Chris Abele is president of CSA Partners, a venture fund focused on high-growth startup companies that he founded in 2013. He also owns CSA Commercial, a real estate company, and Ward 4, a co-working and convening space. He served as Milwaukee’s county executive from 2011-2020, and prior to that, was CEO of the Argosy Foundation, where he is still a trustee. He serves on the national Victory Fund and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Abele was a Hunt Kean Leadership Fellow in 2017. He studied at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Tim Albrecht is group president of Milwaukee Tool, one of the largest global manufacturers of solutions for construction professionals. Albrecht joined Milwaukee Tool in 2007 as a product manager and has steadily taken on more responsibility. He is responsible for multiple functions including brand and channel marketing, industrial design, business unit operations over hand tools, storage, and personal protective equipment, and talent management. Albrecht is also the executive leader of the Employee Engagement & Inclusion and Community Impact & Philanthropy groups at Milwaukee Tool.

Mike Aldana is the firm chair and managing partner of Quarles and a partner in the firm’s labor and employment practice group. He has consistently been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and the Wisconsin Super Lawyers lists and was elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). He is a board member of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Foundation, a board member and executive committee member of City Forward Collective, a State Bar of Wisconsin Fellow and a member of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin and American Bar associations. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his law degree from the University of Michigan.

Kevin Anderson is Milwaukee market and business banking president of Old National Bank (ONB), with more than 130 commercial bankers across the bank’s eight-state footprint. Old National is a top 30 bank founded in 1834. Prior to joining ONB, Anderson spent more than 20 years in leadership roles with Fifth Third Bank and PNC. Anderson serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Development Corp. and the Greater Milwaukee Committee. He is an honors graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Imran Andrabi is president and CEO of Froedtert ThedaCare Health Inc. Before joining ThedaCare in 2017, he was COO, president and CEO of Mercy Health in Toledo. Andrabi has extensive experience in academic medicine, and lead medical education and research programs at all levels within Mercy Health in partnership with the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Michigan. A family medicine physician, he graduated from King Edward Medical College in Lahore. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and American College of Managed Care Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine.

Robert Arzbaecher is the retired chairman and CEO of Actuant Corporation (renamed Enerpac Tool Group), where he served until 2016. His career started in finance with various roles at Grant Thornton, Farley Industries and Grabill Aerospace before transitioning to the CFO position at Applied Power Inc. (predecessor to Actuant). Arzbaecher serves on the boards of CF Industries Holdings Inc. and Fiduciary Management Inc. He is also a board member of Carmen Schools of Science and Technology and City Forward Collective. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a CPA.

Chef Paul Bartolotta is the co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, a nationally recognized premier restaurant and catering organization, celebrating over 30 years of business in the Greater Milwaukee region. He is a two-time winner and six-time James Beard Award nominee, and a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur USA in 2020. He has trained alongside some of France’s most acclaimed chefs and won numerous accolades as Executive Chef at Spiaggia in Chicago, and his namesake restaurant, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas.

Nicholas Bauer, CFA, founding partner of Operose Advisors, has 24 years of investment experience. Prior to founding Operose Advisors in 2017, he was principal and director of Geneva Capital Management. Bauer serves on the board of Versiti Inc. He is a member of the limited partner advisory committee for the Marcus Real Estate Fund I, and the investment committees at Marquette University High School and Rogers Behavioral Health. Bauer earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Kurt Bechthold currently serves as chairman and CEO of the Walbec family of companies. He began his career at Payne + Dolan as a summer employee in 1978 and then joined full-time as a project manager after college graduation. In 1986, he returned to school to obtain his master’s degree and rejoined Walbec in 1990. He serves on the boards of Froedtert Health, Siebert Lutheran Foundation, Lake Express, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, and the National Asphalt Pavement Association. He is also a member of The Greater Milwaukee Committee. Bechthold earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Wisconsin.

Scott Beightol is a senior partner with the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, served for over 10 years as chairman of the firm, and serves as outside general counsel for international and domestic businesses in the areas of labor and employment, litigation (including trade secrets), commercial contracts and transactions, and corporate governance. He has been recognized by numerous publications as a leading labor and employment lawyer. Beightol is chairman of the United Performing Arts Fund Inc. and chairman of The Water Council Inc. He serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Political Advocacy and Employment Relations committees. Beightol earned his bachelor’s degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Dan Beilfuss is general manager of Columbus McKinnon Corporation’s automation business, residing in the Magnetek facility in Menomonee Falls. He brings nearly 30 years of material handling controls and automation experience to the role. He serves as president of the Crane Manufacturer’s Association of America and serves on the board of The Chamber of Greater Menomonee Falls and Sussex. Beilfuss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Bill Berrien is CEO of Pindel Global Precision, a contract manufacturing company located in New Berlin. Previously, he served nine years as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer, leading units on special operations globally. Berrien is vice chair of the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council and an industry board member of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He is co-founder with MMAC of Forward Skilling, a workforce upskilling initiative. Berrien earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Scott Bertschinger is president of Wells – Great Lakes. He serves as president of the PCI-IW board. Bertschinger has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning. He is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designated by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is also a Certified Behavioral Analyst (CBA).

