courageous leaders who were not afraid to do the right thing, while the general opinions of the day were contrary to their visions of a better world. Benevolent leaders one and all.”
James Bakke
PRESIDENT AND CEO
SUB-ZERO GROUP INC. | MADISON
JAMES BAKKE represents the third generation of family leadership at Sub-Zero Group Inc., serving as the longtime president and chief executive officer of the Madison-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products.
Sub-Zero operates production facilities in Madison, Fitchburg, Phoenix, Goodyear (Arizona) and Richmond (Kentucky). Under his leadership, the company completed a $62 million expansion at its Fitchburg plant to accommodate an additional 300 employees, and it is now investing $140.6 million in a new 400,000-square-foot assembly facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will create 192 jobs, according to the company.
Earlier in his tenure, the company acquired Wolf Range Co., expanding its product line to include residential cooking appliances such as cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation systems. Sub-Zero has also introduced the Cove brand of dishwashers and various wine storage equipment under his leadership. Before becoming president, he spent a decade in various roles within the family business.
Through its philanthropic arm, Sub-Zero has committed to giving $1.2 million to nonprofits, with a focus on innovation in the food ecosystem. Among its partnerships, Sub-Zero gave $500,000 to the River Food Pantry in Madison, which serves more than 2,500 individuals weekly.
Bakke has served on the board of directors for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, PDQ Corp. and the Madison Ronald McDonald House.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS SHEBOYGAN
RANDY BENZ is chief executive officer of Sheboygan-based braces manufacturer
American Orthodontics. The company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of orthodontic treatment supplies. Founded in 1968, the company has manufactured orthodontic products for customers in more than 110 countries.
More than 98% of its products are manufactured at its Sheboygan headquarters, a 280,000-square-foot manufacturing and office facility, which the company moved into in 2013.
Earlier this year, the company completed construction of a new $20 million, 129,000-square-foot facility in Saukville. The company planned to hire 100 employees at the facility initially, and eventually 300. The facility is the anchor of the Northern Gateway development in Saukville by Ansay Development and Three Leaf Partners.
American Orthodontics has more than 700 global employees, with offices throughout Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Randy Benz CEO
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
BADGER METER | BROWN DEER
KEN BOCKHORST has led Brown Deer-based Badger Meter as president since 2019 and as CEO since 2020. He joined the company as chief operating officer in 2017. Under his leadership, Badger Meter, which produces water meters and other flow instrumentation products, reported net sales of $703.6 million in 2023, a revenue record for the company. That same year, the company acquired U.K.-based water monitoring solutions company Syrinix for about $18.1 million. Prior to joining Badger Meter, Bockhorst was an executive vice president with Actuant Corp. and held prior leadership roles at IDEX Corp. and Eaton Corp.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Marian University; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “What I’m most proud of this past year is how our employees have been able to continue to deliver outstanding results, year after year. We have more than doubled our revenues over the past five years, but our team continues to operate with a drive to exceed customer expectations, and a culture of excellence that outperforms our competitors time and again.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Audiobooks. I am listening to biographies of U.S. presidents in chronological order while in the car. I’m currently on no. 10, John Tyler.” WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Sports reporter.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Buffalo Trace Manhattan.”
Fabio Bordignon
GENERAL MANAGER
FINCANTIERI MARINE GROUP | MARINETTE
FABIO BORDIGNON in 2021 was named general manager of Italian shipmaker Fincantieri’s subsidiary Fincantieri Marine Group, a leading U.S. shipbuilder in the naval and commercial sector. Bordignon’s oversight includes the finance, HR, legal, compliance and environmental, health and safety departments for Fincantieri Marinette Marine, a shipyard located along the Menominee River that produces highly technologically advanced vessels. FMM employs more than 1,500 people in Wisconsin and has more than 700,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and receiving space.
In 2020, the company received an initial U.S. Navy contract for the lead vessel of the Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, the USS Constellation FFG 62, which remains under construction. The shipyard completed a $300 million fabrication facility and panel line in 2022 for the production of the Navy’s newest class of ships.
The Navy has since exercised contract options for additional ships. In early 2024, FMM was awarded a contract by the Navy for the fifth and sixth Constellation-class frigates. The work is valued at a total of $5.5 billion.
Outside of Fincantieri, Bordignon serves on the board of New North, the economic development organization focused on northeast Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: MBA, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
John Buelow
PRESIDENT MERCURY
MARINE | FOND DU LAC
JOHN BUELOW became president of Mercury Marine, the Fond du Lac-based marine engine division of Brunswick Corp., in 2023.
Mercury Marine has more than 3,500 employees at its Fond du Lac headquarters. A 2023 study by Envision Greater Fond du Lac showed Mercury Marine had a $5.4 billion annual economic impact on the Fond du Lac community. The study also found Mercury has a total job impact of more than 10,500 jobs in the Fond du Lac community, meaning that each of its jobs supports an additional 2.5 full-time positions in the county. Mercury also generates more than $333 million in retail sales in the region, according to the study.
Since 2008, Mercury has invested more than $2 billion in R&D and expansion to its global headquarters. More than 80% of that work was done with Wisconsin-based companies.
Brunswick’s propulsion division, which includes Mercury Marine, reported $2.82 billion in revenue for 2022.
Over his nearly 20 years with the company, Buelow has been vice president of business development, VP and general manager of Mercury Castings, VP for category management and strategic planning and VP of global operations. Prior to that, he held several finance roles.
During his time as head of global operations, Buelow was influential in planning and executing expansions of Mercury’s manufacturing and distribution facilities and in the launch of key products.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
John Burke
PRESIDENT TREK BICYCLE CORP. | WATERLOO
JOHN BURKE has led Trek Bicycle Corp., one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of high-end bicycles in the world, as president since 1997. Founded in a Waterloo barn in 1976 by his father, Dick Burke, Trek has since grown to become a global business, producing millions of bicycles annually and employing about 7,000 worldwide. Today, more than 60% of Trek’s revenue comes from outside the U.S.
In the fall of 2024, Trek sold its bike-share unit, BCycle, to Philadelphiabased Bicycle Transit Systems. Trek founded BCycle in Madison in 2011 with 35 stations and 350 bicycles and grew the operation to include some 30 other cities.
Trek was named to Fortune Magazine’s list of Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2023, based on employee surveys and feedback. The company offers employee perks including private mountain bike trails, an on-site CrossFit gym, on-site and virtual mental health services and an employee stock ownership program. It was also named among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2022.
Trek has enjoyed a high profile in the industry for decades, thanks to the cyclists who ride Trek bikes, including Lance Armstrong in the late 1990s.
Burke has authored four books, “Presidential Playbook 2020,” “12 Simple Solutions to Save America,” “One Last Great Thing,” a memoir about Dick Burke, and, most recently, “A Bold Plan for America: 14 Nonpartisan Solutions Based on the Facts.” He served as chairman of President George W. Bush’s President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. He is also a founding board member of the Bikes Belong Coalition.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Boston University
Ken Bockhorst
Chris Drees
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MENASHA CORP. | NEENAH
CHRIS DREES became president and chief executive officer of Menasha Corp. and was elected a director of the company in 2023. Menasha Corp. is a corrugated and plastic packaging manufacturer that specializes in retail merchandising packaging and displays, plastic reusable containers and pallets, protective packaging interiors and packaging supply chain and fulfillment services.
Headquartered in Neenah, the company has 8,000 employees in 105 facilities in North America and Europe. Previously, Drees was president of Fond du Lac-based Mercury Marine. Drees is board chair of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Keller Builders Inc. He has also served on various other boards in the marine and banking industries.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; MBA, Marquette University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Menasha Corp. was honored to be awarded the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, making our 175th anniversary that much more special. It was a great testament to our shareholders and employees for all the years of success.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Be authentic, keep things simple, don’t be afraid to challenge the experts.”
Ray Graham
PRESIDENT
AMERICAN PACKAGING CORP. | COLUMBUS IN LATE 2023, Columbus-based American Packaging Corp. announced Ray Graham was being promoted to president and that he will become the company’s next chief executive officer at the end of 2024. Graham was previously executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Packaging, a family-owned packaging converter. APC specializes in flexographic, rotogravure and digital printing, multi-ply extrusion, adhesive lamination of film, paper and foil, and pouch and bag fabrication. The company has more than 1,225 employees across its six manufacturing facilities. In 2023, the company established operations in Utah when it opened a new $100 million, 275,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
CONGRATULATIONS
to our President and CEO,
Chris Drees, for being named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders.
Kevin Honkamp PRESIDENT
HYDRITE CHEMICAL CO. | BROOKFIELD
KEVIN HONKAMP is the president of Brookfield-based Hydrite Chemical Co., one of the largest independent manufacturers of chemicals and related services in the United States. He has served as president since early 2017 and prior to that was vice president of sales and procurement.
Hydrite was founded in Milwaukee in 1929 as a supplier to the tanning industry. In 1935, Wayne Thompson and Richard Honkamp left their jobs and purchased a majority share in the business, which remains familyowned.
A new 45,000-square-foot headquarters facility for the company was completed in 2021. Hydrite also has plants in Milwaukee, Oshkosh, La Crosse and Cottage Grove, plus facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, California and Colorado. The company has 1,000 employees. The company is ranked on the Deloitte 75 list of largest privately held businesses in Wisconsin.
In April, Hydrite announced that it acquired Missouri-based Fife Water Services and Colorado-based Precision Polymer Corp. Fife is a supplier of water treatment and water processing products and automation. Precision Polymer formulates and distributes wastewater treatment chemicals.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Santa Clara University
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
SC JOHNSON | RACINE
FISK JOHNSON has led S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. as chief executive officer since 2004, representing the fifth generation of family leadership at the multinational household cleaning supplies manufacturer. The Racine-based company’s family of brands includes Windex, Pledge, Glade, Shout, Saran, Ziploc, Kiwi, Scrubbing Bubbles and Raid. SC Johnson has about 13,000 employees and had revenue of $11.3 billion in 2023, placing it no. 43 on Forbes’ America’s Largest Private Companies list.
Johnson and his three siblings are shareholders, and together they own a majority of the company. His net worth is estimated at $4.7 billion, according to Forbes.
He joined the business in 1987 as a marketing associate and was appointed chairman in 2000 and CEO in 2004.
Johnson is a member of the U.S. President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. He also serves on the U.S. Trade Representatives Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation and the Consumer Goods Forum board of directors.
Through scuba diving, Johnson became motivated to address ocean plastic waste, and in 2018 he signed The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, master’s in engineering, master’s in physics, MBA, doctorate in physics, all from Cornell University
Aaron Jagdfeld
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
GENERAC | TOWN OF GENESEE
AARON JAGDFELD is chairman, president and CEO of Generac and is credited with leading the Town of Genesee-based company’s transformation from a manufacturer of backup generators and enginepowered products into a global energy technology company.
Jagdfeld became president in 2007, was appointed CEO in 2008 and was named chairman in 2016. Known for its home standby generator, Generac has grown under Jagdfeld’s leadership to a company with $4 billion in a annual revenue and a diversified portfolio of energy products and solutions. Generac had 8,600 employees as of 2023.
Jagdfeld has been influential in expanding the company into a global designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions and other power products, including clean energy, connected devices and industrial solutions. In 2024, Generac acquired Ageto Energy, a Colorado-based company that makes microgrid controllers that optimize and manage conventional energy resources, renewable energy resources and electrical vehicle chargers.
Jagdfeld started at the company in 1994 in the finance department and was appointed chief financial officer in 2002. Before joining Generac, Jagdfeld worked in the audit practice of the Milwaukee office of Deloitte & Touche.
Jagdfeld is a member of the board of directors for Summerfest producer Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
JOHNSON OUTDOORS | RACINE
HELEN JOHNSON-LEIPOLD is chairman and chief executive officer of Racine-based Johnson Outdoors and chairman of Racine-based Johnson Financial Group.
With a background in advertising, Johnson-Leipold joined the family-owned cleaning products company SC Johnson in 1985 and worked her way up to become vice president of worldwide consumer products in 1997. She was named chairman of Johnson Outdoors, an outdoor recreational equipment and clothing manufacturer and marketer, in 1999 and chairman of both Johnson Financial Group and The Johnson Foundation in 2004, succeeding her father in all three roles.
Johnson Outdoors operates 18 facilities worldwide and has about 1,400 employees. The company reported revenue of $664 million last year.
An heir to SC Johnson, Johnson-Leipold has a net worth of $4.8 billion. She ranked No. 278 on Forbes’ 2024 list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, the fourth highest among Wisconsin billionaires. She’s served as chair of the board of The Prairie School, an independent private day-school founded by her mother, Imogene Powers Johnson.
Her husband, Craig Leipold, is owner the Minnesota Wild and founder of Ameritel, a Neenahbased business-to-business telemarketing firm.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Cornell University
Fisk Johnson
Helen Johnson-Leipold
Jim Kacmarcik CHAIRMAN AND CEO
KACMARCIK ENTERPRISES | GRAFTON
JIM KACMARCIK leads Kacmarcik Enterprises, a Grafton-based holding company with nearly 700 employees across its nine Wisconsin facilities. Its portfolio includes Kapco Metal Stamping, a contract manufacturer of metal components, Advanced Coatings Inc. and Steel Blue Logistics. Its development, sports, entertainment and consumer brands include Iron District MKE, Milwaukee Pro Soccer, House of Harley Davidson, Forward Madison FC, Speedkore Performance Group and Given Entertainment. Kacmarcik’s philanthropic initiatives include Camp Hometown Heroes, Camp Reunite and Turning Rivers. Kacmarcik is also personally a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2022, the company opened the Kacmarcik Center for Human Performance, a training center and events space located on the Kapco campus. The center offers training and courses for employees on topics such as supply chain, welding, Lean Six, yoga, financial planning and cooking.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “I am known to be the last one out of the office on many days, but one thing I’ve realized that helps me is taking a break during the day when I can. A few of us have a tradition of playing a game of Sheepshead during lunch.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Is Pickleball an Olympic sport?”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “I think Wisconsin is highly underrated compared to more popular and populous states. I think Visit Milwaukee and Wisconsin hosting various large conventions has helped drive awareness, and I think we need to continue to shift mindsets.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m interested in learning more about international business.”
David Kohler
CHAIR AND CEO
KOHLER CO. | KOHLER
Todd Kelsey PRESIDENT AND CEO PLEXUS CORP.
TODD KELSEY is president and chief executive officer of Neenah-based Plexus Corp., a provider of electronics engineering, manufacturing and aftermarket services. The company serves customers in industries with complex products and regulatory requirements, including the health care, industrial and aerospace/defense markets. It has more than 20,000 employees. Kelsey joined Plexus in 1994 as a design engineer and went on to hold various leadership roles before becoming president and CEO in 2016. During his tenure as CEO, the company’s revenues have increased from $2.5 billion to $4.2 billion. Kelsey serves on the board of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I am currently re-taking up the game of golf after a twodecade gap. And, with three new grandbabies this summer, I am also re-learning how to change diapers.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “On my commute, when I’m not on a call, I am often listening to business news or sports. I also enjoy a good Peloton workout with upbeat music.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I always look for authentic people that you want to work with: people that are driven, intelligent, passionate and coachable.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “While I wouldn’t have a chance from a talent standpoint, I’d trade in my CEO role for a spot on the PGA Champions Tour.”
DAVID KOHLER leads Kohler Co., a Sheboygan County-based manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, cabinetry, tile and lighting, engines, generators and more. Kohler was named president and chief executive officer of Kohler Co. in 2015 and was also elected to board chair and CEO in 2022. He is the fourth generation of the Kohler family to lead the company since its inception in 1873 and the ninth person to lead the company.
One of the largest employers in the state, Kohler Co. has nearly 40,000 employees across its operations. Under David Kohler’s leadership, the company acquired KLAFS, a German-based manufacturer of saunas and steam rooms, in 2023. In 2024, the company spun off its energy business as a separate company, with Californiabased Platinum Equity serving as the majority investment partner.
Kohler started at Kohler Co. working on the front lines of its manufacturing divisions. He rejoined the company as director of fixtures marketing in 1993 after working at Dayton Hudson Corp. Since then, he’s held various roles including vice president of sales, sector president of K&B Americas, group president of K&B Group, executive VP and president and COO.
He sits on the boards of Kohler Co., Old Course Ltd., Interface Inc., Interceramic, Discovery Energy LLC and the Green Bay Packers. He also serves on the board of Kohler Foundation and the advisory board of the Duke University Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics.
