National Guardian Life Insurance Company Names Joseph Celentano as New CEO

MADISON, WI (April 2, 2024) — National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) Board of Directors announced that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will join the Madison Wisconsin-based mutual life insurance company as President & CEO effective May 6. Celentano will also serve on the NGL Board of Directors.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life, a mutual based insurer. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division during which he managed the impacts of the Covid pandemic while increasing profitable annuity sales through the launch of new and innovative annuity products.

“Joe’s extensive mutual life experience and risk management expertise combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as he leads NGL’s next phase of growth,” said Gary Wolter, chair of NGL’s Board of Directors. “He knows the mutual insurance culture, understands the important role our preneed products have in helping families, and values building partnerships.”

While at Pacific Life, Celentano held a variety of positions ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO, to enterprise-wide Chief Risk Officer. His most recent position was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for the Retirement Solutions Division. Joe’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, leading digital transformation efforts and participating in setting overall company strategy.

“I am honored to lead NGL and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “NGL’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make NGL poised for future success.  My wife Kathy and I look forward to moving and settling in Madison.”

Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, working with Celentano for a seamless leadership transition. “On behalf of the NGL Board of Directors I would like to thank Kim for her leadership in keeping the company focused and profitable during the time of the search,” said Wolter.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at http://www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Madison’s Novii CPA is an accounting firm with startup vibes

Name an industry, and chances are there are at least a few startups vying to “disrupt” it with some status-quo-busting product or business model.

But accounting?

The business of preparing financial statements and filing taxes might not sound ripe for revolution. But after working with many clients who owned small businesses, certified public accountant Victoria Thayer caught the startup bug too.

“It was so inspiring to see all these entrepreneurs that just had an idea, started a business and took the leap,” Thayer said. “So I started thinking well … maybe I should give it a try.”

She envisioned a company that would help business owners understand their finances and financial options so they can achieve their goals. While many startups proffer human-replacing technology, Thayer imagined transforming the accounting industry by getting accountants to interact more with their clients and colleagues. 

Last May, she quit her job as an auditor to do just that. She named her firm Novii CPA, a combination of “novus” (new) and “vision,” with an extra “i” inspired by tech startups.

Read more from the Cap Times

Vogel Bros. Building Co.: Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2024

Media Contact:
Katie Kulchytskyy
608.241.5454

Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale
Demolition and Groundbreaking at Hilldale Shopping Center

MADISON, WIS. – Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale. Hilldale Shopping Center is thrilled to announce an ambitious project that will breathe new life into our beloved community at Hilldale and greater Madison. This transformative initiative aims to convert a former theater space into a dynamic and vibrant streetscape, showcasing an array of exciting retail tenants that promise to enhance the overall shopping experience.

This project entails a 25,000-square-foot renovation of existing space for mixed use, accommodating new retail and restaurant tenants. The exterior façade will also be reimagined, enhancing the experience of visitors to Hilldale Mall. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. WS Development, the Massachusetts based firm that owns and manages Hilldale Shopping Center, has partnered with Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. (EUA) for design and Vogel Bros. Building Co. as the construction partner.

Chris Boyce, Director of Asset Strategy and Development of WS Development indicated, “The upcoming project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Hilldale Shopping Center, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement and fostering a lively, inclusive atmosphere. The decision to repurpose the former theater space reflects our dedication to creating spaces that resonate with the pulse of Madison and stay relevant to the evolving nature of retail.

“Our vision for the future of Hilldale was informed by input from local residents to ensure our growth aligns with the community’s aspirations. We are confident that this project, which is only just beginning, will not only meet but exceed the expectations of Madison residents, creating a thriving space for shopping, socializing, and community engagement.”

“Vogel Bros. is excited to partner with WS Development, return to Hilldale, and eager to bring our expertise to the table for the redevelopment that will convert existing space into a pedestrian-friendly experience,” says Matthew Schultz, Vice President of Vogel Bros. Building Co.

WS Development (www.wsdevelopment.com) is one of the top five private, retail-first developers in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, WS Development has been a leader in the acquisition, development, management and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties. Its diverse portfolio consists of more than 100-plus properties totaling 20-plus million square feet with 5-plus million square feet in new developments.