Kenneth Bockhorst is chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter Inc. Bockhorst joined Badger Meter in October 2017 with more than 20 years of experience in global operations management. Prior to joining Badger Meter, Bockhorst served at Actuant Corporation, IDEX Corporation and Eaton Corporation. Bockhorst received his bachelor’s degree in operations management, marketing and human resources from Marian University in Fond du Lac, and his executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jeff Bradford is the managing principal for the Wisconsin practice of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. Bradford also serves clients, providing merger and acquisition support services to a range of corporate, private equity and family office clients. He is a member of the Wisconsin Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is on the board of the Wisconsin chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. He received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dan Cahalane is president and CEO of American Roller and Plasma Coatings, which provides surface enhancement coverings and coatings in several manufacturing industry verticals. Prior to joining American Roller, he held several U.S. and global executive positions with ABB. He is also the founding managing partner of Cahalane Investments LLC, which invests in middle-market, private equity-backed manufacturing firms. He serves on the Delafield Planning Commission and is a founding board member of Mill Creek Academy Charter school. He graduated from Marquette University with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.

Tina Chang is chairman and CEO of SysLogic Inc., serving clients for over 28 years in the areas of serving clients for over 28 years in the areas of technology strategy and digital transformation, information management and business intelligence, cybersecurity and software development. She has a strong background in business leadership and technology innovation, leveraging SysLogic to launch four technology startups. Chang serves on the boards of STRATTEC Security Corporation, Weyco Group and Central States Manufacturing, as well as Alverno College, Children’s Wisconsin, Midwest Cyber Security Alliance, Milwaukee Police Department Foundation, Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Teach for America, Waukesha County Business Alliance and YMCA of Greater Milwaukee. Chang attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she received a BBA degree with an emphasis in marketing and international business.

Jeffrey Clark is the CEO of Waukesha Metal Products, a leading contract metalforming company based in Sussex. Prior to this, he was at Waukesha Tool & Stamping and, after leading a management buyout, became president and CEO of Waukesha Metal Products. Clark serves on the boards of Waukesha Metal Products, Sussek Machine Company, M3 Insurance, the Precision Metalforming Association Education Foundation, and the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity. Clark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Michigan State University.

Carla Cross is president and CEO of Cross Management Services Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in designing and implementing supplier and workforce diversity programs. Cross serves on the boards of Employ Milwaukee, Milwaukee Development Corp., Outreach Community Health Centers, Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation and Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development. Cross graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, earned an associate in commercial real estate certificate from Marquette University and a master compliance administrator certificate from the American Contract Compliance Association.

Coreen Dicus-Johnson is president and CEO at Network Health. With over 25 years of experience in multiple facets of the health care industry, she directs corporate development and strategic direction. Prior to joining Network Health, Dicus-Johnson served in executive leadership roles at Wheaton Francison Healthcare (now Ascension Wisconsin) and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Wisconsin. She has served on numerous boards. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Marquette University and a law degree from DePaul University. In 2024, she was named a Wisconsin Titan 100, recognizing her as one of the state’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives, and was inducted in Milwaukee’s “Forty Under Forty” Hall of Fame in 2024.

Patrick (P.J.) Distefano is the managing partner of the Wisconsin practice of Deloitte LLP, an audit partner serving the Wisconsin marketplace and CFO for Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance business. He is chairman of the board of the Milwaukee Public Museum, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Marquette University’s College of Business Administration Advisory Board and Cristo Rey High School. DiStefano is a member of the Wisconsin and American institutes of certified public accountants. He graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Giacomo “Jack” Fallucca is the CEO and chairman of the board of Palermo’s Pizza, a popular family of branded products sold across the country and globally in select markets, and the nation’s leading producer of private label retail brand frozen pizza. Palermo’s makes nearly 300 million pizzas annually at two facilities, with a third slated to be operational in 2025.A lifelong resident of Milwaukee, Fallucca started in the pizza business at age 15 with the family restaurant, Palermo Villa, on Milwaukee’s East Side. He joined the family’s frozen pizza business in 1979 when he turned 18. Fallucca is executive chair of FaB Wisconsin, serves on the board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, mentors young entrepreneurs with the MKE VMS (Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service), and is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Gabrielle Finley-Hazle is the president of Aurora Health Care, the largest integrated health care system in Wisconsin and the state’s largest private employer. Previously she held executive positions in investor-owned, nonprofit, and faith-based national and international health care systems. Finley-Hazle has been honored by the White House, Legacy, Becker’s Hospital Review, and Rotary International. Most recently, she received the Pandemic HEROES Award from Cornell University and the Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award from Arizona Business. She serves on the board of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., She received her master’s degree in health care administration and bachelor’s degree in science, human biology, health, and society from Cornell University.