Kohler was the general chairman for the 2015 PGA Championship and the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, held in 2021. The company’s hospitality division, Destination Kohler, includes the Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run golf cources in Sheboygan County, The American Club resort in Kohler and Lodge Kohler in Green Bay.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Duke University; master’s, Northwestern University
William Kress
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
GREEN BAY PACKAGING | GREEN BAY
WILLIAM KRESS represents the third generation of Kress family leadership of Green Bay Packaging Inc., a pulp and paper company founded by his grandfather, George Kress in 1933.
Kress has spent his entire career at GBP, having joined the family business as a sales trainee in 1979 after college. Kress held several leadership roles before becoming president in 1995. He was named CEO in 2001 and later elected chairman in 2019.
Reporting more than $2 billion in annual sales, GBP has about 5,300 employees across its 41 locations in 16 states. The vertically integrated manufacturing company includes corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin linerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, specialty converting operations, timberlands and a sawmill facility.
In 2024, GBP acquired SMC Packaging Group, a Springfield, Missouri-based provider of corrugated packaging, point-of-purchase displays, protective shipping cartons, and ancillary packaging supplies.
The company this year broke ground for a new 270,000-square-foot facility in Germantown, which is expected to create another 20 jobs in the area.
Kress currently serves on the boards of Green Bay Packaging, the Green Bay Packers and the De Pere Cultural Foundation and advisory boards for Associated Bank and Junior Achievement.
Kress received the Rotary Club of Green Bay’s Free Enterprise Award in 2016, was named TAPPI/PIMA Executive of the Year in 2022 and received the Environmental Citizen of the Year Award by the Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin in 2022.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Colorado Boulder
Jeff Lonigro PRESIDENT AND CEO
BEMIS MANUFACTURING CO.
SHEBOYGAN FALLS
JEFF LONIGRO joined Bemis Manufacturing Co. in 2019, becoming the second non-family chief executive officer in the company’s 120-year history. The Sheboygan Falls-based plastics and consumer goods manufacturer is in its fourth generation of family ownership.
Known as a market leader in the manufacturing of toilet seats, Bemis also provides precision parts and custom injection molding; it has more than 250 active and pending design and process patents. In addition to its U.S. operations, it has manufacturing facilities in the U.K., Mexico, France and Canada. The company has more than 2,000 employees located across those five countries. Under Lonigro’s leadership, Bemis acquired Bio Bidet, an Illinois-based manufacturer of bidets, in 2021.
Prior to joining Bemis, Lonigro served as vice president of Trilliant Food and Nutrition in Little Chute. Before that, he worked for more than 20 years at Glenview, Illinois-based ITW, a Fortune 300 global multi-industrial manufacturing company. At the end of his tenure, he was group president of ITW’s global industrial-welding platform. Previously, he spent 20 years at Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, based in Appleton. Lonigro sits on the board of directors for Bemis Manufacturing Co. and the Bemis Family Foundation.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Mark Matthiae PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER CRYSTAL FINISHING SYSTEMS SCHOFIELD
BEFORE THE AGE OF 18, Mark Matthiae was already running his first business, an autobody shop in Marathon, Wisconsin. Twenty years later, in 1993, he set out on another entrepreneurial journey when he and his wife, Laurie, founded Crystal Finishing Systems. The business got its start operating out of a 3,500-square-foot facility, with three employees and one spray line. Since then, the company has grown to four facilities, more than 950 employees and annual sales of more than $250 million. Mark remains president of the familyowned firm, while Laurie has retired.
The company’s services include liquid painting, powder coating, anodizing, metal fabrication and plastic and fiberglass painting. It also provides trucking and warehouse services. Based in Schofield, the company has additional locations in Mosinee, River Falls and Senatobia, Mississippi. In 2022, Matthiae told a local news outlet the growing company planned to invest $20 million in its facilities and equipment and add 400 positions to meet customer demand.
Crystal Finishing Systems has been named among the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies for multiple consecutive years, and in 2016 Matthiae was named Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration.
Matthiae is also a co-founder of the Crystal Training Institute, an 82,000-square-foot sports training facility that opened in 2022. Located in Mosinee, the facility allows athletes in central Wisconsin to train year-round.
Matthiae is also involved in various civic and charitable organizations, serving as a founding board member of the Ministry Health Care Foundation and on the board of Northcentral Technical College.
Paul Manley
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MGS MFG. GROUP | GERMANTOWN
PAUL MANLEY has spent more than 28 years at MGS Mfg. Group, serving as its president and chief executive officer since 2020. Based in Germantown, MGS is a vertically integrated provider of manufacturing solutions for complex, high-precision plastic components. It operates 12 locations globally.
Under Manley’s leadership, MGS acquired Denmark-based Winther Mould Technology, a health care tooling manufacturer, and Denmark-based Technolution, a consultancy and development company focused on the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, in 2023. Also under his direction, the company has pivoted to work solely with customers in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and medical technology industries. Previously, MGS also served the automotive and electronics markets.
The company is currently building a 120,000-square-foot innovation center on its Germantown campus, which will feature workspaces dedicated to ideation and product development, tooling development, automation and part and process validation. The center consolidates the company’s existing Germantown Global Automation Center and Menomonee Falls Sampling Facility into a single campus.
Manley joined the firm in 1996 as an accounts payable clerk and worked his way up through the organization to become chief financial officer in 2009, CFO and chief operating officer in 2013, president in 2016, and president and CEO in 2020.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
John W. Mellowes CEO
CHARTER MANUFACTURING | MEQUON
JOHN W. MELLOWES is CEO and a fourth-generation family owner of Charter Manufacturing Company Inc., a Mequon-based group of metals manufacturing businesses. Under Mellowes’ leadership, Charter Manufacturing and its businesses have acquired Lokey Metals, Cobra Metal Works, Aarrowcast Inc., and Niles Iron & Metal Co. In 2023, Charter Steel broke ground for a 55-acre solar array at its Saukville plant, which is expected to offset its reliance on the grid by 8%. The company reports annual sales of nearly $2 billion.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Princeton University; MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Fostering a more civil and constructive political environment. A focus on responsible problem-solving over divisive rhetoric would greatly enhance our ability to tackle the pressing issues of our time.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Lambeau Field. As a lifelong Packers fan, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a game at this iconic venue on a warm Sunday afternoon in the fall. The energy, the tradition and the community spirit make it my favorite Wisconsin destination.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I regularly listen to podcasts during my commute or free time. My go-to choices include insightful discussions on business and technology as well as updates on my favorite sports teams.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “’The Dawn Wall.’ It’s a powerful true story about rock climber Tommy Caldwell, who overcame tremendous adversity to achieve something extraordinary.”
Jeff Michels CEO
GREAT NORTHERN CORP. | APPLETON
JEFF MICHELS leads Great Northern Corp., an Appleton-based company that develops and manufactures packaging, shipping, merchandising and distribution products for industrial, commercial and retail markets. The company employs more than 1,400 people across seven states. In Wisconsin, the company has facilities in Appleton, Chippewa Falls, Oshkosh and Racine. It is 44th among Wisconsin’s largest private companies, based on revenue, according to Deloitte.
Before being named CEO, he was president of the business’s packaging and instore groups, and before that he spent 14 years as the packaging business unit manager. He’s been with the company 26 years.
Moll
GROUP PRESIDENT
MILWAUKEE TOOL | BROOKFIELD
SHANE MOLL joined Brookfield-based Milwaukee Tool in 2007 as vice president of marketing and has since taken on increasing responsibility to become group president of the power tools, equipment and outdoor power equipment business unit earlier this year. In his role, he leads global engineering, testing and product management for that business unit, along with front-end innovation, cordless platform and system technology development and digital product management, among other areas. Previously, Moll worked for Black & Decker.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Shippensburg University; MBA, Loyola University Maryland PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Sports podcasts and country music.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “We have earned the trust of the trades by working with them to improve their safety, productivity and quality of work. The challenges we face together are growing more complex and they won’t get any easier.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Prioritize your people and your culture, actively seek feedback from leaders you respect, lead with questions and establish ambitious goals.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert: Beastie Boys. Most recent: Luke Combs.”
Blake Moret CHAIRMAN AND CEO ROCKWELL AUTOMATION | MILWAUKEE
BLAKE MORET leads Rockwell Automation, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of industrial automation and digital transformation products. He became CEO of Rockwell in 2016 and chairman of the board in 2018. An advocate of workforce development, Moret is vice chair for the National Association of Manufacturers’ board of directors and is a member of the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment. He is also co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Manufacturing Community of CEOs and is a member of the Business Roundtable, among other board service.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Georgia Institute of Technology
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Don’t be in too much of a hurry. A lot of people sacrifice their 20s on the altar of professional success, and it’s not necessary. Work hard, but not to the exclusion of other interests. It will help you keep things at work in perspective, and you will be more interesting to be around.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Rowing.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “It was a tough year for the automation industry, after several years of post-pandemic recovery, but we grew our annual recurring revenue of software and high-value services to more than 10% of total sales, in a year when we did not make major new software acquisitions.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “My wife and I really enjoy Kohler. We like the American Club, and the nearby River Wildlife nature preserve.”
Tom Nieman PRESIDENT
FROMM NIEMAN BRANDS INC.
TOM NIEMAN represents the fourth generation at family-owned and -operated Fromm Family Foods LLC, a Mequon-based maker of dog food. The company operates dry food and treat manufacturing facilities in Mequon and Columbus and a wet food cannery in Eden. Nieman also leads affiliated business Foxtown Brewing, a Mequon-based craft brewery.
The company is developing a new 28,000-square-foot, threestory building in downtown Milwaukee that will include a restaurant, taproom and distillery and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. That development, called Foxtown Landing, is planned for a vacant site adjacent to a new dog park now under construction in downtown Milwaukee. Fromm will serve as title sponsor of the park. Since 2014, Fromm has hosted Petfest, an annual family event with various pet-focused attractions and activities, on the Henry Maier Festival Grounds in Milwaukee. In 2016, Nieman purchased a farm in northern Marathon County that previously belonged to his family and was once a center of fox fur production and the nation’s largest ginseng grower. Nieman was recognized with the U.S. Small Business Administration – Wisconsin’s Small Business Person of the Year award in 2013.
George Oliver
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
JOHNSON CONTROLS | MILWAUKEE
GEORGE OLIVER is chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Controls. The company, which is based in Ireland but has its operational headquarters in Glendale, has 100,000 employees working across 150 countries. One of the largest Milwaukee-area employers, nearly 2,000 of its employees work locally.
In July 2024, Oliver announced plans to retire and that he would continue to serve in his role until a successor is named. He will remain chair of the board once the new CEO assumes that position.
Under Oliver’s leadership, Johnson Controls spun off its Power Solutions business, selling it to a group led by Brookfield Business Partners for $13.2 billion. That business is now known as Clarios and based in Glendale.
Prior to becoming CEO in 2017, he was president and chief operating officer, with responsibility for leading the integration of Johnson Controls and Tyco following their $16.5 billion merger in 2016.
Previously, Oliver was CEO of Tyco and a member of its board of directors. He joined Tyco in 2006 as president of Tyco Safety Products and became president of Tyco Electrical & Metal Products the following year. He was appointed president of Tyco Fire Protection in 2011. Prior to Tyco, he had a more than 20-year career with General Electric.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Shane
John Pfeifer
PRESIDENT AND CEO
OSHKOSH CORP. | OSHKOSH
JOHN PFEIFER is president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Corp., a manufacturer of specialty trucks, military vehicles, truck bodies and access equipment. The company has about 18,000 employees across 19 countries and reported revenues of $9.7 billion in 2023.
Oshkosh Corp. has made several acquisitions under Pfeifer’s leadership. Earlier this year, the company acquired AUSACORP S.L. and AeroTech from JBT Corp. in an $800 million deal. In 2022, the company acquired Hinowa S.p.A.
Oshkosh Corp. was awarded a $942 million contract by the U.S. Army in 2021 to integrate a new weapon system into an infantry carrier vehicle, with the work to be completed in Oshkosh. In a move toward clean energy, leaders have said the company plans to spend about $300 million on electrification and $200 million on autonomous vehicle technology from 2022 to 2026. The company contributed over $2.6 million to charitable causes in 2023.
Previously, Pfeifer was president and chief operating officer at Oshkosh Corp. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and president of Mercury Marine. He also was president of Brunswick Marine in Europe, Middle East and Africa and president of Brunswick Asia Pacific Group. Pfeifer serves on the board of The Manitowoc Company, the National Exchange Bank and Trust and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and is a trustee at Marian University.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
DIRECTOR AND CEO
REGAL REXNORD CORP. | MILWAUKEE
LOUIS PINKHAM leads Regal Rexnord Corp., a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of electric motors and power transmission components. The company has more than 30,000 employees across its 80 manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide.
Under Pinkham’s leadership, Milwaukee-based Rexnord and Beloit-based Regal Beloit Corp. completed a $3.7 billion merger of Rexnord’s process and motion control business into Regal Beloit, to become Regal Rexnord, in 2021. In 2023, Regal Rexnord sold its Industrial Motors and Generators businesses to Brazil-based WEG, a producer of electric motors, generators, transformers, drives and coatings, for $400 million. That same year, the company shifted its corporate headquarters from Beloit to downtown Milwaukee.
Prior to joining Regal Rexnord in 2019, Pinkham held leadership positions at Crane Co., an industrial products manufacturer. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and general manager of the critical power solutions division, electrical group at Eaton Corp. Since 2023, Pinkham has served as a director of Jacobs Solutions Inc., which provides professional services, including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery to government and the private sector. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for the University of Chicago Medical Center, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Duke University; master’s, Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering; MBA, Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management
Nicholas Pinchuk
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
SNAP-ON INC. | KENOSHA
NICHOLAS PINCHUK has served as Snap-on Inc.’s president and chief executive officer since 2007 and chairman of the board since 2009. Kenosha-based Snap-on, which manufactures tools and software for professional technicians, has roughly 13,200 employees worldwide and has manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, R&D and office facilities throughout the world, including 14 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. The company reported net sales of $4.7 billion in 2023.
Pinchuk has overseen the company’s expansion through several acquisitions. Recent deals include its acquisitions of Cognitran Ltd. in 2019 for approximately $31 million; AutoCrib Inc. in 2020 for $36 million; Dealer-FX Group Inc. in 2022 for $200 million; and San Jose, Californiabased Mountz in 2023 for $40 million.
Pinchuk is a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, the National Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. Manufacturers Alliance and Carthage College. He is past chair of the Skills for America’s Future organization at The Aspen Institute.
Previously, Pinchuk served as Snap-on’s president and chief operating officer, and before that as senior vice president and president–worldwide commercial & industrial group. Before joining Snap-on in 2002, Pinchuk held executive operational and financial management positions at United Technologies Corp. and various financial and engineering positions at Ford Motor Co. Pinchuk also previously served as a director of Columbus McKinnon Corp.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; MBA, Harvard Business School
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Skidmore College
Joel Quadracci
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO QUAD | SUSSEX
JOEL QUADRACCI guides the overall strategic growth of Sussex-based Quad, a printing business founded by his father, the late Harry V. Quadracci, that today employs more than 13,000 people and reports $3 billion in annual revenue. Having grown up in the business, Joel Quadracci officially joined Quad in 1991. He became president and CEO in 2006 and also chairman in 2010. Under his leadership, Quad has evolved from being a printer to a global marketing company. He serves on the boards of Plexus Corp., Pixability Inc., Road America Inc., the National Association of Manufacturers and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. He also serves on the advisory council of Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “Flying planes and racing cars, and a proud father of three incredible young women.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “I look for people who aren’t afraid to look you in the eye and be honest. I look for people who treat other people with respect. I want people who are hungry to learn and contribute and have a winner’s mindset.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “That’s easy. The quiet of Pine Lake in fall. The colors are magnificent. It’s serene and restorative.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Breakdancing (said with a wink and a grin).”
Louis Pinkham
Leading a better way
Quad is proud to celebrate Chairman, President & CEO Joel Quadracci’s inclusion in BizTimes Media’s Wisconsin 275. This honor reflects his significant contributions in manufacturing, business and the community, and the entire Quad organization congratulates him and all the honorees this year.
Austin Ramirez CEO
HUSCO INTERNATIONAL | WAUKESHA
AUSTIN RAMIREZ is the second-generation family leader of Husco, a Waukesha-based manufacturer that has tripled in size to more than $500 million in global sales, received designation as a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum and been recognized as Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year during his tenure as CEO. The company, which manufactures hydraulic and electro-mechanical components, has about 1,600 employees. Ramirez serves as a director of the National Association of Manufacturers, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Old National Bancorp and the Marcus Corp. Along with his family members, Ramirez is a co-founder of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, a private K-12 school on Milwaukee’s south side. He is also a founder and co-chair of Democracy Found, a non-partisan political reform organization focused on implementing Final Five Voting.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Virginia; MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Improve our K-12 education system.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Work as hard on cultivating a great temperament as you do on developing your technical skills.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Teddy Roosevelt. He embodied intellectual excellence, leadership and extreme physical courage.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Rye Manhattan.”
