Our Team

Dale Kooyenga is president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). He is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently serving as the Battalion Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion. Kooyenga has served in the U.S. Army for over 19 years and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He maintains his CPA license and has over twenty years of experience as a CPA, including 10 years at KPMG and twelve years working as a CFO for start-up, early stage and private equity companies. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly followed by four years of service as a Wisconsin State Senator. He played NCAA Division III basketball at Lakeland University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained an MBA from Marquette University.

Lynn Olberding is chief operating officer for MMAC, responsible for day-to-day operations of the chamber. She is a Certified Chamber Executive and earned the Institute for Organization Management designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining MMAC, she was president & CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce in Iowa. She is a member of TEMPO Milwaukee and sits on the board of the Elmbrook Education Foundation. Olberding earned her undergraduate degree in corporate communications from Buena Vista University and received her MBA from the University of Iowa.

Stephanie Smith, as chief revenue officer, leads efforts that procure dues and non-dues revenue, ensuring financial sustainability to support MMAC’s extensive programs and services for businesses in the metro region. She manages internal teams that deliver quality member engagement services, such as access to peer networks, business development resources, networking events, expert-led programming, brand building sponsorships, and quality affinity services, such as healthcare benefits. For over twenty years, Smith has served in various roles across the organization.

Craig Kammholz is MMAC’s chief finance officer. Kammholz has over 20 years of experience in government and non-profit management and has served as budget director for Milwaukee County and as deputy comptroller for the City of Milwaukee. Kammholz earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee, his master’s degree in finance from the American University in Washington, D.C., and his master’s degree in accounting from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Kathy Mclees is MMAC’s chief information officer. She is responsible for managing all of MMAC’s tech, including maintenance, training, development, security and enhancements of software, hardware, apps, conferencing and all integrated systems. She serves on the advisory board for Atlas, the MMAC’s association management solution. She received her bachelor’s degree in strategic management of information systems from Cardinal Stritch University.

Angel B. Ramirez is the executive assistant to MMAC president, Dale Kooyenga. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in marketing, and over five years of active service in the U.S. Navy, Ramirez excels in managing complex scheduling, coordinating high-level meetings, and ensuring operational efficiency within MMAC’s executive office. A dedicated advocate for veterans, she also actively serves on the Veterans Community Project: Milwaukee Capital Campaign Committee. Ramirez served five years active duty in the U.S. Navy as a Quartermaster 2nd Class Petty Officer, which included a Western Pacific Deployment onboard the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) in 2016. She was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Ryan Amundson is MMAC’s senior director of communications, focused on making information accessible and engaging for its members and other stakeholders. He joined MMAC in April 2023 after spending 17 years managing public relations for Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Prior to that, he spent six years reporting and editing at several newspapers in southeastern Wisconsin. He is past president of the Milwaukee chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and coaches youth baseball for the Wauwatosa West Jr. Trojans. He earned his bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1998.

Anna Reaves serves as graphic designer and project coordinator for the MMAC, where she collaborates closely with the communications team to support marketing efforts for the organization and its affiliates. Continuously developing her skills, Reaves actively explores new technologies to enhance MMAC’s visual presence. Prior to her full-time role, she contributed to MMAC and other clients as a freelance designer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and digital communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Allie Shane is MMAC’s communications specialist. She focuses on creating informative content that boosts brand awareness and engagement across various platforms. Shane has previous experience in digital marketing and communications, having completed four internships with different companies over the course of her college career. She joined MMAC in May 2024, following her graduation from the University of Minnesota, where she received a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication and English.

Anna Lardinois is the managing editor of MKEStartup.news, an online publication that focuses on the Milwaukee region’s startup ecosystem. She has authored fourteen books on regional history and works extensively as a freelance writer and speaker. Lardinois earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Alverno College and her master’s degree in Instructional Technologies from Cardinal Stritch University.