Tony Fuerst has been the managing partner for the Milwaukee office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) since 2018. For more than 30 years, he has provided assurance services to a broad range of clients. Fuerst is a member of The Greater Milwaukee Committee and an executive board member and past chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is also a member in the American and Wisconsin institutes of certified public accountants, and the Institute of Management Accountants. Fuerst earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting and finance from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

David Gay is the managing partner of the Milwaukee office of Ernst & Young. Gay has more than 25 years of experience in accounting, auditing and working with senior management, audit committees and directors in addressing complex business issues. He serves on the boards of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Advanced Studies in Business. Gay earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a certified public accountant.

Tim Gerend serves as president and CEO of Northwestern Mutual as of January 1, 2025. He will also assume the role of chairman on February 1, 2025. During his more than two decades with the company, Gerend has held multiple leadership roles, including the growth and development of the financial advisor system, law, compliance, and campus planning. He currently serves on the board of The American College of Financial Services and Milwaukee College Prep charter school. He is a graduate of Butler University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Christopher (Chris) Goller is head of corporate banking for PNC Bank and maintains offices in both Milwaukee and Chicago. He has management responsibility for corporate banking in Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Prior to being named to his current role in March 2021, Goller served as the regional president for PNC Bank in Wisconsin. Goller serves on the boards for the United Community Center, Froedtert Hospital Foundation and the United Performing Arts Fund. He is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Goller earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration and an MBA from Marquette University.

Dan Graziano is president of Beer Capitol Distributing, a member of the Frank Beverage Group based out of Middleton, Wisconsin. Beer Capitol is the largest beer and beverage distributorship in Wisconsin, servicing more than 3,000 licensed retailers, events, and venues in the greater Milwaukee area. He has 24 years of experience excelling within all three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry throughout the state of Wisconsin. Graziano is a member of the MMAC PAC board and contributes as a board director for the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an active community volunteer in Menomonee Falls, where he resides.

Brian Grossman is managing director and region manager for Chase Middle Market Banking in Wisconsin. He has over 30 years of banking experience across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, metals and mining, consumer and retail, technology, and healthcare. In his role as region manager for middle market banking and specialized industries, Grossman leads a team across four offices, is responsible for developing and managing customer relationships with mid-sized businesses and is the chair of the firm’s Wisconsin Market Leadership Team. He serves on the board of trustees for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, as a director of the First Tee of Southeastern Wisconsin and as a volunteer for Junior Achievement. Grossman has a bachelor’s degree in finance, investment & banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from Marquette University.

Dana Guthrie is managing partner at Gateway Capital, a venture capital firm focused on Wisconsin-based, early-stage startups. Prior to her current role, Guthrie founded and managed Alchemy Angel Investors, an angel investment network. She founded Alchemy while being employed full-time at a Fortune 500 company and managing a multi-million-dollar, global product offering. Guthrie has a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master’s in energy engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jon Hammes is the managing partner of Hammes Company and Hammes Partners, a private equity platform with a focus on the U.S. health care real estate market. He has board and committee responsibilities for several organizations, including: the American Enterprise Institute, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Teach for America, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a master’s degree in real estate appraisal and investment analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Andrew Harmening is president and CEO of Associated Bank, a leading Midwest banking franchise and the largest bank headquartered in Wisconsin. Harmening previously served as senior executive vice president, consumer and business banking director for Huntington Bank. Earlier, he held positions at Bank of the West and U.S. Bank. Harmening serves on the board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and the policy committee of Northwestern Mutual Life. He earned an MBA from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University.

