Gov. Evers Honors the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award Recipients

Awards Recognize Individuals & Organizations including the Bank of Sun Prairie for Elevating the Financial Literacy, Capability, and Financial Inclusion of Wisconsin’s Residents

MADISON, Wis. – Today Gov. Tony Evers honored 11 individuals and eight organizations as recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards in a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The recipients were honored for their efforts in helping Wisconsinites build their financial literacy and capability skills.

“Financial education gives people the tools they need to achieve their goals, expand new opportunities, and help attain financial security for themselves and their families,” said Gov. Evers. “These dedicated individuals and organizations are doing important work to help Wisconsinites become more financially secure and prepare for their futures, which is a critical part of strengthening the financial well-being of our entire state. I thank these dedicated individuals and organizations for all they have done to help advance financial wellness in Wisconsin, and I congratulate them for receiving this prestigious award.”

The 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards honored recipients in one of three categories, individual, organization, or legacy, for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner. The legacy award is given to an organization, business, or individual whose purpose and heritage is ingrained in sustained financial literacy and capability efforts. This lifetime recognition is intended to be conferred only once to recipients.

The recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards are:

Individual Category:

• Lily Alvarado, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, Milwaukee
• Kerri Herrild, De Pere High School, De Pere
• Ana Melo, Old National Bank, West Allis
• Kristen Ruhl, SecureFutures, Milwaukee
• Matthew Vandre, Francis LLC, Brookfield
• Todd Williams, Plymouth High School, Plymouth
• Jessica Zarnke, School District of Loyal, Marshfield

Organization Category:

• Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie
• Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Janesville
• Capital Credit Union, Green Bay
• College Goal Wisconsin, Madison
• Delavan-Darien High School and the Delavan-Darien Technical School, Delavan
• Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Madison
• Francis LLC, Brookfield
• Simplicity Credit Union, Marshfield

Legacy Category:

• Scott Christy, Green Bay East High (retired), Green Bay
• Janeen Dietsche, Marshfield High School (retired), Marshfield
• Victor Frasher, Educators Credit Union, Mt. Pleasant
• Kelli Send, Francis LLC, Brookfield

The recipients were selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability from the nominations submitted for consideration. Criteria used to judge nominations included: innovative implementation of an effective financial literacy and capability program or program element within the last two years; emphasis on financial inclusion, demonstrated measurable results; collaboration with partners; and scalability of the program design. Visit the Council’s webpage to read a synopsis of the recipients’ efforts.

The Council serves as a continuous sounding board for the Office of the Governor, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), and the DFI’s Office of Financial Literacy. The Council provides guidance and strategies to measurably improve the financial literacy, capability, and financial inclusion of Wisconsin’s residents. To learn more about the Council, visit the Council’s webpage or contact Council Executive Director David Mancl by phone at (608) 572-5794 or by email at David.Mancl@dfi.wisconsin.gov.

Greenwoods State Bank Promotes James Hegenbarth to President Amid Growth and Strategic Vision

Lake Mills, WI – Greenwoods State Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of James “Jim” Hegenbarth to President, effective immediately. This leadership transition reflects the bank’s continued growth and commitment to strong, experienced guidance. Hegenbarth succeeds Rob Cera, who will now serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer alongside Bill McDonald.

Hegenbarth brings over 30 years of experience in community banking, strategic development, and civic engagement to his new role. Since joining Greenwoods, he has played an instrumental role in advancing the bank’s mission of delivering relationship-based, community-focused financial services.

“Jim is a respected and forward-thinking leader whose expertise, vision, and values align perfectly with our mission,” said Rob Cera, Co-CEO of Greenwoods State Bank. “This promotion is not only a recognition of Jim’s contributions, but creates a clear succession for leadership within Greenwoods that will reinforce our focus on the communities and customers we serve in our local markets.”

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in economics, Hegenbarth began his career as a credit analyst with First Bank N.A. (now US Bank). In 1991, he returned to Madison to lead the business banking group at Park Bank, where he was named President and CEO in 1998. During his tenure, he guided the bank’s growth from $150 million to $1.5 billion in assets, achieving record earnings from 2020 to 2022.

