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.

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Madison Presented With Service Excellence Award

Local Staffing and Recruiting Company Recognized with Prestigious National Honor

MADISON, Wis. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois announced today that President and Franchise Owner Austin Kassner was presented with the Service Excellence Award during the company’s annual National Meeting.

Given to the office that consistently delivers exceptional service to its partners, Kassner’s commitment to continual improvement earned both of his offices praise with a quality assurance score of 93.5% and an average Google rating of nearly five stars. Kassner was also recently recognized for his community impact by In Business Madison as part of the publication’s “Forty Under 40 Class of 2025” and as a “Millennial Franchise Rockstar” by Franchise Business Review in 2024. His dedication to the community shines through in partnerships with organizations such as The River Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank and Rockford Promise.

“Building strong teams and creating opportunities is what we do—but it’s the relationships we build that truly make the difference,” said Kassner. “We continue to challenge ourselves to be better, to show up for our partners in ways that matter. This award is a reflection of our team’s drive, passion, and commitment to the communities we call home.”

The 2025 Spherion National Meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, from February 27 to March 1. This annual event gives franchisees a chance to build connections with peers and corporate team members while attending educational workshops. During this gathering, Spherion partnered with San Antonio-based non-profit Soldiers’ Angels, making 45 no-sew blankets for active military members, veterans and their families. This effort further emphasizes Spherion’s commitment to making a positive impact in every community it serves.

“Reflecting on 2024, I am incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication of our Spherion community,” said Kathy George, President of Spherion. “Gathering in San Antonio reinforced just how much our franchisees shape careers, support businesses, and uplift their communities in lasting ways. Austin and the South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois teams are a shining example of what makes Spherion exceptional—leading with integrity, fostering strong partnerships with candidates and clients, and setting the standard for excellence in our franchise community. Their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and driving meaningful change makes a lasting impact, not just within Spherion but in the communities they serve. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the difference they make every day.”

Spherion brandishes the power of local through a network of independent and empowered franchisees like Kassner. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community through connecting and facilitating employment opportunities—and when they’re successful together, their investments flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Madison, visit www.spherion.com/madison.

Iconica Named a 2025 Top Workplace for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Iconica is honored to announce its fourth consecutive recognition as a 2025 Top Workplace by the Wisconsin State Journal. This award is based on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey conducted by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The survey evaluates key aspects of workplace culture, including employees feeling respected & supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute.

A Workplace Culture That Drives Success
Receiving this award for four years in a row is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our incredible team. We believe that a strong workplace culture drives success for our employees and the clients and communities we serve.

“It makes it easier to come into work knowing that they care about me, they care about my health, they care about my work-life balance. So, I want to give back to them and make sure that the company really succeeds.” — Rose, Architectural Designer at Iconica

As a full-service design-build firm, Iconica integrates architecture, engineering, and construction professionals under one roof. With a team of over 60 talented individuals, each person plays a crucial role in shaping our identity and fostering a collaborative, innovative environment.

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into valuable business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 19 years of culture research and insights from 27 million employees across over 70,000 organizations, Energage provides the most accurate competitive benchmark. Their survey measures workplace culture, focusing on employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall experience.

We remain committed to empowering our employees, providing opportunities for growth, and maintaining a workplace where everyone feels valued. Thank you to our amazing team for making Iconica a great place to work — One Revolution At a Time.

Bank of Sun Prairie Named 2024 WBF Financial Education Innovation Award Winner

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Recognizes Initiative of Bank of Sun Prairie and St. Vincent de Paul 

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) is pleased to announce that Bank of Sun Prairie has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Financial Education Innovation Award. The award was presented on February 6, 2025, at the largest banking industry event in the state, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Bank Executives Conference, in Milwaukee.

“It is important to raise awareness that when unexpected expenses hit, banks offer much better alternatives to high-interest payday loans,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBF chair and WBA president and CEO. “Bank of Sun Prairie’s partnership with St. Vincent de Paul is an outstanding program that connects people who are experiencing financial hardship with resources to get them back on solid financial footing.”

Bank of Sun Prairie has created a unique partnership with St. Vincent de Paul in Madison to provide microloans of around $500–$2,500. The program not only helps borrowers avoid costly payday or title loans, it also comes with financial literacy support. Participants are coached each month to help them find ways to make the minimum payment. One recipient, Terri, was able to pay off her car title loan and secure a low-interest loan with the bank. Terri’s monthly payment dropped from $437/month at 305% interest to $74/month at 5% interest, and she could afford to stay in her new apartment rather than become unhoused. The program also connects people with the bank’s Fresh Start Checking Accounts, which can help those who have had challenges with using and keeping a checking account in the past to move forward.

The WBF Financial Education Innovation Award is a prestigious category of the WBF Excellence in Financial Education Awards. Submissions for the 2024 WBF Excellence in Financial Education Awards encompassed over 900 financial education presentations — including Teach Children to Save Day presentations, homeownership workshops, and elder financial abuse prevention seminars, among other initiatives — given by more than 400 Wisconsin bank employees, reaching approximately 30,000 Wisconsin community members.

Capitol Bank: Ken Thompson Honored as 2024 Wisconsin Banker of the Year

Capitol Bank is delighted to announce that Executive Chairman of the Board Ken Thompson has been named the 2024 Wisconsin Banker’s Association Banker of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the banking profession and supporting the communities served by banks. Recipients are individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to their institutions, fostered growth, and resilience in their organizations, and upheld the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The award also highlights the recipient’s commitment to community involvement, their role in driving economic development, philanthropic efforts, and fostering financial literacy.

“Ken Thompson is a true community banker at heart”, said Justin Hart, CEO of Capitol Bank. “He has played an instrumental leadership role in the business growth and expansion of the Bank’s footprint. In his 29 years at Capitol Bank, he has worked tirelessly to develop relationships and bring in new customers to grow the Bank.”

“Ken’s unwavering commitment to the banking industry, coupled with his extensive non-profit involvement in the greater Madison area, make him an exemplary recipient of this award”, said Ami Myrland, President and CFO of Capitol Bank. “His contributions through the WBA and his tireless work in the community have significantly impacted local businesses, enhanced economic growth, and strengthened the financial wellness of his fellow Wisconsinites.”

Ken was honored at the 2025 WBA Executive Conference on February 6, 2025, in Milwaukee.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally owned and operated, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses, and individuals in the Greater Madison area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.