Robert (Bob) Hau is executive vice president and chief financial officer at Fiserv Inc. since 2016 and a member of the board of directors at OpenText. He has more than 35 years of experience in business and financial leadership roles. Prior to joining Fiserv, he was executive vice president and CFO of TE Connectivity Ltd., a $12 billion global product technology company. He also previously worked at Lennox International Inc. and Honeywell International Inc. Hau holds a master’s degree in business administration from the USC Marshall School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Kalan Haywood, Sr. is founder and president of Haywood Group, with primary responsibility for business development and vision casting for the real estate and business development industry. He is a member of The Business Council, the National Association of REALTORS®, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, and Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®. Haywood studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Robert Hillis is the founder and CEO of Direct Supply, one of the nation’s largest providers to health care networks. An engineer turned serial entrepreneur, he built the nation’s first virtual distributor, DSSI (the first healthcare cloud-based eCommerce network), as well as Aptura (a full spectrum developer of senior living buildings), and TELS (the nation’s largest platform for building management and maintenance). He is the founder and chairman of PA PAC, a group of health care suppliers. He graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and earned an MBA from Indiana University in Bloomington. He received honorary doctorate degrees in engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Jaime Hurtado is president and founder of Insulation Technologies Inc. (INTEC), a 39-year old, family-owned business with competency in building performance/weatherization, commercial siding, and window and door distribution/ installation. Historic restorations are one of Intec’s core competencies. Hurtado has served in leadership for community and academic organizations, such as the MATC Foundation Board, Journey House Design Academy, and the La Casa De Esperanza Inc. Community Advisory Board. For the last 29 years he has led pro bono personal and professional development seminars globally through Landmark Worldwide. He graduated from Lewis University with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Mary Isbister is the owner of GenMet Corp., a full-service metal fabricating business located in Mequon. Isbister started her career at Pfizer, where she held positions in medicinal chemistry, clinical research and senior organizational development. Prior to the purchase of GenMet, she founded Synergy Solutions, an organizational development and strategic planning consulting business. Isbister chairs the board of MxD, is vice chair of NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board and serves on the Chicago Federal Reserve’s Board of Advisors. Isbister received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from State University of New York.

Daniel W. Jackson serves as CEO, Ascension Wisconsin and senior vice president, Ascension, overseeing 17 hospital campuses, more than 100 related healthcare facilities and 1,100 primary and specialty care clinicians from Racine to Appleton. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a member of the Meharry Medical College Advisory Board, and a member of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). Jackson holds a Master of Science degree in public health administration from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and a BS in biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Jerome ‘Jerry’ Janzer is chairman emeritus of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C. and a member in the firm’s business law practice group and the firm’s real estate practice group. Janzer counsels clients in a variety of industries, including real estate, finance, transportation, construction and manufacturing. He is a trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and serves on the advisory board of Marquette University Law School. He is a member of the Milwaukee Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, American Bar Association, American College of Real Estate Lawyers and the Woolsack Society of Marquette University Law School. Janzer earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from Marquette University.

Adam Jelen is president and CEO of Gilbane Building Company, where he has worked since 2005. He is responsible for promoting the continued success of Gilbane’s operations, driving regional growth through its divisions, and ensuring that the highest levels of operational excellence are executed for clients. With more than 33 years of experience, Jelen has led foundational projects throughout Milwaukee, is LEED accredited and a member of the Lean Construction Institute. He is an executive committee member of Construction Safety Week and a founding member and emeritus board member of the ACE Mentor Program of Wisconsin. He also serves as executive sponsor for Gilbane’s Military Advantage Employee Resource Group in support of veterans. Jelen holds a BS in construction from Bradley University and an associate of science in science from Harper College.

David Jorgenson is the executive vice president of VJS Construction Services, a leading general contractor, construction manager, and design-build firm based in Pewaukee. He also serves as the president of VJS Development Group, where he oversees real estate, investment, and development services for clients. In addition to his leadership roles, Jorgenson is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of directors for Mount Mary University and Westbury Bank. He also serves as the president of the Westbury Bank Charitable Foundation.

Tracey Joubert is global chief financial officer at Molson Coors Beverage Company. Prior to being appointed to her current role, she served as CFO and executive vice president of MillerCoors from 2012 to November 2016, and as vice president of finance, planning and analysis, and controller since the formation of MillerCoors in 2008. She serves on the boards of Molson Coors Beverage Company, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and JELD-WEN Windows & Doors. Joubert holds bachelor’s degrees in commerce and accounting from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.

Ted Kellner, CFA, is chairman and CEO of T&M Partners LLC and retired as executive chairman of Fiduciary Management Inc., an investment management firm he founded. Kellner currently is executive chairman of Fiduciary Real Estate Development. He serves on the boards of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Bluecoats Foundation, Children’s Wisconsin, Chipstone Foundation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Kellner earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, investment and banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and participated in the Brittingham Scholar Program at Oslo University.

John Koetz is COO & EVP Strategic Business Operations for Komatsu Mining Corp. He is a global officer of parent Komatsu Ltd. and serves on the leadership committees and boards of numerous global Komatsu affiliates. Koetz also serves as an officer on the boards of Milwaukee’s Harbor District Inc., and Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministries. He began his career as a U.S. Army officer serving in field and company grade leadership roles, acquisition and R&D, and is an Operation Desert Storm veteran. Koetz holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago, a master’s degree in engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. He is a licensed professional engineer.