Jag Reddy PRESIDENT AND CEO
MAYVILLE ENGINERING CO. | MILWAUKEE
JAG REDDY has served as president and chief executive officer at MEC (Mayville Engineering Co.) since 2022. The company has 2,300 employees across its 20 facilities, all based in the U.S. In 2023, the company moved its corporate headquarters to Milwaukee. Before joining MEC, he was on the senior leadership team of W.R. Grace, overseeing the Maryland-based chemical business’s strategy and growth, and was the managing director of Advanced Refining Technologies LLC, Grace’s joint venture with Chevron. Before that, he held leadership roles at Pentair PLC and ITT Corp.
EDUCATION: MBA and master’s in engineering management, Northwestern University; master’s in inudstrial engineering, University of Tennessee
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Our biggest success has been the continued implementation and expansion of MBX (MEC Business Excellence), which has transformed our operations and commercial strategies. This initiative focuses on operational excellence, collaboration and agility and has helped us drive growth and improve customer satisfaction across all areas of the business.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Farmer – to plant seeds, tend to them and watch them grow.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The industry is evolving toward more sustainable and localized manufacturing.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Bloomberg News on the radio. It gives perspective on the world and financial markets.”
Gus Ramirez
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, HUSCO INTERNATIONAL | WAUKESHA
FOUNDER, ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY ACADEMY | MILWAUKEE
AUGUSTIN “GUS” RAMIREZ is executive chairman of Husco International, a Waukeshabased manufacturer of hydraulic and electrohydraulic controls, where he was chairman and chief executive officer for more than 25 years. His son, Austin Ramirez, succeeded him in that role in 2011. Gus Ramirez led a management group buyout of Husco in 1985 and is credited with helping grow the company from $20 million to more than $400 million in revenues. The company created several significant innovations in mobile hydraulics controls, receiving more than 100 patents during his tenure.
Ramirez is also a prolific philanthropist. He and his family invested about $60 million in 2017 to launch St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, a private, Christian K4-12 school on Milwaukee’s south side that has expanded to today serve 2,200 students. In 2023, the Ramirez Family Foundation purchased the former Cardinal Stritch campus for $24 million to serve as an additional Aug Prep campus. Ramirez has personally committed $75 million of the $100 million needed to develop the new campus.
Through the Ramirez Family Foundation, he also helped fund Schools That Can Milwaukee (now City Forward Collective) and expansions at the United Community Center, Milwaukee College Prep, St. Marcus Schools, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology and others. Over the past two decades, Ramirez and his wife, Becky, have also supported nearly 200 Christian schools, mostly in Central America, and the family visits often to stay connected to the schools and students.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Georgia Tech; MBA, Harvard University
CEO
WISCONSIN ALUMINUM FOUNDRY | MANITOWOC
SACHIN SHIVARAM was recruited in 2019 to join Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry as the first non-family CEO of the 110-year-old company. He has since helped grow the company through acquisitions and capital investments. In recent years, WAF has acquired Minnesota-based DEE Inc., Manitowoc Pattern & Machining, Indiana-based Wabash Castings and Iowa-based ATEK Metal Technologies. The company now has 1,100 employees across the Midwest. Previously, Shivaram led a turnaround effort as president of Marinettebased Samuel Pressure Vessel Group and later spearheaded its acquisition of two metals companies. He began his career as an intern at ArcelorMittal and went on to become head of strategy and marketing for a $10 billion business unit. He also formerly held leadership roles at Severstal North America and Tenaris.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Harvard University; master’s, University of Cambridge; J.D. Yale Law School
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “We are optimistic for continued growth in metal casting in the United States due to onshoring activity by our customers.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Investing in higher education has always been a core strategy for the state of Wisconsin. In the past 10-15 years, we have lost sight of that, and funding for public higher education has fallen off starkly. We need to invest more.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The lakefront at Concordia University.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Gin martini, up, with blue cheese olives.”
Sachin Shivaram
Paul Sternlieb PRESIDENT AND CEO ENERPAC TOOL GROUP | MENOMONEE FALLS
PAUL STERNLIEB joined Enerpac Tool Group in 2021 as president and chief executive officer. Based in Menomonee Falls, Enerpac provides industrial tools, services, technology and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. It has more than 2,000 employees globally, of which about 130 are based in the greater Milwaukee area. The company reported net sales of $590 million in fiscal 2024. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to move its corporate headquarters to the ASQ Center in downtown Milwaukee. The relocation is expected to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025, at which point the company will have naming rights for the building.
Sternlieb serves on the board of directors for Kennametal Inc., Children’s Wisconsin and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, as well as the board of trustees for Manufacturers Alliance.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Pennsylvania HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Over the last two and a half years our company underwent a comprehensive transformation program, called ASCEND. … The program was focused on accelerating organic growth, improving operational excellence and driving greater efficiency and productivity in SG&A. Our team delivered exceptionally strong results, roughly doubling adjusted EBITDA dollars and expanding adjusted EBITDA margin by approximately 1,100 basis points.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I enjoy cooking and like to try new restaurants in the Milwaukee area.” DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Finding a career and role that you truly enjoy doing, and working with a great team.”
Robert Wahlin
PRESIDENT AND CEO
STOUGHTON TRAILERS | STOUGHTON
ROBERT WAHLIN has served as the top executive of STI Holdings and its five subsidiaries, Stoughton Trailers, Stoughton Rental and Lease, STAC, Stoughton Parts Sales and Stoughton Trucking and Logistics. The companies total a combined $1 billion in annual revenue and more than 1,600 employees. Stoughton Trailers is a leading manufacturer of dry van trailers and intermodal container chassis, with more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space across nine facilities in south-central Wisconsin and Waco, Texas. Wahlin serves on the boards of the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Stoughton Trailers.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, Edgewood College
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We are leading the fight against China through the Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers. Our anti-dumping and countervailing case win allows us to bring thousands of jobs back from China to build intermodal container chassis, which are a staple of the U.S. transportation system. We lead this fight to create a level playing field and ensure manufacturing jobs stay in the United States for years to come.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Teddy Roosevelt. He stood up for what he believed in and set the bar high for doing great things. He achieved success that lasted for generations.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Any lake in the Northwoods.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Talent, drive and courage to challenge the norms.”
MANUFACTURING
Debra Waller
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
JOCKEY INTERNATIONAL | KENOSHA
DEBRA WALLER has led family-owned apparel company Jockey International Inc. since 2001 as chairman and chief executive officer.
Headquartered in Kenosha, Jockey has more than 1,600 employees across its operations in North Carolina, New York, Canada, Hong Kong and Germany, and the company licenses and distributes its apparel in more than 120 countries.
Waller joined the company in 1982 as an administrative assistant and the following year became merchandise manager of Jockey for Her. She went on to become a vice president, senior VP and executive VP before being named CEO, succeeding her mother, Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt. In 2005, Waller founded Jockey Person to Person, a direct-selling division through which independent salespeople sell higher-end Jockey items.
An advocate for adoptive families, Waller established Jockey Being Family, a charity focused on supporting families after they have adopted a child. Since 2005, the organization has contributed $11 million in support of post-adoption initiatives.
Waller has served on the boards of directors of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Church Mutual Life Insurance Co., Marshall & Ilsley Bank and Carthage College. She was a founding member of the now-dissolved MargaretAnn’s Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing peer support groups and services for grieving children, teens families and communities.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Carthage College
Kevin Wheeler CHAIRMAN AND CEO A.O. SMITH CORP. | MILWAUKEE
KEVIN WHEELER assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors at A. O. Smith Corp. in 2020 and has been chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water technology company since 2018. In his roles, he oversees the company’s global operations, including strategy development, profitability and shareholder returns. The company has grown through acquisition in recent years, including its acquisition of New Delhi, India-based Pureit for about $120 million and California-based Impact Water Solutions for an undisclosed price, both in 2024. A.O. Smith currently has 12,200 employees and reports $3.8 billion in revenue.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada-Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “Early in my career, I worked for a company that didn’t respect its employees or customers. I vowed to never let that happen again. Company culture and values matter.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Ronald Reagan. He was consistently underestimated and always overachieved. He was one of the greatest communicators and leaders.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Integrity, competitive spirit, self-motivating, communication skills and intelligence.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Football coach.”
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC. | MILWAUKEE
JOCHEN ZEITZ has served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson since 2020. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer spun off its electric motorcycle division LiveWire in a SPAC deal in 2022, creating the first publicly traded electric motorcycle company in the country. Zeitz also serves as chairman of LiveWire, which in 2024 closed its labs facility in California and moved those operations to Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters.
In recent years, H-D has executed on its five-year streamlining plan, issued stock to 4,500 of its roughly 5,800 employees and opened a $20 million public park at its corporate headquarters. The company’s Homecoming Festival, held in 2023 in honor of its 120th anniversary, generated an estimated $95 million economic impact on the Milwaukee area.
Before joining H-D, Zeitz was CEO of Kering’s sport & lifestyle division from 2010 to 2012 and a director of the board from 2012 to 2016. Previously, he served as chairman and CEO of Puma for 18 years.
Zeitz co-founded The B Team with British billionaire Richard Branson to advocate for better and more climate-friendly business practices. He is also the founder and chairman of the ZEITZ foundation, founder of Segera Conservancy and The Long Run, and co-founder of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, which preserves and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
EDUCATION: European Business School
Ronald Zelazo
CEO AND CHAIRMAN
ASTRONAUTICS CORP. OF AMERICA | OAK CREEK
RONALD ZELAZO leads Astronautics Corp. of America, an Oak Creek-based company that designs, develops and manufactures avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. The company was founded in 1959 by the brother-andsister leadership team of Nathaniel Zelazo (Ronald’s father) and Norma Paige in an effort to meet emerging aerospace challenges. Since then, its products and services have been used by more than 150,000 civil and military aircraft. It is also the parent company of New Jersey-based Kearfott Corp., a designer and manufacturer of inertial and GPS-aided navigation components and systems and motion-and-control components for platforms used in air, space, land and sea.
In early 2020, Astronautics moved its corporate headquarters from Milwaukee’s north side to Oak Creek, and in 2022, the company also relocated its manufacturing operations to Oak Creek from a plant on Milwaukee’s near south side. That same year, the company sold its legacy electromechanical product line to Melbourne, Florida-based Extant Aerospace in a $27 million cash deal.
In 2024, the company was awarded a phaseone cybersecurity research contract from the Federal Aviation Administration through which it will identify and categorize several sets of data that will eventually be used to train an artificial intelligence model being developed by the FAA.
Jochen Zeitz
NONPROFITS & EDUCATION
education
94 Ah Yun, Kimo
94 Barnhouse, Rich
94 Cruz, Anthony
94 Merrifield, Layla
95 Mnookin, Jennifer
95 Mone, Mark
96 Raju, Ritu
96 Rothman, Jay
96 Sullivan, Tim
96 Swallow, John
97 Thompson, Brian
97 Walz, John
nonprofits
98 Anthony, Ruben 98 Bader, Daniel 98 Brennan, Joel 98 Col Ó n, H É ctor
98 Frautschi, W. Jerome 99 Gee, Rev. Alex
99 Graber, Richard
99 Hall, Eve
99 Hallberg, Jackie
100 Johnson, Michael
100 Lindner, Amy
100 Mulva, Jim and Miriam
100 Wesley, Greg
Kimo Ah Yun PRESIDENT MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY | MILWAUKEE
KIMO AH YUN was elected the 25th president of Marquette University in November 2024. He had served in dual roles of acting president and provost since June 2024, following the death of former president Michael Lovell. The California native first joined Marquette as dean of the Diederich College of Communication in 2016. Previously, he was associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Sacramento.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, California State University-Sacramento; master’s, Kansas State University; doctorate, Michigan State University
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “July 24, 1999. Lummi Island, Washington. The day that I married my best friend.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Becoming the absolute best version that you can be of yourself while helping others to achieve the same thing.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Door County in October. This is an annual tradition with my family. It is a great time of the year with the weather being perfect and is a slice of Wisconsin that is wholesome. The cherry pie is not that bad either.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “Al Jarreau and Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees cover band).”
Rich Barnhouse PRESIDENT
WAUKESHA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE | PEWAUKEE
RICH BARNHOUSE has led Waukesha County Technical College since 2021. The college reports enrollment of over 17,000 students and employs more than 1,500 staff and faculty. Under Barnhouse’s leadership, WCTC has expanded its offerings related to artificial intelligence, adding an applied AI lab to the campus and launching an AI Data Specialist associate degree program, the first two-year AI degree to be offered in Wisconsin. Before coming to WCTC, Barnhouse was vice president of student services and enrollment management at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. He also previously held various in-state roles, including associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Wisconsin Colleges, dean of students at Moraine Park Technical College from 2007 to 2011, and assistant campus dean for administrative services at UWSheboygan from 2004 to 2007.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Brock University; master’s, Central Michigan University; Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “In another life, I’d like to be an economist.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Best practice.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The future is very exciting for WCTC – more programs and enrollment growth.” TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Attitude and work ethic. Period.”
Anthony Cruz PRESIDENT MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE | MILWAUKEE
ANTHONY CRUZ began his tenure as president of Milwaukee Area Technical College in July 2024. He is responsible for day-to-day administration, management and oversight of all college operations and for developing business and community partnerships. MATC has over 30,000 students, employs over 1,500 people and offers more than 180 programs. The college generates roughly $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, and 92% of its graduates work in Wisconsin. Previously, Cruz was president of the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, vice chancellor of student affairs at St. Louis Community College and vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Florida International University; master’s, Florida State University; doctorate, Florida International University
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Wisconsin will be even better when we reduce racial/ ethnic achievement gaps in higher education, and we are committed to this important work.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Key elements of the future of higher education include the need for more badges and short-term credentials to meet workforce needs. MATC offers dozens of badges and is preparing to launch a badge application to allow students to more easily access them.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Sports broadcaster.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I know how to play the trumpet.”
Layla Merrifield
PRESIDENT WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM | MADISON
LAYLA MERRIFIELD was appointed president of the Wisconsin Technical College System in September 2024. WTCS provides oversight for Wisconsin’s 16 public, two-year technical colleges. Merrifield was previously executive director of the Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association, where she represented the trustees of the state’s tech colleges. Earlier, she worked as a policy advisor for the WTCS and as a fiscal analyst for the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Merrifield is pursuing a master ofeducation degree, with plans to continue towards a doctor of education.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Hendrix College WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I love working with my hands, but I’m not super skilled. If I had to switch careers, I’d look at a technical college credential in carpentry or maybe furniture refinishing.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I’m very accurate with a frisbee. I played a ton of ultimate, back when I was younger and had better knees.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Our entire state parks system is a treasure, but Copper Falls might be my favorite. The entire lakeshore around the Apostle Islands is extraordinary.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “I have many, but ‘Dr. Strangelove’ endures. Growing up as a Cold War kid, that movie resonated and gave me permission to laugh at the absurdity of our collective predicament.”
Jennifer Mnookin CHANCELLOR
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON | MADISON
JENNIFER MNOOKIN has served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison since 2022. Mnookin is the 30th leader of the state’s flagship public university, which serves nearly 48,000 students and employs 26,755 faculty and staff. The university, its affiliated organizations and related startups contribute $30.8 billion in economic impact, or 9% of the state’s economy, according to a Northstar Analytics report.
During her tenure, Mnookin launched Wisconsin RISE, an initiative to boost research and increase faculty hiring with the goal of addressing significant, complex issues that affect Wisconsin and the world. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation recently committed $15 million over the next three years toward UW-Madison’s artificial intelligence research and education, the first area of focus for RISE.
Mnookin has also introduced initiatives to increase educational access. Through Bucky’s Pell Pathway, the university meets the full financial need for in-state students who qualify for Pell grants. The program has served 3,750 students in its first two years. In late 2023, she introduced the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program, which covers all the costs of education for enrolled members of Wisconsin’s federally recognized tribes.
Mnookin was previously dean of the School of Law and Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles. A national expert on law, forensic science and evidence, Mnookin is also the founder and former faculty co-director of the Program on Undergraduate Law, Science and Evidence at UCLA.