In addition to his professional success, Hegenbarth is widely regarded as a leader in the banking industry. He has served on the Board of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, was named Banker of the Year in 2020, and is currently Vice Chair-Elect of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

Beyond the boardroom, Hegenbarth is deeply committed to public service, holding leadership and advisory roles with organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Edgewood High School, Fitchburg Community and Economic Development Authority, Blessed Sacrament Church, Middleton Youth Football and Basketball, and the American Family Children’s Hospital at UW–Madison, among many others.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time,” said Hegenbarth. “Greenwoods is a bank with deep community roots and a bold vision for the future. I look forward to building on that foundation — strengthening our relationships, investing in innovation, and continuing to deliver the kind of personalized service our customers count on.”

Hegenbarth’s promotion signals a strong and stable leadership transition as Greenwoods State Bank continues to expand its impact across Wisconsin communities and beyond.

For more information, visit www.greenwoods.bank.

About Greenwoods State Bank
Founded in 1893, Greenwoods State Bank is a locally focused, community-driven financial institution headquartered in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. With branch locations across southern and central Wisconsin, Greenwoods offers a full range of personal and business banking services with an emphasis on relationship banking and personalized support. As of 2025, the bank manages over $662 million in assets and remains committed to investing in the communities it serves through innovation, integrity, and local leadership. Learn more at www.greenwoods.bank.

Capitol Bank Welcomes Jessica Piatt, SVP of Commercial Lending

Capitol Bank is pleased to announce that Jessica Piatt has joined as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending. Jessica has over 15 years of experience in sourcing, structuring, closing, and managing commercial loan and deposit relationships. She has a wide range of knowledge across commercial real estate, industrial loans and more, with many years of experience in the greater Madison area.

“It’s really exciting to have Jessica join our team,” said Justin Hart, CEO. “Her deep experience and knowledge of the commercial loan industry, combined with her connections in our local market will be a fantastic addition to the Bank.”

While Jessica will join the commercial lending team, she’ll also be contributing across all the Bank’s business lines. Outside of the office, she sits on boards and committees with Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin and Downtown Madison, Inc. Jessica enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. She lives with her husband, son, and black lab.

Madison Night Market Celebrates the University of Wisconsin

Showcase of Local Businesses, 100+ Unique Vendors, Live Music and Food Trucks

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) welcomes the entire community to the return of the expanded Madison Night Market on May 8, from 5-9 p.m. Last year’s expansion onto N. Carroll and W. Mifflin Streets on Capitol Square is back, along with State Street and Gilman Street, showcasing more local artisans and food vendors in the heart of Madison’s fast-growing downtown district.

Celebrating the University of Wisconsin and its graduates!

Coming just 2 days before UW-Madison’s Spring Commencement, the first Madison Night Market of the year will celebrate the University of Wisconsin’s impact on and commitment to our community.

• Bucky on Parade photo-op: Downtown Madison’s own Madison Traditions Bucky will make a special appearance on the 500-block of State Street along with a beautiful ballon display, providing a great photo op for graduates (along with the rest of the Madison community).
• Discounts for UW Health nurses: Nurses Week runs from May 6-12, and select vendors at the Madison Night Market will offer exclusive discounts for UW Health nurses and all other nurses in our community.
• Special vendors: Be on the lookout for vintage badger apparel and other licensed gear throughout the market.

Madison is known for great shopping, amazing food and a talented arts scene, and the Madison Night Market brings our urban experience together in celebration. Vendors and State Street retailers combine to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods, and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts, and pop-up restaurant experiences.

NEW: Family Activity Zone

Fun for the whole family! Where State Street meets Capitol Square, you’ll find the Madison Night Market Family Activity Zone, filled with a rotating slate of family-friendly activities to keep kids (and their grown-ups!) engaged and entertained. Stay tuned for a new batch of activities for each market in 2025. The May 8 market will feature:

• Family Fitness Challenge with MADabolic Madison: Put yourself (and your kiddos) to the test with simple fitness challenges that will keep adults and kids alike on their toes.
• Madison Reading Project: Stop by Madison Reading Project’s Big Red Reading Bus for information about local resources and reading programs for kids and families—along with some special giveaways for your little bookworms.