James Kornfeld is president and CEO of PAXHoldings LLC, a strategic platform of premier businesses in the packaging segment. Kornfeld has more than 30 years of management and executive experience in the manufacturing, service and private equity segments. Before joining PAX Holdings, Kornfeld served as president and CEO of Sucor LLC, and president and CEO of Sharp Packaging Systems. Kornfeld serves on various corporate and community boards, with emphasis on strategic development, analytics and diversity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Philip Koutnik is a partner and member of the executive board of Husch Blackwell LLP, an Am Law 100 law firm with offices throughout the United States. His legal practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and corporate law for middle market companies and private equity funds. Koutnik started at the firm as a transactional associate upon graduating law school and has since become one of the firm’s leading M&A practitioners. He has been recognized by Chambers, Thompson Reuters, Best Lawyers and Legal 500 for his work in corporate and M&A matters, and his clients routinely rely on him for their most sensitive and sophisticated corporate transactions. Koutnik is a graduate of Marquette University and Marquette University Law School.

Scott Lauber is president and CEO of WEC Energy Group and CEO of We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service. In addition, he is president of Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources, as well as CEO of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. In the president roles, Lauber is responsible for business operations for WEC Energy Group’s utilities in Michigan and Minnesota. Lauber serves on the board of directors of American Transmission Co. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds a BBA degree in accounting. Lauber is also a certified public accountant.

David Lubar is president and CEO of Lubar & Co., a private equity investment firm founded in 1977. Lubar serves on the boards of numerous companies, including Ixonia Bank, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Hallador Energy Company, Lake Express and several other private companies. He also serves on the boards of not-for profit organizations, including The Greater Milwaukee Committee, Froedtert Health System, Medical College of Wisconsin, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Business. He received his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

Tony Mallinger is president of Carlisle Architectural Metals, a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, a leader in building envelope systems for the commercial/industrial building products industry, featuring brands such as MetalEra, Hickman Edge Systems, Citadel Architectural Products, Petersen Aluminum and Drexel Metals. Mallinger is a board member of the ProHealth Care Foundation, Waukesha Business Alliance, Habitat for Humanity-Waukesha and Catholic Memorial High School. He is likewise involved with many industry associations.

Greg Marcus is chairman, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, a leader in lodging and entertainment. He has been with the company for 32 years. Marcus serves on the boards of The Greater Milwaukee Committee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Jazz Institute, Wisconsin Center District and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Marcus received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University and his law degree from Boston University School of Law.

Timothy Mattke is chief executive officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC. He has been with the company for 18 years, serving in various executive roles. He is on the board of directors for Acts Housing and serves on the advisory council of SecureFutures. Mattke has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a certified public accountant.

Scott Mayer is chairman of Security Solutions. QPS Employment Group, a firm he launched in 1985. Under Mayer’s leadership, QPS has grown from one office and two employees to nearly 55 branches across eight states. Mayer has participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona and driven in the Indy Racing League. He is a past president of the Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services, and serves on the boards of QPS Employment Group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Complex.

John W. Mellowes is the CEO and a fourth- generation family owner of Charter Manufacturing Company Inc., a privately held company with annual sales of nearly $2 billion headquartered in Mequon with four differentiated metals manufacturing businesses and the recently acquired Niles Iron and Metal Company. A 20-year veteran of the company, Mellowes has worked in various general manager, marketing, and strategic planning roles. Mellowes is a board member of Charter Manufacturing and the Charter Manufacturing Company Foundation Inc. He sits on the board of advisors for Greene Tweed. Mellowes earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Princeton University.

Jim Meudt is vice-president, global commercial strategies for ATI, assuming the role in September 2024. Prior, he served as president, ATI Forged Products, leading the company since February 2020 and responsible for facilities in California, Connecticut, and Poland along with three facilities in Wisconsin. ATI purchased the former Cudahy based Ladish Company in 2011. Meudt joined ATI as a metallurgical engineer in 1999 and progressed through roles in product engineering, business integration, and sales and marketing. He serves on the executive board of the Milwaukee chapter of ASM. Meudt is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS in materials science and engineering.

William Mielke is chairman of the board of Ruekert & Mielke Inc., a consulting engineering firm that provides municipal engineering services for and acts as the city, village or town engineer to many communities in southeastern Wisconsin. He serves on the board of the Local Government Institute, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and is an expert witness for cost allocation issues and utility rates before the Public Service Commission. Mielke is a registered professional engineer, registered land surveyor and diplomat in environmental engineering. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Chris Miskel is president and CEO of Versiti who brings to the role more than 20 years of experience exclusively in health care. Versiti is the fourth-largest independent blood center in America, exceeding $400M in annual revenue. Prior to joining Versiti, he served as group vice president and global immunology franchise head at Shire, helping to shape strategy for the $2.5 billion biopharmaceutical franchise. He serves on the Butler University Board of Trustees; sits on the board of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., where he chairs the governance committee; and is a member of the board of the Medical College of Wisconsin. He earned a master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in accounting from Butler University, where he was also named an Academic All-American.