Mnookin was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2020.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Harvard University; J.D., Yale Law School; doctorate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mark Mone
CHANCELLOR
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE
WHEN HE STEPS down in July 2025, Mark Mone will have served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for 11 years, a longer tenure than any of his predecessors besides founding chancellor J. Martin Klotsche. Under Mone’s leadership, UWM was awarded and has since maintained its “R1” status from Carnegie, a designation given to institutions with the highest research activity.
Mone was also founding chair of the
Higher Education Regional Alliance, a partnership among southeastern Wisconsin’s colleges and economic development organizations, and a co-founder of M-cubed, an initiative to serve graduates of Milwaukee Public Schools and close the achievement gap.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Central Washington University; MBA, Idaho State University; doctorate, Washington State University
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Creating a national model for bi-partisan collaboration across the deep divides we have in society. Being a role model for the country by focusing on the needs of citizens through economic development and prosperity policies.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Door County.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The world would be a very different place today if it hadn’t been for these two leaders. They were exactly what was needed in their time(s).”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Appetite for growth and learning; self-awareness and humility; sense of humor and work ethic.”
Ritu Raju
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE | KENOSHA
AS PRESIDENT and CEO of Gateway Technical College, Ritu Raju oversees the Kenosha college’s more than 70 academic programs, nine campus and center locations, its $160 million budget and $12 million college foundation. She previously was vice president for academic affairs at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus in Hurst, Texas.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Houston Downtown; master’s, Sam Houston State University; doctorate, Texas Tech University
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “One of my favorite writers, William Shakespeare. His work is so extensive and has passed the test of time. Many of the phrases and words he coined are still used.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Gateway Technical College has seen a steady rise in student enrollment over the last three semesters. This isn’t by chance or good fortune. We see this as an affirmation that our mission and what we bring to the table are closely aligned to the current and future needs of the diverse communities we serve in southeastern Wisconsin.” WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “We need more housing.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m hoping to learn pickleball.”
Tim Sullivan
DEAN, SULLIVAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
CARROLL UNIVERSITY | WAUKESHA
TIM SULLIVAN has served as dean of the Sullivan School of Business & Technology at Carroll University since 2023 following multiple CEO stints in the private sector. Sullivan was formerly president and CEO of the REV Group, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of specialty vehicles, and chairman and CEO of Gardner Denver Inc., a manufacturer of oil and gas, industrial and medical equipment. Before that, he was CEO of Bucyrus International, a South Milwaukee-based manufacturer of mining machinery that sold to Caterpillar in 2011. He currently serves as chairman of New York City-based BitFire Inc. and Phoenix-based Bandit Productions. Locally, he chairs the board of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Carroll University; MBA, Arizona State University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Established four new programs: Mechanical Engineering and Industrial & Systems Engineering, Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Rebalance the tax structure. We assess too much in property taxes and too little in sale tax.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Technology, data and human literacy. Highly collaborative and socially accountable. Deep listening skills and strong work ethic.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First: Blood Sweat & Tears (Summerfest). Most recent: Bruce Springsteen.”
Jay Rothman PRESIDENT UNIVERSITIES OF WISCONSIN | MADISON
JAY ROTHMAN has served as the ninth president of the Universities of Wisconsin, previously known as the UW System, since 2022. He has oversight of the system’s 13 universities across the state, which collectively serve about 161,000 students and 35,000 faculty and staff. He is also responsible for the UW system’s $6 billion annual budget.
He’s overseen the downsizing of many two-year campuses. Six of UW’s 13 branch campuses have closed or will by the end of this school year due to declining enrollment.
Prior to leading the UW system, Rothman was chairman and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner LLP, one of the top 50 law firms in the country, based on revenue. Foley has more than 1,100 lawyers and 1,000 staff members across 22 cities and serves more than 10,000 clients. Rothman led Foley & Lardner for 11 years and was a member of the firm’s management committee for 20 years. As a practicing lawyer, Rothman focused on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate governance.
Rothman serves on the boards of Quad and Mayville Engineering Company Inc. He has also served as a director of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and previously was chairman of the Children’s Wisconsin board of directors.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; J.D., Harvard Law School
John Swallow
PRESIDENT AND CEO CARTHAGE COLLEGE | KENOSHA
UNDER JOHN SWALLOW’S leadership the past seven years, Carthage College has seen record first-year enrollments and first-to-second-year retention rates and near-doubled fundraising levels. The private liberal arts college has also invested more than $80 million in campus and technology upgrades, launched 17 new undergraduate majors and four new master’s degrees and added four new varsity athletic teams. Swallow has served on several boards related to higher education and economic development, most recently as past chair of the Higher Education Regional Alliance and of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of the South; masters’ and doctorate, Yale University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Wisconsin higher education must adapt very quickly as the number of traditional college-aged students declines, the demand for specific skills grows, student and family expectations evolve and a great many shibboleths of the past fall away.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I have long been an amateur singer.
In fact, my wife, Cameron, and I met in choir in college. I recently joined the Midwest Vocal Express, a 30-year-old barbershop chorus originally founded in Greendale and enjoy performing and competing at the district and international levels.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Wisconsin needs a nonpartisan, pro-growth plan to invest more in our citizens, educating our people for the present and future economy.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Interacting with students, whether I’m chatting in the Starbucks line, watching a team compete, listening in on a choir rehearsal, guest conducting the orchestra or being called out of my seat in the middle of a musical to act on stage.”
Brian Thompson CHIEF INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP OFFICER UNIVERSITY
OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE
AFTER MORE than 17 years leading the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation and helping launch the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center at UWM, Brian Thompson was named chief innovation and partnership officer of the university in 2023. He leads the initiatives linking the university to corporate partners for research and talent. Among UWM’s recent successes, Microsoft Corp. announced this spring it will establish a manufacturing-focused AI Co-Innovation Lab on the campus, which aims to serve 270 Wisconsin companies by 2030. Thompson is also co-principal investigator on the Milwaukee Innovation Corps program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Purdue University; MBA, UCLA
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I enjoy integrating complex information into informative graphics. These include ecosystem maps and process diagrams that we use to cultivate partners and guide strategy.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Saving Private Ryan’ is among my favorite movies because I’ve taken numerous leadership lessons from Tom Hanks’ character.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m on an artificial intelligence learning journey that includes not only tools available to individuals, but also the many ways in which researchers and educators can and are using AI to enhance their work.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Rock Island State Park. And, of course, UWM.”
John Walz PRESIDENT MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING | MILWAUKEE
JOHN WALZ became the fifth president of Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2016. Walz has spearheaded various strategic initiatives, such as modernizing and upgrading campus infrastructure, broadening the institution’s recruitment efforts across different regions, enhancing the sense of inclusion and belonging on campus, and developing new academic programs that align with the needs of corporate partners. Under his leadership, MSOE received its largest-ever gift, a $34 million donation to build a new computational science hall on its downtown campus, from NVIDIA vice president and MSOE alumnus Dwight Diercks and his wife, Dian. Other major projects during Walz’s tenure have included the new Robert Spitzer Dining Commons, We Energies STEM Center, nursing facility expansion, and Hermann Viets Tower.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, Tulane University; doctorate, Carnegie Mellon University WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I gave serious thought to becoming a physician, but I am very happy with the choice I made. (In total honesty, a major league baseball player, but this was a dream).”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I wish I had not delayed in buying stock in Nvidia several years ago.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Longer summers, more Cajun restaurants (I’m from south Louisiana).”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Having enough money and time to do the things I greatly enjoy.”
Ruben Anthony PRESIDENT AND CEO
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MADISON | MADISON
RUBEN ANTHONY has led the Urban League of Greater Madison since 2015. Under his leadership, the organization increased its job placements by 39% and has made more than 1,400 placements to date.
He also spearheaded the creation of the Black Business Hub, a gathering place for Black businesses in Villager Mall on the city’s south side, where the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Summit Credit Union and the Black Chamber of Commerce have all signed on as tenants. Anthony has led the $20 million fundraising effort to support the project.
Prior to joining the Urban League, Anthony worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 19 years, where he started as a first line supervisor and eventually became deputy secretary and chief operations officer. As deputy secretary, he managed a $3.25 billion budget.
Anthony is credited as the architect of the “Wisconsin Model” for increasing disadvantaged business enterprise participation and participated in a national tour with the Federal Highway Administration to share the model with other states. Anthony has also served as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise capacity-building adviser to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Dulles Airport in Washington D.C.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s Jackson State University; master’s University of Wisconsin-Madison; doctorate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Joel Brennan
PRESIDENT
GREATER MILWAUKEE COMMITTEE | MILWAUKEE
JOEL BRENNAN is president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a private sector civic organization composed of leaders in business, education, philanthropy and the nonprofit community. Prior to joining GMC, he served as secretary of the Department of Administration under Gov. Tony Evers, where he led the agency of nearly 1,500 employees. Previously, Brennan was president and chief executive officer of Discovery World for nearly 12 years, head of Milwaukee’s Redevelopment Authority and vice president of development and government affairs for the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau, now Visit Milwaukee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “The most significant success at the Greater Milwaukee Committee over the last 12 months was our partnership with the MMAC, the city, the county and other stakeholders to bring significant new local revenue to the public sector to preserve vital community services.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “A stronger focus on early learning and early childhood education that reflects an understanding on this issue and its impact on K-12 education outcomes and state workforce needs.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Miller High Life, the champagne of beers.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “‘Hamilton’ soundtrack, ‘Greatest Showman’ soundtrack, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor.”
Daniel Bader
PRESIDENT AND CEO
BADER PHILANTHROPIES | MILWAUKEE
UNDER DANIEL BADER’S leadership since 1992, Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies has distributed $520 million in grants and programrelated investments. In 2018, the foundation moved its headquarters from the Historic Third Ward to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. Earlier this year, the foundation established the Bader Leadership Institute, with an initial cohort of 16 fellows, who are working with Milwaukee nonprofits to develop solutions to community challenges. Bader serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation and Relief International, where he chairs the fundraising committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Rochester Institute of Technology
SECRET TALENT: “I am a good flash chef. I can develop a delicious and healthy meal from scratch in 30 minutes or less.”
YOUR ADVICE FOR A NEW LEADER: “One of the hardest parts of being a leader is building trust at all levels of the organization. I would advise building strong relationships throughout the organization. Strong relationships eventually lead to strong trust.”
YOUR FIRST CONCERT AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Pink Floyd at County Stadium in 1997. I saw Pink! at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 23, which was our 30th wedding anniversary.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Forrest Gump.’ It’s a fun movie to watch and takes us through important periods of racial and civic change in the U.S.”
H É ctor Col Ó n
PRESIDENT AND CEO
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF WISCONSIN AND UPPER MICHIGAN INC. | WEST ALLIS
HÉCTOR COLÓN has led Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan as president and CEO since 2017. With annual revenues of $74 million and 780 employees, LSS is one of the largest health and human services organizations in the Midwest. Previously, Colón was executive director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, where he led efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, reduce chronic homelessness and redesign the county’s mental health care model. A former member of the national USA Boxing team, he serves as vice chair of the USA Boxing board, on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and on the board of directors for M3 Insurance and Nicolet Bankshares Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “1. Pay our employees commensurate to the value they provide. 2. Speed up government policies and programs to more quickly address the needs of the people we serve. 3. Innovate and act more like a business to ensure viability.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a pretty good cook. I learned from my mother. My special Puerto Rican dish is Guiso.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Invest significant dollars in early intervention/prevention programs that include family coaches to address social determinants of health barriers.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Peanut Butter Whiskey on the rocks.”
PHILANTHROPIST
W. JEROME FRAUTSCHI FOUNDATION MIDDLETON
THE OVERTURE CENTER in downtown Madison stands as a testament to Jerome Frautschi’s lasting impact on the city’s art scene. Giving what is cited as one of the largest gifts to the arts from a single donor in the country, Frautschi donated $205 million to build the arts and performance venue in an effort to help revitalize Madison’s downtown.
Frautschi renewed his investment in the Overture Center in 2024 by giving $10 million, through the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, to its current campaign to address capital needs and grow its endowment.
Frautschi also recently gave two $10 million gifts in support of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s new center, slated to open on Madison’s Capitol Square in early 2027.
Frautschi has made numerous donations to other arts and education-related nonprofits, including One City Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and the Madison College Foundation. The Jerry Awards, the statewide high school musical awards program, is named after Frautschi in recognition of his support for the arts.
Frautschi ran Webcrafters, a family-owned book manufacturing company, with his brother, John, for 42 years. The company was acquired by Minnesotabased CJK Group in 2017. He is married to Pleasant Rowland, fellow philanthropist and creator of the American Girl brand.
W. Jerome Frautschi
Rev. Alex Gee
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
THE NEHEMIAH CENTER FOR URBAN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | MADISON
PASTOR AND COMMUNITY activist Rev. Alexander Gee is president and founder of the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides programming for youth, re-entry services for men re-entering the community after incarceration and neighborhood economic development initiatives. Gee, who is also lead pastor of Fountain of Life Church on Madison’s south side, founded the center in the mid1990s in response to what he saw as the unmet social, academic and spiritual needs of Madison’s at-risk and disenfranchised Black community. In 2018, Nehemiah was awarded a $1 million grant from the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health for its work in addressing health disparities in Wisconsin. The center is also home to the Justified Anger Coalition, which works to engage non-Black allies in addressing racism in Dane County.
Gee is currently spearheading another initiative, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, a 37,000-square-foot facility under construction on Madison’s south side. Gee envisions the center as a place where the Black community will convene to learn about Black history, engage in art and music and incubate businesses. The center has raised more than $28 million through its capital campaign and is expected to open in late 2025. Gee is a sought-out speaker, having taught and lectured locally as well as in India, South Africa, Cambodia, South Korea and Canada. He is the author of two books and host of the podcast “Black Like Me.” He’s received numerous local and national awards for his leadership and advocacy.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; master’s, Fuller Seminary; doctorate, Bakke Graduate University
Eve Hall
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GREATER MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE | MILWAUKEE
EVE HALL’S career has focused on promoting economic opportunities for African Americans and underserved communities through education, employment, advocacy and economic self-reliance and development. She has served as president and chief executive officer of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League since 2017. The GMUL operates a variety of programs, including workforce development and training, and education and youth-centered initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization opened a Workforce Technology Center within its main office in 2018, and in 2022 it opened a second Milwaukee office to enhance its employment services.
Before joining the GMUL, Hall led the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin for five years and is credited with reviving the institution. Previously, Hall held an executive leadership role with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and was director of the Milwaukee office of former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. Hall co-founded the African American Women’s Project Fund, which was created to support organizations that promote the wellbeing of women and girls. She is also the immediate past chair of the Visit Milwaukee board of directors.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Florida A&M University; master’s, UW-Milwaukee; doctorate, Cardinal Stritch University
Richard Graber
PRESIDENT AND CEO
THE LYNDE AND HARRY BRADLEY FOUNDATION
MILWAUKEE
RICHARD GRABER is president and chief executive officer of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, a Milwaukee-based grantmaking institution that has made more than 15,000 grants totaling upwards of $1.3 billion to about 2,000 organizations since its inception in 1985. Of that total, more than $400 million has gone to groups within Wisconsin. The organization supports causes related to the arts, culture, education, health and conservative ideals. The foundation had $992 million in total assets in 2022, according to its tax filing.
Graber has led the foundation since 2016 and served on its board of directors since 2014. Prior to joining the foundation, Graber was senior vice president for global government relations for Honeywell. He also served as the U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush and managed a 280-person embassy.
He practiced law in the international, corporate and government relations practices at the Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren law firm in Milwaukee and was president and CEO of the firm from 2004 to 2006.
Graber currently serves on the board of directors of The Philanthropy Roundtable, The Kern Family Foundation and Curt G. Joa Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Duke University; J.D., Boston University Law School
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GOODWILL GREATER MILWAUKEE & CHICAGO MILWAUKEE
JACKIE HALLBERG has led Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago since 2013. The Milwaukee-based branch of Goodwill Industries spans a 23-county territory in Wisconsin and Illinois and includes 74 Goodwill stores and donation centers. In 2023, the organization reported more than $346.4 million in operating revenue and served more than 50,000 individuals. In recent years, the organization has opened new stores and donation centers in Burbank, Illinois; Mukwonago and Hartford as well as outlet thrift stores in Milwaukee and Romeoville, Illinois. In addition to its stores, the organization manages its e-commerce operations, federal contract work at Naval Station Great Lakes, and the Goodwill TalentBridge, staffing and recruiting agency.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Our landscape is quickly evolving. With more competitors and disruptors in the market, we have been thinking hard about the experiences we’re creating for our shoppers, donors and job seekers. We are continuing to adapt to support our community’s needs.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Right now, it is complete silence, which offers a great opportunity for reflection.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I look for people who are passionate about their work. To me, passion fuels purpose.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Sometimes the right answer isn’t the easy one, and a leader needs to show courage and resiliency when standing in their beliefs of what is right for their business while not losing sight of the people doing the work on the front line.”