Vogel Bros. Building Co. (www.vogelbldg.com) is a fifth-generation construction services company with offices in Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL. As an award-winning company, Vogel Bros. has earned recognition for completing large-scale complex projects, encouraging innovation, embracing new technologies, and making a difference in our communities. We owe our success and longevity to the values established by the Vogel family that have been shared through the generations and are embodied in our employees. Vogel Bros. mission is to continually improve our services in order to enhance the lives of the people in the communities we serve.

NewBridge Madison Board of Directors Job Announcement

NewBridge is an innovative non-profit organization that provides a bridge to successful aging, for older adults aged 60 and older, in the Madison area.

• We offer comprehensive, wholistic services for adults 60 years and older, www.newbridgemadison.org.
• We provide over 40,000 community meals provided annually.
• We serve more than 10,000 participants each year.
• We assist over 1,200 low-income older adults in accessing critical services (housing, food, health and wellness) and address racial disparities.
  Join our board and become a champion for older adults! Become an influential voice for one of the most underserved and underfunded populations in our community. We are seeking board members to be active advocates and ambassadors for older adults and our agency. This is a great opportunity to play an instrumental role in helping secure the financial resources and partnerships necessary for NewBridge to remain the best agency serving older adults.
  Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  We know that to achieve our goals, fulfill our mission, and realize our vision, we need to include Board members with perspectives drawn from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, skill sets, areas of expertise, and lived experience. At NewBridge our commitment is to create and maintain a board that is diverse in its composition, inclusive in its culture, and equity-focused in its approach to how it views our mission, our work, and the communities we serve.
  Open Positions
  1) Volunteer Board Member: Area of Expertise – Fund Development/ Fund Raising
  2) Volunteer Board Member: Area of Expertise – Advocacy/Community Connections
  3) Volunteer Board Member: Area of Expertise – Lived Experiences and/or Older adult NewBridge Board members play a crucial role in corporate governance, guiding strategic
  decisions, fostering accountability, and shaping our agency’s future.
  Board responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
• know our agency’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
• determine which programs are consistent with our mission and monitor their effectiveness
• ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• ensure adequate resources (financial and otherwise) for our agency to fulfill its mission
• ensure NewBridge builds and maintains an internal culture of inclusion and representation across all levels of our agency
• ensure legal and ethical integrity
  Expectations of individual Board Members include but are not limited to:
• commitment to the mission of NewBridge and understand its collective purpose
• attend 70% of our Board meetings
• prepare for, attend, and participate in board meetings
• participate fully in one or more committees or task forces
• respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences on to the board and our agency
• NewBridge Madison values diversity and inclusion, and actively promotes anti-racism. We expect all staff, contractors, and board members to be intentional about honoring these values and to commit to advancing equity and inclusion in our work with older adults.
• serve as active advocate and ambassadors for the agency
• leverage connections, networks, and help secure financial resources and partnerships necessary for our agency to advance its mission
• identify give a meaningful personal financial donation and/or of your time and talent
• maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of NewBridge
  The NewBridge Board is a volunteer board. Members are not paid and dedicate their time and expertise to support our agency and our work with older adults.
  To receive an application or for more information contact Executive Director Jim Krueger, jimk@newbridgemadison.org
  NewBridge Madison intentionally values and promotes diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in serving older adults.

WPS Health Solutions® a winner of the Top Workplaces Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Corporate Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions^® a winner of the Top Workplaces Award 

MADISON, Wis.—March 26, 2024—WPS Health Solutions has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The Wisconsin State Journal for a fourth year. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected and Supported, Enabled to Grow, Empowered to Execute, and more. 

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” 

“At WPS, we are fostering a thriving culture that energizes people to do meaningful work, ignites collaboration, and builds momentum for the future,” comments WPS Chief People Officer Moira Klos. “We are proud to receive this award for the fourth year in a row! Winning is a testament to the cultural journey we are on.” 

About Energage 

Making the world a better place to work together.^™ 

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com. 

About WPS Health Solutions 

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has more than 2,600 employees. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com. 

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