Blake Moret is chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation. Joining Rockwell Automation in 1985 as a sales trainee, Moret built his career with the company, becoming CEO in 2016 and chairman in 2018. Moret serves on the executive committee of the National Association of Manufacturers and is a member of the Business Roundtable. He chairs the Rockwell Automation Charitable Corporation and serves on the boards of the Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institute, FIRST Robotics, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board. Moret graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Cory Nettles is the founder and managing director of Generation Growth Capital Inc., a private equity fund focused on buyouts and growth capital for small businesses and lower middle market companies in the upper Midwest. Nettles previously was of counsel at Quarles & Brady LLP and secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. He serves on the boards of Weyco Group Inc., Robert W. Baird’s Baird Funds Inc., Associated Bank, Lawrence University (chair), The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee World Festival and American Family Insurance. Nettles graduated magna cum laude from Lawrence University in Appleton and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.

Andy Nunemaker is CEO of Groupware Technologies, a healthcare software company. Previously he served as CEO of Dynamis Software Corporation and EMSystems, both Milwaukee-based software start-ups. He chairs the board of Sprecher Brewing Company and serves on the boards of Northwestern Mutual, EmOpti, and ConsortiEX. He also serves on the boards for Valparaiso University, the Milwaukee Art Museum, Summerfest and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Valparaiso University, master’s in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech, and MBA from Harvard.

Ugo Nwagbaraocha is president of Diamond Discs International and Diamond Discs International Construction Management, a general construction management firm and distributor, wholesaler and light assembler of construction equipment. He has received numerous business and community awards. He chairs The Business Council, is president of the National Association of Minority Contractors – Wisconsin Chapter and an executive committee member of the National Association of Minority Contractors. He serves on the boards of Children’s Wisconsin Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Foundation and Employ Milwaukee. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

George Oliver is chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. Prior to becoming CEO in 2017, he served as president and COO with responsibility for leading the integration of Johnson Controls and Tyco following their 2016 merger. Oliver previously served as CEO of Tyco. Oliver serves on the boards of Raytheon Technologies Company and chairs the energy and environment committee of the Business Roundtable. Oliver also chairs the sustainable buildings task force for The Sustainable Markets Initiative sponsored by HRH King Charles. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Ulice Payne, Jr. is president of Addison-Clifton LLC, a global trade compliance advisory firm with offices in the U.S. and China. Previously, he was managing partner of Foley & Lardner LLP’s Milwaukee office where he also served as chair of the law firm’s international business team. Payne serves on the board of directors of Foot Locker Inc., ManpowerGroup and WEC Energy Group Inc. He is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Payne was a member of Marquette University’s 1977 NCAA championship basketball team and was a 1978 draft choice for the Detroit Pistons. Payne received both his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his law degree from Marquette University.

Gil Peri became president and CEO of Children’s Wisconsin, the only health system in Wisconsin that is 100 percent dedicated to kids and teenagers, in August 2024. Over the past 25 years, he has held progressive health care operations and strategy leadership roles. His most recent position was as president of Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. Peri has also held executive leadership roles at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He earned a bachelor of arts in biology, master’s of public health in health administration, and master of business administration degree in strategy, health care, and entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida.

James Phelps is president and co-founder of JCP Construction. With more than 24 years of industry experience, Phelps began his career in facilities and maintenance at Milwaukee Public Schools, transitioning to positions of increasing responsibility at KBS Construction before leaving to begin JCP Construction with his two brothers. Phelps is chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. BID #8 board, serves on the Milwaukee Repertory Theater board of trustees and Radio Milwaukee’s HYFIN advisory board. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a LEED-Accredited Professional.

Jonas Prising is chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup’s $20 billion business across 75 countries and territories worldwide. After joining ManpowerGroup in 1999, Prising served in many key leadership positions around the world before moving to Milwaukee. He is active in the World Economic Forum, including as a member of the International Business Council, the CEO Alliance for Climate Leaders, the CEO Action Group for the European Green Deal, the Global Parity Alliance, and CEO Champion for the Reskilling Revolution. Prising serves on the board of JA Worldwide and is on the board of Kohl’s Corporation. He earned an MBA equivalent from the Stockholm School of Economics.