Jackie Hallberg
PRESIDENT AND CEO
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DANE COUNTY | MADISON
DURING HIS 14 YEARS at the helm of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Michael Johnson has grown the organization’s donor base and cultivated public-private partnerships, resulting in a new workforce center on Madison’s southwest side. Johnson led the $35 million campaign in support of the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, a partnership with the Madison Area Builders Association that aims to train young people for careers in the skilled trades. The campaign received a seven-figure challenge grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Throughout his tenure, Johnson has helped raise more than $50 million for the organization, expanded its operations in Fitchburg, Madison, Verona and Sun Prairie and acquired the Boys & Girls Clubs of Walworth County. BGCDC serves more than 7,500 young people across ten locations, including eight schoolbased sites and two traditional club sites.
Johnson was previously deputy commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and executive director of Lutheran Child & Family Services of Indiana and Northern Kentucky, among several other nonprofit leadership roles.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Chicago State University; MBA, University of Phoenix
Amy Lindner
PRESIDENT AND CEO
UNITED WAY OF GREATER MILWAUKEE & WAUKESHA COUNTY | MILWAUKEE
AMY LINDNER is the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. During Lindner’s tenure, the organization has raised more than $300 million through its annual community campaigns and prioritized the initiatives of ending family homelessness, reducing barriers to employment and advancement, ensuring digital equity and improving mental wellness among teens. Previously, Lindner was president and CEO of Milwaukee-based nonprofit Meta House and a partner at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of WisconsinMadison; J.D., University of Notre Dame
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “In December 2023, we announced that as part of our Safe and Stable Homes work, we have met all of the criteria from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to be able to say we’ve ended family homelessness in both Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I have the best job in town. But I do think I would have loved to be a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Like everywhere, we’d be closer to solutions if we leaned in on solving real problems in our community instead of looking at who to blame for where we are.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I’m learning how to rhythm roller dance – basically dancing on roller skates. But I can’t seem to stop talking about it, so maybe it doesn’t count as a secret?”
Jim and Miriam Mulva
PHILANTHROPISTS | DE PERE
DE PERE NATIVES Jim and Miriam Mulva have made a significant impact on the greater Green Bay area through philanthropy.
Following Jim’s retirement in 2012 as chairman and CEO of global oil and gas company ConocoPhillips, the Mulvas began partnering with the De Pere Historical Society on an idea that would ultimately become the Mulva Cultural Center. The couple gave the funding for the construction and long-term operation of the new center, envisioned as a destination for the creative arts and cultural programming in the Midwest. Located along the Fox River, the 75,000-square-foot building marks a historic site that was De Pere’s first center of commerce. In addition to the center, the Mulvas have also committed a foundational gift to fund the De Pere Historical Society’s redevelopment and expansion.
Jim served for many years as a board member of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, General Electric, General Motors and Statoil. Miriam has been active in local Oklahoma, London and Texas initiatives, including serving on several boards related to the Catholic Church, community, the arts, school and USS Swimming. In 2014, the couple pledged $60 million to the University of Texas at Austin, Jim’s alma mater, to support its business and engineering schools.
Miriam and Jim divide their time between Austin and Wisconsin.
EDUCATION:
Jim: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Texas at Austin Miriam: Bachelor’s, St. Norbert College
Greg Wesley
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GREATER MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION MILWAUKEE
GREG WESLEY became president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in August 2024. Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and one of the largest in the U.S., GMF has more than 1,500 funds and more than $1 billion in assets under management. Previously, Wesley served as co-chair of the ThriveOn Collaboration, a joint project among the GMF, Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital. For eight years, he was senior vice president of strategic alliances and business development – and later added the role of interim general counsel – at the Medical College. Wesley currently serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee as immediate past chair, Teach for America Milwaukee as chair, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Black Arts Fest MKE, Milwaukee World Festivals Inc., Trust for Professional Managers, MHS Health Wisconsin and Versiti Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Indiana University-Bloomington; J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “The culminating open house for ThriveOn King in October showcased years of hard work by so many people – truly a vision come to fruition with the greatest impact yet to come.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Develop critical listening skills – listen more than talk. This will help you become thoughtful and a trusted, connected partner.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Frederick Douglas was an inspiring orator and thought leader with incredible perspective.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “How to lower my golf handicap.”
Michael Johnson
OTHER LEADING INDUSTRIES
Agriculture
102 Habelman Jr., Ray
102 Mayer, Shelly
102 Olson, Brad
102 Vincent, Chad
Economic Development
103 Bauer, Kurt
103 Brandon, Zach
103 Fields, Jason
103 Gries, Rebecca
104 Hughes, Missy
104 Kooyenga, Dale
104 LaMue, Barb
104 Trick, Jenny
retail
105 Bergstrom, John
105 Blain Gilbertson, Jane
105 Kingsbury, Tom
105 McLean, Andrew
106 Menard Jr., John
106 Sato, Samuel
106 Schaefer, John
106 Skogen, Mark
107 Wanek, Todd
107 Zietlow, Scott
Agriculture, economic development, Retail
other leading industries | Agriculture
Ray Habelman Jr. CEO
HABELMAN BROTHERS CO. | TOMAH
FOURTH-GENERATION cranberry farmer Ray Habelman Jr. is carrying on his family’s legacy as the leader of Habelman Brothers Co., the world’s largest fresh cranberry grower and packer. Habelman oversees operations of Habelman Brothers’ central Wisconsin locations in Millston, Tomah and Tunnel City. Combined, those farms comprise more than 700 acres of actively producing cranberries. The company also has two certified packing facilities and 43,000 square feet of cooler storage capacity. It has 40 full-time and 250 seasonal employees.
The business sets itself apart as a producer of fresh cranberries, which make up just 5% of the overall cranberry market. Most of Habelman’s cranberries are processed for juice concentrate and dried cranberries, which are sold in grocery stores across the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Wisconsin produces about 60% of all the cranberries grown in the U.S., making it the nation’s leading grower of cranberries. The industry generates about $1 billion in state economic impact.
Under Habelman’s leadership, the farm has adopted new technology and practices to become more sustainable, including progressive nutrient management and integrated pest management programs on the marsh.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
Brad Olson
PRESIDENT WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION | MADISON
THIRD-GENERATION farmer
Brad Olson was elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in late 2023. With more than 47,000 members, WFBF is the state’s largest general farm organization and is made up of 61 county farm bureaus.
The organization advocates for Wisconsin farmers on the state and national levels.
Members serve on boards and committees working on legislation, regulations and issues that affect agriculture and rural areas.
Olson was first elected to the WFBF board of directors in 2022 to represent District 9, which includes counties in the northwestern part of the state. Olson, his wife, Vicky, and two children farm more than 600 acres of crops near Frederic in Polk County. Olson purchased his family’s dairy farm in 1992 and transitioned from dairy cows to crops in 2022. Olson also serves as a Polk County supervisor, and he and his family are members of the Polk-Burnett Farm Bureau.
Shelly Mayer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROFESSIONAL DAIRY PRODUCERS OF WISCONSIN | JUNEAU
SHELLY MAYER is executive director of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, the largest dairy producer-led, educational-based organization in the U.S. The organization has led the national effort to promote dairy animal wellbeing and food safety. Mayer’s work has focused on helping dairy farm families with issues such as improving business profitability, community relations, environmental management, leadership development, food safety and animal health, along with labor issues, industry relations and family business transition.
Previously, Mayer served on the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection board of directors and on the UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science board of visitors. She has also served on the Center for Food Integrity Executive Committee since 2008.
Mayer grew up on a dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin. She and her husband continue to manage a herd of Holsteins and Brown Swiss on their dairy farm near Slinger. They also own and manage Folk Song Farm, an agritourism business that includes a restored 1850s events barn that has been in their family for seven generations.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of WisconsinMadison
Chad Vincent
CEO
DAIRY FARMERS OF WISCONSIN | MADISON
CHAD VINCENT is chief executive officer of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the marketing arm for the state’s $50 billion dairy agriculture business. Previously, Vincent was chief marketing officer and senior vice president of strategic development at Plymouth-based Sartori Cheese. Prior to that, Vincent was a managing director at H.J. Heinz in Pittsburgh, president of the AsiaPacific region at Miller Brewing Co. and division president and global chief marketing officer at Fiskars Brands. Vincent was recently named board chair for the Wisconsin Agriculture Export Committee. He also serves on the U.S.
Dairy Export Council’s Operating Committee and was named to the USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, Michigan State University
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Wisconsin’s dairy industry continues to be a powerhouse in the U.S. and globally. Wisconsin cheese export sales continue to gain momentum, and sales continue to accelerate.”
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE: “Chocolate milk cannot be beat.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “3:30 to 6 a.m. I am an early riser and have time to read, get prepared for the day and work relatively interruption-free.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I am an Audible junkie. I love to listen to anything from Pat Lencioni, and Pia Nilsson’s mental golf work in ‘Be A Player.’”
Kurt Bauer PRESIDENT AND CEO
WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS & COMMERCE MADISON
KURT BAUER has led Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business association, since 2011. WMC represents 3,800 employers of all sizes and from all economic sectors. Prior to joining WMC, Bauer spent 18 years working for financial industry trade groups, including as CEO for the Wisconsin and Arizona Bankers Associations. He serves as vice chair of the National Association of State Chambers.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Wisconsin needs a more competitive business climate, especially personal income tax rates. That one little reform could stimulate significantly more inmigration and spur more economic activity.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I recently learned that my maternal grandfather won the Iron Cross while serving in the Imperial German Army during World War I. I would love to witness the act of valor he performed to earn that medal.”
FIRST CONCERT AND RECENT CONCERT: “Pink Floyd at Camp Randall Stadium, and this past spring, I took my youngest to his first concert: Taylor Swift in Paris, which was actually cheaper than seeing her in the U.S.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “My children will be, by far, my most enduring legacy. Making sure they are equipped with a moral compass, common sense, work ethic and compassion is how I will be judged.”
Jason Fields
PRESIDENT
AND CEO MADISON REGION ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP | MADISON
JASON FIELDS leads the Madison Region Economic Partnership, the economic development agency representing the eight counties in south-central Wisconsin. He was named the president and CEO of MadREP following six terms in the state Legislature representing Madison’s north side. Previously, Fields worked as a financial advisor, investment advisor, personal banker and credit union branch manager. Fields serves on the boards of Destination Madison, Wisconsin Technology Council, MKE Tech, Competitive Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packer Mentor Protégé Program and the Convergence Resource Center. He is also president of the Regional Leadership Council.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Cardinal Stritch University; master’s, Concordia University
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I would have stopped day trading stock and stuck to my strategy on one particular day. I learned that the saying, ‘Pigs get killed, but hogs get slaughtered,’ was true.”
A HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “A. G. Gaston was the grandson of slaves born into poverty in 1892 in the Deep South. He died approximately a century after his birth with a fortune estimated to be more than $130 million.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Robust.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Understand that leadership comes at a price and that you have to appreciate the trials as much as you enjoy the successes.”
Zach Brandon PRESIDENT
GREATER MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MADISON
ZACH BRANDON became president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce in 2012. Under his leadership, the Greater Madison Chamber launched Health Tech Capitol, an effort to support Madison’s health tech sector; acquired Accelerate Madison; and started Pressure Chamber, which helps early-stage companies connect with investors and customers and close successful company rounds. Previously, Brandon was part of the leadership team of three startups and was director of the Wisconsin Angel Network, an early-stage investment organization. Brandon was also previously the vice chair of public policy for the national Angel Capital Association. He served as deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce under former Gov. Jim Doyle and as a Madison alderman from 2003-2008.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Kent State University WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Race car driver.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “The Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. It is one of just six Thai pavilions in the world built outside of Thailand.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert: Depeche Mode. Most recent concert: Gypsy Kings.” BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Synergy.”
Rebecca Gries
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE ATTRACTION AND EXPANSION
MILWAUKEE 7 | MILWAUKEE
REBECCA GRIES leads efforts to promote corporate relocations and expansions in the seven-county metro Milwaukee area. She became senior vice president of corporate attraction and expansion for the Milwaukee 7 Regional Partnership in June 2024. She joined M7 in 2018 as director of corporate attraction in expansion and in 2022 was named vice president. She is credited with directly leading more than a dozen successful expansion and relocation projects over the past five years.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Norbert College; master’s, Loyola University Chicago
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We’ve proudly celebrated several successful attraction projects alongside our partners. Most recently, companies like WestRock, Concept Labs, and MEC have chosen to invest in southeastern Wisconsin, creating new jobs and investing in the region.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Expanding transit between our largest urban centers would make it easier to connect people, fostering greater collaboration and accessibility.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was Hilary Duff, and The Vampire Weekend was the most recent.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “‘You’re on mute.’”
other leading industries | Economic Development
Missy Hughes SECRETARY AND CEO WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. | MADISON
MISSY HUGHES was appointed in 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers as secretary and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. WEDC is a public-private agency responsible for executing a statewide economic development strategy, bringing new businesses to Wisconsin and helping existing businesses expand. Prior to leading WEDC, Hughes was chief mission officer and general counsel for Organic Valley, the nation’s largest farmer-owned organic cooperative and one of the world’s largest organic consumer brands. She also served as president of the Organic Trade Association from 2016-2019.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Georgetown University; J.D., University of Wyoming
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Planned investments by businesses moving to or expanding in Wisconsin reached $2.4 billion, the highest level since WEDC’s creation more than a decade ago. The businesses expect to create nearly 5,000 new high-paying jobs. WEDC supported these projects with $62 million in performancebased tax credits. WEDC launched the $100 million Wisconsin Investment Fund, the largest public-private investment partnership in state history. About one-fourth of the initial investments will be aimed at Wisconsin’s biohealth and biotechnology industry and will build on the $49 million the state will receive for its designation as one of 31 national Regional Technology Hubs by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Be a dealmaker, not a dealbreaker.”
Barb LaMue PRESIDENT AND CEO
NEW
NORTH | GREEN BAY
Dale Kooyenga PRESIDENT MMAC | MILWAUKEE
DALE KOOYENGA took over as head of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce in early 2024. Representing more than 2,000 member businesses with more than 300,000 employees, the MMAC advocates on behalf of the business community in the Milwaukee and WOW counties. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011-2018 and in the state Senate from 2018-2022 as a Republican from Brookfield. He also held CFO positions at Milwaukee-based Stonehouse Water Technologies and Milwaukee-based Mpirik. He is a certified public accountant and a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Income taxes are way too high to realize meaningful economic growth. Lower, and/or eliminate the top two income tax brackets.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Abraham Lincoln. 1) Both from Illinois. 2) Both very tall and skinny. 3) Both elected Republicans. 4) Both love the Union. 5) Share a birthday, Feb. 12.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Associations nationwide are losing members. It’s the ‘bowling alone’ impact of a less civic-minded demographic than generations past. We need to clearly show value, often tangibly and financially, to demonstrate our effectiveness.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Funny, I have chosen three career paths: military, business and politics. So, I never made a choice. I said yes to everything that intrigued me, and I encourage others to do the same.”
BARB LAMUE leads New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of northeast Wisconsin. Her extensive board service currently includes appointments to the Transportation Development Association, Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corp., Wisconsin Procurement Institute, On Broadway District, Wisconsin Innovation Board and the International Economic Development Council. She is also a trustee with Lakeland University, a commissioner with the Brown County Harbor Commission, board member of UW-Green Bay’s Institute for Women’s Leadership, mentor with the Green Bay Packers Mentor Protégé Program and advisory board member of African Heritage Inc. Previously, LaMue was vice president of business and community development for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Lakeland University; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Back to the early 1900s to experience what my grandparents did when they immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island from what was then Czechoslovakia.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “This one is very personal. My mother was in palliative care, suffering from cancer. My family made sure Mom was never alone. I took the afternoon/night shift in her hospital room and worked during the day. I wish I would have put work aside and spent more time with my mom.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Rosa Parks, mother of the freedom movement.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First concert: Willie Nelson. Most recent: Hootie and the Blowfish at Alpine Valley.”
Jenny Trick EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RACINE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. RACINE
JENNY TRICK is executive director of the Racine County Economic Development Corp., an organization that assists businesses with expansion, relocation, financing and talent recruitment projects.