Pat O’Brien is president of the Milwaukee Development Corporation and Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corporation, catalytic community based real estate and business development organizations. Previously, he was executive director of the Milwaukee 7 (M7) Regional Partnership. He serves on the boards of the Pettit National Ice Center Foundation, Near West Side Partners and the Elmbrook Baseball Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

Rebecca Gries is the executive director of the Milwaukee 7 (M7). Since joining M7 in 2018, Gries has marketed southeastern Wisconsin as a premier location for business, assisting companies with their expansion and relocation efforts. She was honored as a 2024 40 Under 40 by the Milwaukee Business Journal and named a North American Top 50 Economic Developer in 2022. Gries serves on the boards of the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation and Literary Services of Wisconsin. She holds a master’s degree in global politics from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Norbert College.

Katie Mendenhall is the director of corporate attraction and expansion for the Milwaukee 7 (M7). In this role, she works to attract national and global companies to southeastern Wisconsin, and helps companies expand their business footprint in the Milwaukee region. Before joining M7 in 2024, Mendenhall was a project manager at Epic Systems, managing the implementation of electronic health records for various healthcare systems around the country, and Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, where she managed Medicaid policy initiatives. She received her bachelor’s degree in public policy and leadership from the University of Virginia.

Jane Mullarkey is the manager of corporate attraction and expansion for Milwaukee 7 (M7). She began with M7 in early 2025 after working for an international society for the past three years. Throughout her professional career in nonprofits, Mullarkey has managed programs, coordinated project timelines and worked to increase member engagement. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications and nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Karen Powell is senior director of events and programs for the MMAC. She manages all aspects of MMAC events, association-wide programs and meetings, including development, planning, execution, sponsorship and budgets. She has more than 18 years of event planning experience. Prior to joining MMAC, Powell coordinated special events for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Becky Glass is the events and programs manager.  She joined the MMAC staff in early 2025 with over 15 years of event and hospitality experience in medium-to-large-scale venues. From casual to formal, her passion is creating exceptional and seamless experiences no matter the venue, capacity or goal of the event. Glass holds degrees from Milwaukee Area Technical College and Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Amira Adams is the Program Specialist for MMAC, joining the organization in January of 2025. Her focus includes program management, event coordination, administration and member engagement. Amira also plays a vital role in advancing MMAC’s mission by supporting and implementing young professionals and talent development events.
A Milwaukee native, Adams graduated from Alverno College with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and a double minor in creative writing and community engagement and activism (CENA). Adams has had the opportunity to be an AmeriCorps member for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, a teaching assistant for the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, special projects coordinator for Alive MKE/ Milwaukee Fellows and a campaign coordinator for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.

Andrew Davis is MMAC’s vice president of governmental affairs. He lobbies on behalf of MMAC and its members at the federal, state and local levels, and works with the MMAC board to identify and advance public policy in the interest of MMAC members. Davis has nearly two decades of policy and political experience at the legislative and executive branches of government. He managed stakeholder and external relations for Governor Scott Walker, served as Reince Priebus’s political director, and worked for State Senator Alberta Darling. He also worked in the marketing and communications department of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He is a graduate of St. Norbert College with a degree in political science.

JJ Sherman is MMAC’s director of governmental affairs, working with elected officials at all levels to advocate on behalf of MMAC and its members. Sherman has a decade of experience in state government with expertise in legislative processes, strategic communications and public policy. He served as senior policy advisor to the Wisconsin Senate president, where he tracked legislation, advanced key initiatives, and collaborated with leadership teams on policy development. He also served as a committee clerk and legislative assistant. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Gina Balke is the executive director of FaB Wisconsin. She leads all aspects of the business network serving the state’s food and beverage industry, working with its members, Leadership Council, and other state partners on strategic initiatives and programming. Prior to this position, she served as director of talent, vice president of industry engagement, and chief operating officer for FaB. Balke has 13 years of industry experience, most recently working at Ocean Spray Cranberries. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she has obtained her professional human resources certification.