Joel Quadracci is chairman, president and CEO of Quad, where he guides the company’s overall strategic growth, continuing the tradition of family leadership at the company founded in 1971 by his father. He grew up with the company, officially joining it in 1991, and held various sales and strategy roles before becoming president and CEO in 2006, and chairman, president and CEO in 2010. Under Quadracci’s leadership, Quad has become the largest printer in its space and transformed itself into a global marketing experience company that helps brands make direct consumer connections. He serves on the boards for Plexus Corp., Pixability Inc., Road America Inc., and the National Association of Manufacturers. He also serves on the advisory council of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Quadracci holds a degree in philosophy from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Austin Ramirez is CEO of Husco, a privately held engineering and manufacturing company. During his tenure, the company has tripled in size, received designation as a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum and has been recognized as Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Ramirez began his career as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. He is a co-founder of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy and a director of the National Association of Manufacturers, Old National Bancorp and the Marcus Corporation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Stanford University. Ramirez is a former USA Swimming National Champion, 2016-17 White House Fellow and a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

Jag Reddy is president, CEO and a member of the board of directors of MEC. As CEO of MEC, he has a proven track record of driving growth and profitability through operational and commercial excellence resulting in significant shareholder returns. Before joining MEC, he was a member of the senior leadership team at W.R. Grace. Reddy earned an MBA in finance and strategy from the Kellogg School of Management and a master’s in engineering management from the McCormick School of Engineering, both at Northwestern University. He also holds a master’s in industrial engineering from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from India.

Lori Richards is the CEO of Wisconsin’s largest independent public relations agency, Mueller Communications. She has been involved in public relations in Milwaukee for more than 20 years, with projects spanning a broad spectrum of organizations and initiatives. Richards serves on the boards of TEMPO Milwaukee, Discovery World, HOAN and Pearls for Teen Girls, and serves on volunteer committees with the Harbor District of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Richards graduated from Marquette University in public relations and English. 

Joe Rock is the managing partner of KPMG’s Milwaukee office and an audit partner serving public and privately held consumer products and industrial manufacturing clients. In his 30+-year career with KPMG, Rock worked overseas (Sydney and Bangkok) and with the M&A Due Diligence practice in Chicago. He serves on the boards of Milwaukee Film, the United Performing Arts Fund, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Chapter of CEOs Against Cancer. He also serves as a member of The Greater Milwaukee Committee. A certified public accountant, he is a member of the American and Wisconsin institutes of certified public accountants. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Wes Saber is chief financial officer for HARIBO of America, the world’s leading manufacturer of gummi products. Saber has been the CFO for nearly 10 years and spearheaded the addition of HARIBO’S production site in Pleasant Prairie. Prior to joining HARIBO, he held leadership roles in 25 countries around the world. Saber is chairman of the board of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, and an active member of both the MMAC and the German American Chamber of Commerce Midwest. Saber earned his MBA from Northern Illinois University.

Rick Schlesinger is president of business operations for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club. He oversees business operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, legal, sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, business analytics, broadcasting, communications, stadium operations and non-baseball special events. In addition, he oversees American Family Fields of Phoenix (the team’s Spring Training complex) and the business operations of the Carolina Mudcats, the organization’s Low-A affiliate. Schlesinger is a member of Major League Baseball’s Youth Baseball and Labor Policy committees. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he received his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

Maria Schuld is chief client advocacy officer for FIS’ Banking Solutions Client Experience. In addition, she is the site leader for the FIS Milwaukee location, which is home to 2,600 FIS employees. Schuld has more than 25 years of experience in the payments and banking industry. She also has board positions on the Armed Forces Financial Network (AFFN), ChexSystems Inc. and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.

John Splude is president of JWS Classics LLC, a classic car business he started after retiring from Dematic Corporation. Earlier in his career, he held various positions within Harnischfeger Industries, including as president of Harnischfeger Engineers Inc. (HEI). Splude led the management buyout of HEI to create what would become HK Systems, which he sold to Dematic. Splude serves on the boards of Superior Die Set, International Thermal Systems, The Fisher Barton Group, Sussek Machine Corp., Junior Achievement of Wisconsin and Notre Dame Middle School. Splude received his bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Marquette University and his MBA from the University of Chicago.

Paul Sternlieb is president and CEO of Enerpac Tool Group Corporation, an industrial tools and services company. Prior to joining Enerpac in October 2021, he served as EVP and president, Protein, at JBT Corporation. Sternlieb serves on the boards of Kennametal, Children’s Wisconsin and Manufacturers Alliance, and is a member of the Young President’s Organization, a global peer network of chief executives and business leaders. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and computer science from the University of Pennsylvania and received his MBA from the Wharton School, where he graduated as a Palmer Scholar.