Trick has been with the organization for over 30 years, having previously served as deputy director and business development manager before being named executive director in 2014. Trick has used her expertise to provide companies seeking locations in Racine County with new company recruitment assistance, site and location options and state and municipal incentives.
In 2023, RCEDC facilitated 64 projects, attracting $1.36 billion in private investment, with $1.05 billion allocated to new construction. Those projects were expected to create or retain 542 jobs. RCEDC was involved in attracting Microsoft to Mount Pleasant, where the company is now building a $3.3 billion artificial intelligence data center. The development is expected to eventually create 2,000 permanent jobs.
Trick is a trustee on the Racine Public Library board, a board member of Visit Racine County and a volunteer with SCORE Mentors SE Wisconsin. She previously served on the boards of the Racine Community Foundation and the Racine Revitalization Partnership.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
John Bergstrom
CHAIRMAN
BERGSTROM AUTOMOTIVE | NEENAH
THIS YEAR marks 50 years of business for Bergstrom Automotive, a Neenah-based automotive retailer founded by John Bergstrom and his brother, Richard Bergstrom. Today it is the largest dealership company in Wisconsin and among the largest privately held automotive retailers in the U.S., with 39 locations across Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, Neenah and Oshkosh. The company has more than 2,300 employees.
Several key acquisitions have recently expanded Bergstrom’s footprint in the Green Bay area. In 2020, the auto retailer acquired Cliff Wall Automotive’s Subaru, Mazda and Mitsubishi dealerships in Green Bay, and in 2023 it acquired Broadway Automotive’s Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Volkswagon dealerships, also in Green Bay. In the fall of this year, the company opened a new, 35,000-square-foot Hyundai dealership on Oneida Street in Green Bay.
Bergstrom is known for his community involvement, having helped raise funds for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Menasha Boys & Girls Club and Bubolz Nature Preserve. As a company, Bergstrom Automotive also supports Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, United Way and Drive for a Cure.
Bergstrom’s family made a significant gift to support ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah’s $100 million modernization project, which was completed in 2024. The donation allowed the hospital to create new dining facilities on its main floor.
Bergstrom also spearheaded the initiative to build a Rockefeller Center-like ice rink in downtown Neenah and led a group of investors to fund the project as a gift to the city. It opened in 2021. He’s served as a director of WEC Energy Group, Banta Corp., Kimberly-Clark Corp., Midwest Express Holdings Inc., Sensient Technologies Inc. and the Green Bay Packers.
Bergstrom’s earlier entrepreneurial pursuits included opening a bar, restaurant and hotel, before founding the automotive group in 1974. In 2023, Bergstrom was inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
Tom Kingsbury
CEO
KOHL’S | MENOMONEE FALLS
TOM KINGSBURY has served as chief executive officer of Kohl’s Corp. since late 2022, initially in an interim capacity and then as a permanent appointment beginning in February 2023. He’s responsible for the Menomonee Falls-based retailer’s growth, profitability and strategic direction, overseeing its 1,170 stores. A Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees, Kohl’s is one of the Milwaukee region’s largest employers.
With more than 40 years of retail industry experience, Kingsbury previously led Burlington Stores Inc. as president and chief executive officer from 2008 to 2019. He also held management positions at The May Department Stores Co., including president and CEO of its Filene’s division. He’s served on Kohl’s board of directors since 2021.
Kingsbury oversees efforts to elevate Kohl’s brand portfolio, grow its loyalty program and grow its partnerships with companies like Amazon and Sephora. Under his leadership, Kohl’s recently launched Babies“R”Us shops within their stores, with plans to open 200 “shop-in-shops” and introduce a Babies“R”Us registry in 2024.
With Kohl’s up against numerous challenges – including the effects of inflation and high interest rates on consumer spending – Kingsbury has said his four priorities are to enhance the customer experience, accelerate and simplify Kohl’s value proposition, manage inventory and expenses with discipline and strengthen the balance sheet.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
JANE BLAIN GILBERTSON is executive chair, sole owner and retired CEO of Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s 45 stores, located across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and Blain Supply Inc. The Janesville-based, familyowned companies currently employ 5,500 associates. Blain Gilbertson joined the family business in 1985 and progressively took on responsibility for areas including marketing, merchandising, buying, e-commerce and store operations. Following the death of her father and uncle, she and her brother bought out the remaining family shareholders in 1998. The siblings ran the business together for 16 years, until Blain Gilbertson bought out Robert, and she was named CEO. Ten new stores opened under her leadership. In September 2024, she retired as CEO.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Miami University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Extremely successful succession of our president Mark Hasting to CEO and mine to executive chair and owner.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Lower tax rates to attract and retain more businesses and great talent.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “Baking schaum tortes – first recipe I learned to make while in kindergarten.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “Boston. Pink.”
Andrew McLean
CEO LANDS’ END | DODGEVILLE
ANDREW MCLEAN is chief executive officer of Lands’ End and a member of the Dodgeville-based retailer’s board. A multi-channel retailer with about 5,000 employees, Lands’ End expects net revenue to be between $1.33 billion and $1.45 billion in fiscal 2024. Prior to joining Lands’ End, McLean was president, international at AEO, the parent of American Eagle and Aerie brands. In that role, he led international operations and innovation across Canada, Greater Asia, Europe and Mexico and oversaw global expansion for AEO’s brands. He’s also held senior positions at Gap, Liz Claiborne and Urban Outfitters. McLean is a supporter of the NY Fashion Tech Lab, an organization committed to supporting retail innovation among female entrepreneurs.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Manchester; master’s, University of Cambridge; MBA, Harvard Business School
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Reinvigorating our customer base.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I am a great pickleball player.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’d love to have served our country in the military.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “100-meter dash – it’s all about speed!”
Jane Blain Gilbertson
EXECUTIVE CHAIR AND OWNER BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET | JANESVILLE
John Menard Jr. FOUNDER AND OWNER
MENARDS | EAU CLAIRE
JOHN MENARD JR., founder and owner of Eau Clairebased Menards, is the richest person in the state, with an estimated net worth of $22.9 billion. Among billionaires worldwide, he comes in 88th, according to Forbes.
He began building pole barns in 1958 to help fund his college education at the University of WisconsinEau Claire. That business later evolved into building supplies company Menards Cashway Lumber, from which he sold lumber and building materials to the public. He then opened his first hardware store in 1972, and Menards was born.
Today, Menards is the nation’s third-largest home improvement chain behind Home Depot and Lowe’s. The company operates 351 stores in 15 states, has roughly 45,000 employees and reported $13.4 billion in revenue in 2023. Menard remains majority shareholder of the closely held business.
Menard donated $15 million in 2008 to support Luther Midelfort Hospital in Eau Claire, supporting a new emergency department. In 2015, he gave $10 million to the Eau Claire Area YMCA, establishing the John and Fay Menard YMCA Tennis Center. He has given $2.1 million to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s business college, $2.4 million to UW-Stout’s foundation and $3 million to UW-Eau Claire’s Center for Constitutional Studies. Menard also gives regularly to conservative political groups, candidates, parties and committees.
He has been actively involved in auto racing for decades, and he sponsored the winning car at the 2019 Indy 500.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
John Schaefer
PRESIDENT AND CEO
FLEET FARM | APPLETON
JOHN SCHAEFER has led Appleton-based retailer Fleet Farm since 2019. Fleet Farm has more than 6,600 employees and operates 49 locations across Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Under Schaefer’s leadership, the company moved its Appleton headquarters to a 192,000-square-foot facility formerly owned by SECURA Insurance in 2020.
Previously, Schaefer was CEO of Sportsman’s Warehouse, where he oversaw its growth from 25 to 90 locations in nine years. He was also previously CEO of Team Express, an internet, catalog and retail marketer of sporting goods, and president and CEO of Cornerstone Brands Inc., a family of catalog companies. Earlier, Schaefer was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Eastbay Inc., a marketer of footwear, apparel, equipment and licensed and private-label products.
An active alumnus of UW-Madison, Schaefer serves on the board of Badgers United, an organization that promotes the university’s statewide economic impact. He is also a former alumni representative on the university’s athletic board and was chair of the oversight body’s finance committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sam Sato
PRESIDENT AND CEO
DULUTH HOLDINGS INC. | MT. HOREB
SAM SATO was appointed president and chief executive officer of Duluth Holdings Inc. in 2021. The retailer has more than 65 locations across the country and reported net sales of $647 million in 2023.
Under Sato’s leadership, Duluth opened its fourth fulfillment center, located in the Atlanta area, in 2023. The $53 million facility is the first in its fleet to use automation and robotics. Duluth Trading Co. also sold its Best Made brand in 2023, a move the company said allowed it to focus on its strategic growth initiatives, including its core workwear, outdoor apparel and accessories businesses and omni-channel customer experience.
Duluth made a four-year commitment in 2022 to raise $1.2 million on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s McKenzie Regional Workforce Center.
Prior to Duluth Trading, Sato was CEO of publicly traded Finish Line, where he led its merger with JD Sports and developed a key partnership with Macy’s. Previously, Sato had a 23-year career at Nordstrom, beginning as a sales associate in 1984 and eventually becoming vice president, corporate merchandising.
Mark Skogen
CEO AND PRESIDENT FESTIVAL FOODS | DE PERE
THIRD-GENERATION grocer
Mark Skogen has been full time with his family’s business, Festival Foods, since 1992. After working in a variety of positions across the company, including department manager and store director, he was named president and chief executive officer in 2006.
Mark’s grandfather, Paul Skogen, opened the family’s first grocery store in Onalaska, and Mark’s parents, Dave and Barbara, grew the small chain of stores in the ‘70s and ‘80s and then introduced Festival Foods’ current large-store format in 1990. Today, Festival operates 42 stores across the state. It employs more than 8,000 full- and part-time employees. The chain also sponsors the Green Bay Marathon, Christian music festival Lifest, and Grocers on the Green Golf Outing.
Skogen personally owns the Green Bay Rockers, a Northwoods League baseball team, and EPIC Event Center, a concert venue located near the Rockers’ Ashwaubenon stadium. Earlier this year, he purchased an empty lot near the stadium for $3 million with plans to build a five-story, 152-apartment building.
Skogen serves on the boards of the Green Bay Packers and Food Marketing Institute.
He has been recognized as the Wisconsin Grocer Association’s Grocer of the Year and received multiple awards for his entrepreneurship.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Viterbo University
Todd Wanek
PRESIDENT AND CEO
ASHLEY FURNITURE | ARCADIA
TODD WANEK is president and chief executive officer of Ashley Furniture, the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishings. The Arcadia-based company has more than 35,000 employees across the globe, with more than 30 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space. Its retail footprint includes more than 1,100 Ashley HomeStores in 67 countries, and it sells furniture in 20,000 storefronts across 155 countries. The company had about $12.3 billion in revenue in 2023, according to Forbes.
In recent years, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity by opening a new upholstery furniture production site in a 127,000-square-foot facility in Chippewa Falls. Earlier in his career with Ashley, Wanek was general manager of Ashley Furniture Industries Taiwan, working in Asia from 1989 to 1993. He returned to the U.S. in the mid‘90s and was promoted to chief operations officer in 1996, assuming responsibility of Ashley’s worldwide operations. He’s been president and CEO since 2002.
The company was founded by Wanek’s father, current chairman Ronald Wanek. Todd Wanek’s net worth is estimated at $3.7 billion, placing him among Forbes’ list of the 359 wealthiest Americans in 2024. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, according to Forbes.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Scott Zietlow PRESIDENT AND CEO
KWIK TRIP INC. | LA CROSSE
FORMER MAYO CLINIC trauma surgeon and professor Scott Zietlow became president and chief executive officer of Kwik Trip in early 2023, ushering in the second generation of family ownership and leadership at the La Crosse-based convenience store chain. Zietlow succeeded his father, Don Zietlow, who retired after 52 years with the company. Scott Zietlow had worked at the Rochester, Minnesota-based health system since the early 1990s, serving as a professor of surgery in the Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery Division. Zietlow is also the chair of Kwik Trip’s board of directors.
Kwik Trip has more than 860 stores across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and South Dakota, including more than 500 in Wisconsin. It employs more than 36,000 people and is the nation’s 11th largest convenience store chain, according to CSP Daily News.
In late 2023, the company said it would invest more than $151 million to expand its operations in Wisconsin, creating more than 500 jobs by 2027. The plans called for an expansion of its dairy, commissary and bakery facilities in La Crosse, the purchase and renovation of an office building in Onalaska and construction of a new satellite distribution center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; M.D., UW School of Medicine and Public Health
REAL ESTATE
construction
110 Ahern, Tripp
110 Bechthold, Kurt
110 Boldt, Tom
110 Hendricks, Diane
110 Homel, Randy
111 Hunzinger, John
111 Lindley, Steve
111 Michels, Tim
112 Nwagbaraocha, Ugo
112 Schmidt, Eric
112 Smith, Justin
112 Voss Jr., David G.
112 Yehle, Jim
real estate
113 Alexander, Joe
113 Barrett, Rick
114 Barry III, Jim
114 Borris, Jim
114 Dufek, Kristin
114 Gokhman, Tim
115 Hammes, Jon
115 Irgens, Mark
116 Jeffers, Josh
116 Johnson, Tracy
116 Kissinger, John
116 Landowski, Lyle
118 Mandel, Barry
118 Matkom, Ted
118 Mills, S.R.
118 Murphy, Emmy
119 Newell, Kevin
119 Rinka, Matt
Construction, Real Estate
119 Wall, Terrence
119 Wallen, Tim
Tripp Ahern
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
J. F. AHERN CO. | FOND DU LAC
TRIPP AHERN represents the fifth generation of family leadership of J. F. Ahern Co., a mechanical and fire protection contractor with operations across Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. Ahern has led the Fond du Lac-based firm through a period of significant growth, including reaching a record-high 1,800 employees. Tripp has been active in industry associations, including the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin and the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin. He previously served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin chapter of the Associated General Contractors and as president of AGC’s Subcontractor Division Board of Directors. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Fond du Lac Rotary.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Milwaukee School of Engineering
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Applying your abilities to make a difference for your family, company and community.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “My great, great grandfather. He immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland with nothing, learned a trade and started a business.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “1978: AC/DC and Cheap Trick. 2024: The Struts.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Intelligence, character, ambition and work ethic.”
Diane Hendricks
Kurt Bechthold
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
WALBEC GROUP | PEWAUKEE
KURT BECHTHOLD is chairman and chief executive officer of the Walbec Group, a family of six construction companies with 2,000 employees and a footprint across the Midwest. Bechthold represents the third generation of family leadership for the Pewaukeebased company. Bechthold serves on the boards of Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Sunrock Group, Siebert Lutheran Foundation, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Lake Express and the National Asphalt Pavement Association. He is also a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The infrastructure and transportation industry will keep evolving alongside technological advancements. If self-driving cars become more prevalent, we’ll see a significant shift in road designs to accommodate and optimize this new reality.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Collaborating with team members across our family of companies to explore new ideas and continuously enhance the way we serve our customers.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Deck, as in the slideshow deck. I remember when a physical set of slides used to be in the projector’s carousel.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “I’m a fan of comedies, as we all need a good laugh. My favorites include ‘Fletch,’ ‘Happy Gilmore’ and ‘Caddyshack.’”
CHAIRMAN, OWNER AND CO-FOUNDER, ABC SUPPLY OWNER, HENDRICKS HOLDING CO. | BELOIT
DIANE HENDRICKS is the co-founder and chairman of Beloit-based ABC Supply, the country’s largest wholesale distributor of roofing, windows, siding and gutter materials. ABC Supply reported $20.4 billion in 2023 revenue, employs more than 20,000 people and has over 970 locations across the U.S. and Canada. In 2023, the company ranked No. 21 among America’s largest private companies.
Hendricks founded ABC Supply with her late husband, Ken, in 1982, and she has served as chair since his death in 2007. She is responsible for its two biggest acquisitions, Bradco in 2010 and L&W Supply in 2016.
Hendricks is No. 1 on Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women and No. 38 on its list of America’s richest people, with a reported net worth of $21.9 billion. A 2022 Forbes article called Hendricks the “most successful female entrepreneur in American history.”
Outside of ABC Supply, Hendricks manages and develops real estate. She has transformed Beloit through her philanthropic and real estate investment. She developed the Phoenix building, a mixed-use commercial and apartment building, and the Ironworks Hotel; helped found the Beloit International Film Festival; opened a career center for middle and high schoolers; created a startup hub in a former industrial foundry; and funded a performing arts center in a former library building, among other projects. She has also invested heavily in Delafield and, through Hendricks Commercial Properties, recently completed a $25 million mixed-use development in its downtown.