Emily Allen is the assistant director at FaB Wisconsin. She manages FaB’s communications, marketing, and creative services, and provides technical and administrative support. Prior to joining FaB, she worked in career education and web production. Allen graduated with honors from Alverno College with a bachelor’s degree in professional communication.

Barb Smith is vice president of member engagement and manages the Leadership Council, an opportunity for members who want to deepen their engagement in MMAC’s strategic priorities. Previously, she served as a senior sales executive. Prior to joining MMAC, she was a unit director for The American Cancer Society. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society, the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee and Executive Women’s International. She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communications with a minor in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Jane Trenchard Backes is the VP of investor development. Serving on the membership team for more than 19 years, she is responsible for new revenue generation. She is an ACCE Lifetime Achievement award winner in membership for the silver, gold and platinum levels. She serves on the board of Seeds of Health, Inc., a high-performing K-12 charter school district. She is a member of the City Forward Collective Board Corps program. Backes graduated from Augsburg University, where she majored in art history.

Ryan Rivas serves as MMAC’s member engagement manager, dedicating concierge services to help members cultivate relationships and maximize benefits in conjunction with MMAC’s mission. Prior to MMAC, was FBO manager at Milwaukee’s Timmerman Airport and the North American CX Team Coach for Ridestore, a prominent Swedish winter sports apparel company. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Chauntele Speckman is director of roundtables at the MMAC. Since joining the team in 2022, she has enjoyed building strong connections with Milwaukee area executives and helping them to engage with dynamic peer groups through MMAC’s Executive Roundtables. In addition to her work with the roundtables, Speckman leads efforts to expand and enhance the program, continuing its legacy of fostering valuable leadership connections. Outside of her professional role, she is passionate about volunteering with local non-profit organizations. Speckman holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Megan Anderson is the executive roundtable manager for MMAC. She joined the MMAC team in 2024 and works closely with CFOs, CIOs, sales leaders and other C-suite executives across multiple peer groups, creating a supportive space for leaders to share best practices, address business challenges, and drive growth through meaningful, peer-led discussions. Prior to joining MMAC, she served as the associate director of career development at Alverno College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology & audiology from Marquette University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management & leadership from the UW-Milwaukee.

Andrea Medved is the MMAC’s membership database manager. She maintains and updates members’ information within the database and coordinates changes for the yearly printed directory. She also manages billing and assists the membership account executives. Prior to joining the MMAC, she assisted the chairman of Numismatic Conventions and worked in higher education. Medved earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from UW-Milwaukee.

Marjorie Yoshida is manager of MMAC’s networking forum. She is also project manager for the Milwaukee Development Corporation and the Milwaukee 7 Partnership. Prior to joining the MMAC staff in 2008, Yoshida spent 11 years as the managing director, and six years as both managing and artistic director, of City Ballet Theatre. She is an eight-year member of Executive Women International, currently serving as president for the second time and as treasurer for her fifth year. Yoshida earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree from the Thunderbird School of International Management.

Bret Mayborne, vice president of economic research, joined the staff in 1985. He collects, tracks and analyzes metro-area data and conducts surveys. He produces publications for members and other businesses that need economic data and information about the metro area. He also provides research for companies developing business and marketing plans or looking to relocate or expand their businesses. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from UW-Oshkosh and his master’s degree in economics from UW-Milwaukee

Corry Joe Biddle is vice president of talent and community affairs, representing MMAC across the community to better serve the goal of raising economic prosperity. She currently leads the “Region of Choice” initiative to increase representation of African American and Latino talent among 125+ participating companies. In recognition of her efforts, Biddle was named to The Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2020 list of Young Professional Pandemic Power Brokers and received a Unity Award from Milwaukee Magazine in 2022. She offers a unique perspective on the relationship between diversity, economic development and professional networking. Biddle graduated from Mount Mary College with degrees in business administration and professional writing.