Paul Sweeney is a principal of PS Capital Partners LLC, a private equity investment firm. Sweeney serves on the boards of Milwaukee Composites, Sussek Machine Corp., CM Global, Waukesha Metal Products, PAX Holdings, Pack Logix, Engineered Custom Coatings, Wisconsin Bank & Trust, International Thermal Systems, Quick & Pure Systems, Soaris, Forward Health, Maynard Steel Company and JTS Direct. He also serves on the boards of Milwaukee World Festival and the Milwaukee Scholars Charter School. Sweeney earned his degree in finance from Georgetown University’s School of Business Administration.

Jaime Syring is the CEO/owner of Trans International LLC, a medium-sized business in Menomonee Falls providing freight audit, payment and logistics services. For more than 25 years, Syring has worked within the logistics industry, with the last 19 years in senior management. She serves on WBDC Women’s Business Development Council Advisory Committee for the Milwaukee area and serves on the board of directors for 501(c3) It’s Not Just Dinner, helping diverse businesses connect with corporate partners. She completed the Tuck School of Business program for Building a High Performing Business.

Jeffrey Ticknor is senior vice president and group managing director of Wisconsin and Minnesota Commercial Banking for BMO. Ticknor has been with BMO/M&I for over 32 years. Ticknor serves on the boards of the UW Puelicher Center for Banking Education, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the finance committee for Blackhawk Church and the Donald Driver Driven to Achieve Advisory Board. He has been involved with the Harvard Club of Wisconsin and is an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ticknor received an undergraduate degree in economics from Harvard University.

Rob Valcq is the managing director of Wells Fargo’s Mid-Corporate Banking Group covering the state of Wisconsin. He leads a team that provides investment banking needs and traditional banking services to customers in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, distribution and technology. Valcq joined Wells Fargo in 2005 and has spent a majority of his career directly serving middle-market banking customers. Prior to Wells Fargo, he held positions at Harris Bank and Associated Bank in Wisconsin. Valcq earned his bachelor’s degree in history from University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he played college baseball.

Nic Wahl is president and managing partner of Godfrey & Kahn. He joined the firm in 1990 and was named to his current roles in 2010. Wahl’s practice focuses on real estate transactions and corporate/mergers and acquisitions. He serves as the North American chair of TerraLex, an international network of over 130 law firms. Wahl serves on the board of the Milwaukee Country Club and is general counsel for the Wisconsin State Golf Association. He is a police commissioner of Fox Point and serves on the board of Marquette University Law School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of the Wisconsin Law Review.

Gregory M. Wesley was named president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2024. Previously, he served on the foundation’s board and co-chair of the ThriveOn Collaboration, representing the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). During his eight years at WMC, Wesley served as senior vice president for strategic alliances and business development, as well as interim general counsel. Wesley serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Teach for America Milwaukee (chair), Greater Milwaukee Committee, Black Arts Fest MKE, Milwaukee World Festivals Inc., Trust for Professional Managers, MHS Health Wisconsin, Versiti Inc., and is a trustee for the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread. Wesley earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Thomas Westrick is president and chief executive officer of GE HealthCare’s Patient Care Solutions business. Westrick joined GE HealthCare in 2003 and previously led the Global Quality, Medical, Regulatory Affairs, and Global Research organizations. Prior to joining GE HealthCare, Westrick spent 13 years in public accounting with Arthur Andersen LLP and Deloitte & Touche LLP. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting, risk management and insurance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Westrick served on the Deans External Advisory Board for the University of Wisconsin School of Business and served as the 2024 chairperson for the American Heart Association Heart & Stroke Walk, Southeastern Wisconsin.

Kevin Wheeler is chairman and CEO of A. O. Smith Corporation, a global water technology company. Wheeler was named chairman of A. O. Smith in 2020 and CEO in 2018. Prior to becoming CEO, Wheeler was president and chief operating officer responsible for the company’s global water heating and water treatment operations and oversaw the company’s research and development and information technology functions. He is a member of the Manufacturers Alliance Division Leadership Council and Presidents’ Roundtable and is a director of A. O. Smith Corporation and Graco Inc. Wheeler is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno with a bachelor’s degree in finance and the Harvard University Advanced Management Program. 

Andrew Wronski is the managing partner of Foley & Lardner LLP’s Milwaukee office. He also serves as chair of the firm’s manufacturing sector, a group of more than 215 attorneys across 26 offices. A seasoned trial lawyer, Wronski brings more than 30 years of experience to the firm’s business litigation & dispute resolution, sports industry team, and securities enforcement & litigation practice groups. Wronski is involved with Hunger Task Force, United Performing Arts Fund, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs and Junior Achievement. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and his law degree from the University of Minnesota.