Hendricks is a major contributor to the campaigns of Republican politicians, including former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and President-Elect Donald Trump.
Tom Boldt
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD THE BOLDT CO. | APPLETON
TOM BOLDT recently became chairman of the board of The Boldt Co. after serving as CEO of the Appleton-based construction firm since 1998. The company operates 18 offices across the U.S. and serves the health care, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial markets. Tom Boldt represents the fourth generation of family leadership at the firm. He serves on the board of The Nature Conservancy – Wisconsin Chapter, Ascendium Education Group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, WMC Foundation, among other civic organizations.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Olaf College
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “On a project level, our most significant success this past year was the completion of a substantial industrial project for a major paper and tissue manufacturing company. We exceeded all project benchmarks, including safety, time, cost and quality.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Leadership can be lonely, so don’t be afraid to seek the advice of others – peers and employees alike – before making decisions. Within that, encourage others to be candid with you and not to simply say what they think you want to hear.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “There are many places we’ve gotten to know and love in Wisconsin, but if I must choose one, it would be northern Door County.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “I’ve gotten into podcasts, including a French daily news broadcast, three World War I podcasts and several golf podcasts.”
Randy Homel CEO AND CHAIRMAN THE FOTH COMPANIES | DE PERE
RANDY HOMEL has worked his way up over 45 years at The Foth Companies, from joining as a mechanical engineering intern in 1979 to being named CEO and chairman of the board in 2013. As leader of the engineering firm, Homel is credited with driving more than 60% growth while maintaining a member retention rate of more than 92%. Headquartered in De Pere, Foth has 650 employees across 29 locations. Homel serves on the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Board at UWMadison, his alma mater.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The future of our industry is very strong for three reasons. First, the need for engineers and scientists continues to increase. Second, the United States is experiencing a persistent shortage of these professionals, a pattern that is expected to continue. Third, a growing number of our clients are streamlining their in-house engineering teams, opting instead to collaborate with reliable external partners who offer greater capacity and broader experience.“
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Elkhart Lake – for the area and the racing at Road America.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “My favorite time of the workday is late afternoon or evening, which is when I am most efficient. I guess I have always been a night owl.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “This is not a secret to people around me, but a secret to my success is relationship building. In fact, that is one of the secrets to Foth’s success: We are very much a people and solutions business, rather than a sales-oriented business.”
John Hunzinger PRESIDENT AND CEO HUNZINGER CONSTRUCTION CO. | BROOKFIELD
JOHN HUNZINGER leads Hunzinger Construction Co., one of the region’s largest construction companies by revenue.
The Brookfield-based firm has worked on highprofile projects including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater renovation, the new construction of Komatsu South Harbor Campus, Bayshore’s redevelopment, the renovation of American Family Amphitheater on the Summerfest grounds, the demolition of the Bradley Center and creation of the Deer District. Hunzinger supports several nonprofit arts groups, including the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Youth Art Center and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and is a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Colorado
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Grouse hunting and fishing in Mercer.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Intelligence, persistence, curiosity, sincerity and humility.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘True Grit,’ the John Wayne classic western.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Tennis.”
Steve Lindley PRESIDENT HOOPER | DEFOREST
STEVE LINDLEY is president of Hooper Corp., where he oversees external affairs and strategy for the DeForest-based electric power and mechanical contractor. Hoover employs about 1,300 office staff and tradespeople across its Madison-area headquarters and regional offices in Colorado, Florida and Ohio. Under Lindley’s leadership, in 2021, the firm opened a new corporate headquarters and fabrication facility on 50 acres in DeForest. That same year, Hooper merged with wholly owned subsidiary General Heating & Air Conditioning to become a unified company and brand.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Idaho – Moscow; CPA certification
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “It would be interesting to be in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, for the initial signing of the U.S. Constitution.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Place a higher priority on the state funding and support of education from K-12 through post-secondary. Strong support of education is so critical not only for our families, but also to support our business community.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First was the Doobie Brothers. The last was Dave Matthews.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Develop the ability to listen to people attentively and sincerely to understand their perspective.”
MICHELS CORP. | BROWNSVILLE
TIM MICHELS is a co-owner of Michels Corp., a Brownsvillebased energy and infrastructure construction firm. It is the largest construction company in Wisconsin, reporting $4.4 billion in revenue and employing more than 8,000 people. Established as a regional gas distribution company in 1959, the company has grown under the leadership of Tim Michels and his brothers to serve new markets, including energy, marine infrastructure, transportation, heavy civil and water and wastewater. Tim Michels has been heavily involved with the development of R1VER, a multi-use campus along the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee’s Harbor District that includes an eight-story office building, apartments, restaurant and cafe. Michels ran unsuccessfully as a Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin in 2022.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Norbert College; MBA, University of Chicago
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Michels Corporation has taken our highly specialized energy infrastructure services overseas to Europe and Australia.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was the Marshall Tucker Band at Summerfest in the late 1970s. My wife, Barbara, and I saw Mt. Joy last month.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Barbara and I always taught our children to pursue the three Hs: Heaven, health and happiness.”
CONGRATS,
Eric Schmidt, President CG Schmidt
Tim Michels CO-OWNER
Ugo Nwagbaraocha PRESIDENT
DIAMOND DISCS INTERNATIONAL | MILWAUKEE
UGO NWAGBARAOCHA is president of Diamond Discs International, a Milwaukee-based supplier of construction tools, specializing in diamond-edged cutting blades, core bits and small power tool items. Diamond Discs is the largest, fully certified minority-owned wholesaler of construction tools in the Milwaukee area. Nwagbaraocha has served as president of the National Association of Minority Contractors’ Wisconsin chapter since 2019 and was elected in 2024 as vice president of the national board of directors for the NAMC. He has been an advocate for contractors of color, lobbying for the state to take a more active role in helping minority-owned firms compete for federally funded projects. In 2020, he was awarded the Small Business Administration’s Minority Small Business Champion Award.
He serves on the boards of Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, including as an officer since 2023, and of Children’s Wisconsin. In addition, he is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a board member of the Green Bay Packers’ Mentor Protege Program, a board member of the Better Business Bureau and a steering council member for Scale Up Milwaukee.
Under Nwagbaraocha’s leadership, Diamond Discs moved its corporate headquarters from West Allis to Milwaukee’s northwest side in 2018. He was previously director of sales before becoming president of Diamond Discs in 2007.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Justin Smith CEO
C.D. SMITH FOND DU LAC
JUSTIN SMITH represents the fourth generation of family leadership at C.D. Smith, a Fond du Lac-based construction firm. He succeeded his father, the late Gary Smith, as president and chief executive officer in 2014. Under Justin’s leadership, C.D. Smith opened a Milwaukee branch in 2015, a new corporate office in Fond du Lac and a second branch in Madison in 2019, and a fourth office, in La Crosse, in 2020. The firm has more than 600 employees and in recent years has reported annual revenues of over $500 million.
C.D. Smith is seen as a leader in mass timber construction in Wisconsin, having worked on five mass timber projects in the state, including Ascent, the world’s tallest mass timber hybrid tower. The firm served as the construction manager, alongside Gilbane Building Co., of the $465 million Baird Center expansion, which doubled the downtown Milwaukee convention center’s size to 1.3 million feet. It also provided construction management and general contracting services for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to convert the Warner Grand Theatre into its performance center.
Other ongoing projects include the Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus and the nine-block Kenosha Harbor District redevelopment project.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, West Virginia University
Eric Schmidt
PRESIDENT CG SCHMIDT | MILWAUKEE
ERIC SCHMIDT is president of CG Schmidt Inc., a Milwaukee-based, family-owned construction management firm. Schmidt has helped lead some of the company’s most notable projects, including the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Calatrava-designed addition and, more recently, the Journal Square Lofts and the Milwaukee Athletic Club’s redevelopment. Schmidt joined his family business in 1991 as a field engineer and worked his way up to senior vice president in 2019 and then president in 2022.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, University of WisconsinMilwaukee
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “I foresee the future of construction and construction services centering on leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to solve the current manpower shortages.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Ferrari test driver. I have a passion for motorized recreation, and Ferrari is the pinnacle within their respective market.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “People have a multiplier effect, which is good and bad. Great people raise the performance of everyone around them, making it critical for a leader to surround themselves with people superior to themselves, while embodying the same core values that you and the organization are built upon.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I need to learn another language. I had years of German in school, but I never kept it up. I have friends who travel around the world and challenge themselves to learn the language well enough to get by, and I would like to follow their lead.”
David G. Voss
Jr.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MIRON CONSTRUCTION | NEENAH
DAVID G. VOSS JR. is president and chief executive officer of Neenah-based Miron Construction, one of the state’s largest construction firms. He has led the company since 1977.
Voss is involved in the daily operations of the company, provides corporate management and is involved in the conceptual and hard bid estimating process.
The company has 1,700 employees across its Wisconsin offices in Neenah, Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau, as well as its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Marquette, Michigan locations.
Recording $1.76 billion in revenue in 2022, the firm was recognized as the 11th fastest-growing company in the New North region by Insight Publications. It ranked No. 26 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list of the state’s largest private companies this year.
Miron’s high-profile projects in recent years have included the Resch Expo, a $93 million exhibition center located across the street from Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packaging’s $500 million manufacturing facility, and Howard Commons, a community gathering space in the village of Howard. The firm is also managing construction of FPC Live’s $70 million concert venue being built near Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.
This year Miron expanded its presence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a new office, and it opened a new $7.5 million office in Chippewa Falls, replacing its former Eau Claire office.
Recognized for his volunteerism in the Fox Cities, Voss is a supporter of the United Way Fox Cities, Rawhide Youth Services, St. Mary Parish in Menasha and St. Mary Central High School in Neenah. He is also past president of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stout
PRESIDENT AND CEO
J.H. FINDORFF & SON INC. MADISON
JIM YEHLE has led Madisonbased general contracting firm J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. as it’s completed several significant projects in Milwaukee, including The Couture tower, The Trade hotel and Marquette University’s business school building. Earlier in his career at Findorff, Yehle led teams in the construction of the Overture Center for the Arts and American Family Children’s Hospital, both in Madison. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2016 before becoming president and CEO in 2020. He serves on the board of directors for the Madison Region Economic Partnership and Madison Symphony Orchestra, chairs the board of directors for the Overture Center for the Arts, and chairs the advisory board for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “Not sure if it’s a secret talent, but I have a photographic memory, so once I see things, I rarely forget the details. Tell me something and I may forget, but if I see it, it sticks.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Educator. I really enjoy and get energy talking to college kids about careers.”
YOUR SPORT IF YOU COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN: “Table tennis. I love ping-pong.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “First: Willy Porter. Most recent: Taylor Swift Eras Tour.”
Jim Yehle
Joe Alexander
PRESIDENT
THE ALEXANDER CO. | MADISON
JOE ALEXANDER leads The Alexander Co., a Madison-based real estate company specializing in urban in-fill development, historic preservation, affordable housing and property management. Some of Alexander’s prominent projects have included Capitol West, a $110 mixed-use urban in-fill development just off the Capitol Square in Madison; the $120 million, 62-acre Novation Campus, also in Madison; and the $45 million restoration of Milwaukee Soldiers Home and Milwaukee Fortress in the Brewers Hill neighborhood. Alexander has overseen developments spanning from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., to Fort Worth. He previously served as special assistant to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., University of WisconsinMadison Law School
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “The nation is undoubtedly facing a housing crisis, and Madison is no exception. I envision the future of the real estate industry pivoting significantly towards creating more affordable housing to address this widespread shortage. Continued collaboration between public municipalities and private developers will be crucial in achieving this goal.”
FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first concert was the Rolling Stones, and my most recent was Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Commitment, expertise and cultural fit.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “For me, success is defined by having happy team members, doing work we can be proud of and turning a profit simultaneously.”
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS
Rick Barrett CEO BARRETT LO VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT | MILWAUKEE
DEVELOPER RICK BARRETT is credited with helping to spearhead downtown Milwaukee’s revitalization through a number of residential and mixed-use projects. A crowning achievement in the past year, Barrett Lo completed work on The Couture, a 44-story apartment tower near downtown Milwaukee’s lakefront. Looking forward, the firm has plans to redevelop the former Boston Store at Southridge Mall into apartments and retail space and is working on a $400 million, multi-building apartment development near the former Boston Store at Mayfair Mall.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Getting The Couture done. We now have a community full of residents at the tallest residential building in Wisconsin. Pushing that rock up the hill on a daily basis over the last 12 months has been really challenging, but also fulfilling, because I think it’s a game changer for our city.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “It’s a dream I have that we would build high-speed rail to connect Wisconsin and the rest of the Midwest. Imagine routes from Milwaukee to Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City and Minneapolis, and from Milwaukee to the Northwoods.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would want to go back to the Green Bay Packers of the 1960s and just listen to Vince Lombardi speak and hear how this man could inspire people to be so extraordinary.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “There is no better place on Earth than Minocqua, Wisconsin. You have the chance to be one with nature, and it’s just a very special place. I’ve been all over the world, and it’s still my favorite place to go.”
Jim Barry III PRESIDENT AND CEO THE BARRY CO. | MILWAUKEE
JIM BARRY III represents the third generation of family leadership of commercial real estate brokerage and consulting company The Barry Co. He has been involved in some of the region’s most influential and complex real estate transactions, with high-profile clients including Harley-Davidson, MillerCoors, Roundy’s, U.S. Bank and Michels.
He is past chairman and a founding member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, a founding member of the Center for Real Estate at Marquette University and a member of the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee Riverwalk District. Barry also co-founded the Milwaukee Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society. He is also a former finance chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin and current chairman of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, Georgetown School of Foreign Service; J.D., University of Chicago Law School
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Very positive, particularly in the industrial sector, which remains very strong due to low vacancy rates, higher prices and higher lease rates.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “Memorizing poetry, historical speeches, etc. It is a great mental discipline.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Your word is your bond.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Bach and other classical music; the Great American Songbook.”
Kristin Dufek PRESIDENT EUA | MILWAUKEE
KRISTIN DUFEK is president of EUA (Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc.), one of the largest architecture firms in metro Milwaukee. With 280 employees and offices in Madison, Green Bay, Atlanta and Denver, EUA specializes in workplace, health care, learning, living and science/ technology markets as well as community environments. The firm has designed prominent buildings in southeastern Wisconsin, including the Baird Center and 875 East Wisconsin in downtown Milwaukee, the Brewers’ American Family Field and Acuity’s Sheboygan campus expansion. Dufek joined EUA in 2002 as an architect, was named vice president in 2015 and appointed president in 2021.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Notre Dame; master’s, University of WisconsinMilwaukee
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “I was close to committing to volunteer for the Peace Corps when I graduated from my undergrad, with a placement in western Africa to teach science. My sensible side got the best of me, and I declined, instead attending graduate school in Milwaukee. I imagine that I would have experienced things and grown in ways far beyond any kind of formal education.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I took nine years of classical piano lessons. It’s hardly a talent any longer, though, as I can’t remember the last time I sat down at a piano.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “Podcasts (‘How I Built This,’ ‘Rich Roll’ or ‘Wiser Than Me’) or any awesome ‘80s hits.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “Probably ‘Hoosiers.’ It makes me cry every time.”
Jim Borris CEO ZILBER LTD. | MILWAUKEE
JIM BORRIS is chief executive officer of Zilber Ltd., a Milwaukee-based developer of residential, commercial and light industrial properties across the U.S. In recent years, the firm has been active in Kenosha County, developing an industrial park on a 70-acre site. Zilber is currently partnering with the Forest County Potawatomi Community on a mixed-use development at the 240-acre former Dairyland Greyhound Park property in Kenosha. The project will include office, retail, industrial and multifamily residential units.
Borris is a board member of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago and the United Performing Arts Fund.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “I would always point to the fabulous work our foundation ownership group, the Zilber Family Foundation, has accomplished. When Zilber Ltd. is successful, the beneficiary is our foundation, and that is success.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Appreciate and respect those that work with and for you. Two heads are better than one. Do your homework. Do not compromise your integrity. Do not procrastinate making decisions. Lead by example. Have faith. Give back.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort. Remote, no power boating and many good friends.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “Not hearing ‘game changer’ would be a game changer.”