Live music lineup

Peace Park Music Stage
452 State Street
5:00 – 6:30pm: Soul Impressions
7 – 9pm: Sam Ness

Capitol Square @ State Street
5:00-9:00 p.m. – Eric De Los Santos

200 Block of State
5:00-7:00 p.m. – Wendy Lynn Marcus

Frances Street Plaza
6:00 p.m. – Becca Murray

The most up-to-date market details, including vendors and participating businesses, can be found here: https://madisonnightmarket.com

Follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/madisonnightmarket/

And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonnightmarket/

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/

The Madison Night Market is brought to you by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District and the City of Madison. Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Madison Gas & Electric, Steve Brown Apartments, Bubbl’r, and Henry Vilas Zoo.

ABOUT MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 370 businesses and 250 property owners. It is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality, safety and vibrancy of downtown Madison. We serve the greater State Street, Capitol Square and First Settlement district, working collaboratively with property owners, small businesses and city stakeholders to make downtown Madison the best place to shop, dine, work, live and explore. As a special assessment district, we provide important services, including marketing, public programming, small business support and storefront advocacy to ensure a thriving downtown.

Locally Crafted Sunburst Sparkler Beverage Expands with Two New Flavors

MADISON – The flavor lineup of Sunburst Sparkler — locally crafted, fruit-infused, caffeinated sparkling beverages created by the Wisconsin Union and Karben4 teams — has expanded with two new flavors, Kiwi Berry Bang and Raspberry Ginger Rush.

All Sunburst Sparkler flavors are on shelves now at all Wisconsin Union-run dining locations, some campus vending machines, and some Madison area retailers’ locations, such as Woodman’s Markets, Barriques, and Triangle Market.

            Kiwi Berry Bang blends strawberry, kiwi, and guava juice concentrates with tea-derived caffeine for a tropical-inspired, new Sunburst Sparkler flavor option. Raspberry Ginger Rush brings together raspberry and ginger with a hint of lime as a zesty Sunburst Sparkler lineup addition.

            Kiwi Berry Bang and Raspberry Ginger Rush join the original four Sunburst Sparkler flavors lineup of Cherry SubLime, Flamango Tango, Poppin’ Peach Punch, and Berry Burst. Like the originals, these new flavor options contain no added sweeteners, feature real fruit juice as the only source of sweetness, and have tea-derived, natural caffeine. Each can contains between 15 and 35 calories and are $3.69 per can at Wisconsin Union-run dining locations.

            “We’re excited to expand the Sunburst Sparkler line with two new flavors of our locally created, naturally caffeinated energy drinks,” said Carl Korz, Wisconsin Union associate director for dining and hospitality services. “This is such an incredible alternative to the artificially flavored energy drinks out there. You’re still getting a sustained burst of energy but without added sweeteners like stevia or hard-to-pronounce chemicals and additives.”

            Other Wisconsin Union-made food and beverage products include Terrace Lemonade and Terrace Strawberry Lemonade produced in collaboration with Karben4 and Wisconsin Union Beef Snack Sticks produced in collaboration with Bucky’s Varsity Meats. The Wisconsin Union also offers exclusive Wisconsin Union gifts and merchandise at its Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South as well as at its online Terrace Store.

            Purchases of Wisconsin Union food, beverages and merchandise help support the nonprofit’s work to create free and low-cost events, community spaces and student leadership opportunities.

Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/about/wisconsin-union-products to learn about some Wisconsin Union-made products, including the Sunburst Sparkler lineup.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as in event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

About Karben4 Brewing

Founded in 2012, Karben4 (K4) was built to make great beverages while never taking itself too seriously. The team is committed to brewing high-quality, innovative beers and other drinks that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. Check K4 out online at karben4.com.