Tim Gokhman
MANAGING DIRECTOR
NEW LAND ENTERPRISES | MILWAUKEE
TIM GOKHMAN oversees development, acquisition and management for New Land Enterprises, a Milwaukee-based real estate development firm specializing in mixed-use residential and commercial real estate. New Land has developed more than 2,200 units across 27 projects and currently owns and manages more than 2,000 apartments and 200,000 square feet of commercial space. The firm developed Rhythm, Milwaukee’s first “micro-unit” apartment building; Black Cat Alley, a defunct alley turned public arts space; the Crossroads Collective food hall; and Ascent MKE, the world’s tallest mass timber building. Gokhman also helped lead the effort to establish Milwaukee Film Festival permanently in the Oriental Theater.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We refinanced Ascent despite a very difficult interest rate environment. That success speaks to the quality and viability of our developments and helped form the basis for the launch of Timber + Partners. We also completed Nova MKE, which laid the foundation for us to expand to Green Bay, the first expansion beyond the greater Milwaukee market.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I’m good at keeping secrets.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “Go 10 years into the future to see how climate change, geopolitics and the stock market are doing.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Intelligence and passion.”
Jon Hammes MANAGING
PRINCIPAL, HAMMES PARTNERS
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, HAMMES HEALTHCARE HAMMES CO. | MILWAUKEE
SINCE FOUNDING Hammes Healthcare 31 years ago, Jon Hammes has led the Milwaukee-based firm to become a national leader in health care real estate. Hammes Healthcare specializes in consulting with health care providers on the planning and evaluation of their new facilities, which has led to numerous project management contracts for construction projects. In 2014, Hammes Co. launched a private equity fund to bolster its capital for health care real estate investment and development, a strategic move to remain competitive with larger real estate investment trusts.
Hammes Co. has also managed the construction of major sports facilities, including the Kohl Center at UW-Madison, Ford Field for the Detroit Lions, MetLife Stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets and U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings as well as the expansion of Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
A Racine native, Hammes recently gave $1 million to help fund a new athletic complex at Case High School in his hometown. He has also served on the boards of Teach for America, Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I would time travel to July 4, 1776, to be present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Do they fit the culture? Do they have wattage? And do they have a solid work ethic?”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “The first two hours.”
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU LOOK UP TO: “Abraham Lincoln. He exemplified servant-leadership. He cared and he served for all people.”
Mark Irgens CEO AND MANAGER IRGENS PARTNERS | MILWAUKEE
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER and investor Mark Irgens founded the firm behind many of metro Milwaukee’s prominent building projects. Included among its noteworthy projects are the downtown BMO Tower, 833 East Michigan Street, ASQ Center and A.O. Smith’s corporate technology center. Irgens is a co-founder and past president of the NAIOPWisconsin Chapter and a member of the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin and Urban Land Institute. In addition to Irgens’ board of directors and investment committee, he serves on the board of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the U.S. Bank Advisory Board in Wisconsin and the Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Since COVID and for different but connected reasons, challenges and circumstances, commercial real estate is tough business. With lowering interest rates and prices stabilizing, I am hopeful for and anticipating a successful future.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Desire to succeed, honesty and intelligence.” THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “Pickleball.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Getting it done efficiently and effectively.”
Josh Jeffers FOUNDER AND CEO
J. JEFFERS & CO. | MILWAUKEE
MILWAUKEE-BASED DEVELOPER Josh Jeffers’ transactional experience has included over $2 billion of commercial real estate investments in U.S. and international markets, spanning office, retail, multifamily housing, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use asset types. After getting his start in the acquisitions department of Walton Street Capital in Chicago, Jeffers founded his own real estate development firm, J. Jeffers & Co., in 2012. Among the firm’s prominent projects are the redevelopment of the former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel buildings and redevelopment of the former Horlick Malted Milk Co. complex in Racine.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; master’s, Harvard University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “We started construction on development projects outside of our home state of Wisconsin. We have multiple $100 million-plus developments in Texas and Illinois, a smaller project in Michigan, and a much larger one in the works in Massachusetts. All of these are major rehabilitations of historic buildings and sites.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “Creating and building an organization of people/processes/ technology that can live on without me. As a founder, a lot goes into the realization of a personal vision, but the end result is that ‘success’ means that I’m also working myself out of a job.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “I look for people that don’t care about titles and just want to come into a physical office every day to do the work. This is how I’m wired and I’m best at managing people that are wired the same way.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Office Space.’ It is hilarious.”
John Kissinger PRESIDENT AND CEO GRAEF | MILWAUKEE
JOHN KISSINGER leads GRAEF, a Milwaukee-based engineering, planning and design firm that has worked on prominent projects such as the Santiago Calatrava addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum, renovation of Lambeau Field and redevelopment of the former Laacke & Joys manufacturing building. More recently, GRAEF provided structural engineering for the $456 million Wisconsin Center District’s Baird Center expansion. Up next: the firm has been hired by the City of Milwaukee to create a plan for the former Northridge Mall site. GRAEF has nearly 300 employees across its 10 offices throughout the Midwest, Florida, and Turks and Caicos.
Kissinger became CEO of GRAEF in 2012. In September 2024, GRAEF announced that Kissinger will pass the president torch to Pat Kressin, vice president of business development, on Jan. 1, 2025. Kissinger will remain as CEO of the firm until his retirement within the next two years; no specific date has been set.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, University of WisconsinMadison
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “There’s a strong and ongoing demand for new and upgraded infrastructure. I believe the future of engineering and design is very promising.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I’m taking Spanish lessons this year. It’s something I’ve always wanted to master.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Trust your instincts and do what you believe is right, rather than relying solely on advice or what you’ve read. Authentic leadership comes from being true to yourself.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Connecting with my colleagues. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, brainstorming new ideas, or just catching up, the energy and creativity of the team make each day inspiring.”
Tracy Johnson CEO AND PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE
TRACY JOHNSON leads CARW, a Milwaukeebased association that supports more than 875 commercial real estate professionals in 500 companies across the region. Members represent more than 36.5 million square feet of commercial real estate available for sale and nearly 63 million square feet available for lease. Johnson has more than 25 years of association management and nonprofit experience. She previously was executive director of TEMPO Milwaukee and director of public affairs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, Marquette University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “CARW’s commercial data platform has exploded in the past year since it was purchased by Moody’s. The national platform is a broker’s main tool for marketing properties and gaining insights on the market. CARW has developed not only southeast Wisconsin reports, but Madison and soon Fox Valley reports.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “Meteorology.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Tax reform should focus on keeping young people and retirees in Wisconsin while fueling economic growth. First, reducing or eliminating the state income tax could make Wisconsin a more attractive place to live and work. Second, simplifying property taxes would relieve the burden on property owners. Finally, a strategic approach to implementing and using sales taxes can support both state and local economic goals effectively.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “My son and I are working on a piano/violin duet.”
Lyle Landowski
PRESIDENT AND CEO
COLLIERS | WISCONSIN | MILWAUKEE
LYLE LANDOWSKI has led Colliers | Wisconsin since 2022. One of the largest full-service commercial real estate companies in the state, Colliers has 240 employees across its offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay. The firm handles more than 25 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and multifamily projects.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Norbert College THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “You can clearly see how technology is changing residential real estate. It has removed much of the friction in the marketing and transactional process. You can expect to see a similar impact in the commercial real estate world in the future.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I have no idea when I figured this out, but for a tall guy I can crush handstands like you would not believe.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I have always been fascinated by the talent placement business. My path to leadership of Inland/Colliers was through the real estate brokerage business, but I think it would be fascinating to broker/ place talented professionals. This is one of the reasons I love recruiting so much in my current role.”
ONE DECISION TO DO OVER: “There have been a few occasions where I have settled when making hiring decisions due to constraints in the talent market or urgency. I would take a couple of those back now. I am at the point where I’d rather wait longer or give up more to get a high-quality and high-character person who I am excited to work with, rather than settling.”
Working today for a better tomorrow
The diversity of the Michels Family of Companies allows us to deliver the safest, most reliable end-to-end solutions for evolving energy and infrastructure needs. Our unmatched services uniquely position us to plan and deliver tailored solutions in Wisconsin and around the world. We live by our values, keep our promises, and maximize the potential of new and existing technologies. We are committed to building a strong future for our people, our customers and our communities by continually investing in training, equipment and technology. The work we do today makes for a better tomorrow.
Congratulations to Tim Michels for being recognized as one of Wisconsin’s Influential leaders. Your commitment to advancing the community where you live and work inspires us as we work in Wisconsin and around the world.
Barry Mandel
CHAIRMAN AND CEO MANDEL GROUP | MILWAUKEE
BARRY MANDEL serves as chief executive officer of Mandel Group, a Milwaukee-based real estate services firm he founded in 1991. Mandel Group’s focus is urban in-fill and suburban/ urban node luxury multifamily rental communities and mixed-use developments. Mandel is credited with helping draw suburbanites to Milwaukee in the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to his East Pointe Commons development on the Lower East Side, which helped catalyze other similar projects. One of Mandel Group’s recent prominent projects is the redevelopment of the former School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Elm Grove campus into a 237-unit luxury apartment building. The firm and its affiliates have about 180 employees.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “Merging of housing, hospitality and technology.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “‘Success is the breadth and depth of the impact you make on the lives of others.’ – the late Michael R. Lovell.”
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME LEADERS: “Give everyone in your company the opportunity to become a servant leader - capture the minds and hearts of all within your company.”
FAVORITE WISCONSIN DESTINATION: “Our home.”
S.R. Mills CEO
BEAR REAL ESTATE GROUP | KENOSHA
S.R. MILLS is the chief executive officer and a principal of Kenosha-based Bear Real Estate Group, a family of real estate development, construction and property management companies. Bear’s footprint of active projects and real estate holdings includes more than 20 states, with offices in Kenosha, Madison, Chicago and Jackson, Wyoming. Mills joined the Bear Real Estate Group in 2002. Prior to his career with Bear, he worked with several technology companies in northern California.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, St. Cloud State University; master’s, Roosevelt University
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “Over the prior year, our team navigated very volatile capital markets and successfully closed and started construction on $550 million in development projects. It truly was a team effort that required grit and creative problem-solving skills.”
THING TO LEARN THIS YEAR: “I need to learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube. My son has been able to do it for years, and I need a few more tricks to impress his little sisters.” FIRST AND MOST RECENT CONCERT: “My first show was the Grateful Dead at Alpine Valley in 1989, and the most recent was Black Pumas.”
BUZZWORD YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AGAIN: “‘Bespoke.’ I’m not sure why it irritates me other than it being used far too often.”
Ted Matkom
WISCONSIN MARKET PRESIDENT GORMAN & CO. | OREGON
TED MATKOM has served as Wisconsin market president and general counsel for Gorman & Co. since 2007. Over the past four decades, Gorman has developed market-rate and affordable housing in Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, Racine, Kenosha, Green Bay, Janesville, Beloit, Jefferson, Green Bay, Sheboygan and Wausau. Across its 84 projects in the state, the firm has invested $894 million and developed nearly 5,800 housing units.
For the past 15 years, Matkom has led redevelopment efforts within the 30th Street Industiral Corridor of Milwaukee and currently serves as president of the Business Improvement District within that area.
In recent years, Gorman has converted multiple former school properties in Milwaukee into affordable housing, including the former William McKinley School in the Midtown neighborhood, Edison School on the city’s north side and Jackie Robinson Middle School in Sherman Park. Gorman also recently completed Uptown Lofts in Kenosha, a $30 million mixed-use development in a neighborhood that was heavily affected by civil unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Gorman plans to sell more than 200 single-family rental homes to first-time homebuyers over the next 10 years, working in partnership with Milwaukee-based Acts Housing.
EDUCATION: Marquette Law School
DIRECTOR, MARKET LEADER
CBRE | MILWAUKEE
EMMY MURPHY has served as the director and market leader for Dallas-based CBRE’s Milwaukee office since 2021. One of the larger real estate brokerages in Wisconsin, the firm specializes in advisory and transaction services for tenants and property owners in the retail, office, industrial and investment sectors. Murphy oversees business operations and drives the office’s growth strategy for all advisory services lines of business, including advisory and transaction services, capital markets, property management, valuation and advisory services and project management.
CBRE recently moved from its office in the U.S. Bank Center to the 18th floor of the BMO Tower in downtown Milwaukee. The office has about 150 employees. Recently, CBRE represented Fiserv in its relocation from Brookfield to downtown Milwaukee. Murphy joined CBRE’s Milwaukee office in 2019 and handled business operations including recruitment, budgeting, licensing and pandemic-related protocol.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Emmy Murphy
Kevin Newell PRESIDENT AND CEO
ROYAL CAPITAL | MILWAUKEE
DEVELOPER KEVIN NEWELL has made a mark on Milwaukee by becoming the first African American to build and own a multifamily commercial development in the city’s downtown.
He is the developer and owner of Five Fifty Ultra Lofts, a mixed-use housing development in the Milwaukee Bucks’ $1 billon entertainment district, dubbed Deer District. Newell founded his firm, Royal Capital Group, in 2010, with a focus on urban development and innovation.
Royal Capital has partnered with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin to form the ThriveOn Collaboration, which led the redevelopment of the former Gimbels-Schuster’s building on King Drive into the ThriveOn King project.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; ACRE graduate, Marquette University Center for Real Estate
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “My firm served as developer and donor for the building of the Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy campus in Bronzeville. Being able to serve a key role in creating an inspiring space for scholars to learn is exceptionally rewarding.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “I’d enjoy being an NBA general manager.”
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL: “I’d go back in time to spend time with all of my loved ones who have since passed away, and enjoy every minute of it.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “‘Little Rascals.’ As a kid, I enjoyed the clever ways they problem solved, built friendships and enjoyed being mischievous kids.”
Terrence Wall
PRESIDENT AND CEO
T. WALL ENTERPRISES | MIDDLETON
MADISON-AREA real estate developer
Terrence Wall is founder, president and chief executive officer of Middleton-based T. Wall Enterprises, a developer of office and multifamily projects. The firm currently has more than 1,600 units in operation and more than 3,000 in development. Earlier this year, Wall broke ground for the Foundry on 3rd project, a mixed-use development – including 154 apartment units and 17,000 square feet of commercial space – in downtown Wausau, where its former mall once stood. A licensed broker, Wall serves on the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank’s Wisconsin Economic Roundtable. He has been a major donor to Edgewood High School, American Family Children’s Hospital, James A. Graaskamp Real Estate Center, Congress Park, High Crossing Park, Madison Central Library, Madison Children’s Museum, Asset Builders of America and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT WISCONSIN: “Reduce regulations on new construction. All the government reps talk about wanting more housing, but they just keep adding regulations and costs.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “The morning, when I’m still in idealistic mode before reality sets in.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “Being able to visualize two dimensional plans in 3D.”
TRAITS YOU SEEK FOR NEW HIRES: “Did they work on a farm? Next: did they hold a part-time job during high school?”
PARTNER RINKA | MILWAUKEE
MATT RINKA is founder and partner of the architectural firm behind several iconic buildings in the Milwaukee area, including downtown residential towers The Moderne and The Couture, the R1VER Development, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Deer District. Rinka founded Milwaukeebased RINKA in 2006 and has grown the firm to 46 employees. A second office, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, opened in 2022.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, University of Washington
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “With the advent of AI, architecture and design will undergo massive changes over the next decade. Our profession’s ability to adapt to it, leverage it and understand our place as people in developing the built environment – particularly what it means to be human and our influence in creating better places for the human experience to thrive – will determine if it will be positive.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 12 MONTHS: “The recent substantial completion of construction for The Couture has been a massive undertaking by our talented team to successfully deliver this iconic project to our city’s skyline.”
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: “I believe success is best measured by the legacy you leave, or in other words, leaving the world a better place than how you found it.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE WORKDAY: “Happy hour, of course!”
Tim Wallen
PRINCIPAL AND CEO
MLG COMPANIES | BROOKFIELD
TIM WALLEN is chief executive officer of MLG Companies, a Brookfield-based real estate operator and private equity real estate investment firm. Wallen joined MLG in 1989 as chief financial officer and principal and assumed the role of CEO in 2000. He serves on the board of directors, and he is also an officer for its affiliated companies, MLG Capital, MLG Development and MLG Management. With offices in Brookfield, Dallas, Sarasota and Denver, MLG has more than 950 employees across its affiliated companies. MLG has been named among the Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies for four consecutive years, and this year it ranked 82nd in the overall real estate category.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER: “A teacher.”
THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY: “In the near term, we expect the multifamily sector to continue to offer long-term stability and resilience, even among broader economic uncertainties. The industrial sector is also one of opportunity with continued e-commerce growth creating demand for industrial space. Longer term, while no one can predict the future, I believe real estate will continue to present strong investment opportunities.”
YOUR SECRET TALENT: “I may or may not be known to make the best waffles in the world.”
PLAYLIST FOR COMMUTE/RUN: “K-Love, sermons and CNBC.”
Matt Rinka
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