Wisconsin Union: ‘Bill Nye The Science Guy’ Coming to UW-Madison for Free Talk and Q&A on Climate Change, Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2022

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Wisconsin Union
Phone: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

‘BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY’ COMING TO UW-MADISON FOR FREE TALK AND Q&A ON CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY
Bill Nye to speak at free Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee event

MADISON – Science educator and television personality Bill Nye has fought for more than 30 years to raise awareness of climate change, and he’s shining a light on that global warming crisis at the University of Wisconsin–Madison as part of a free Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee-hosted talk and Q&A on April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Kohl Center. Guests can also attend the event virtually.

The talk, called “Let’s Talk Climate Change, a Conversation with Bill Nye,” will be followed by time for audience members to ask Nye questions. A general admission, free ticket is required for this event. All are welcome to attend, including those with no UW–Madison affiliation. Current UW–Madison students can register for free tickets to this event beginning April 11 at 10 a.m. CST, and all other patrons can begin registering for free tickets on April 13 at 10 a.m. CST. All can register for the virtual livestream beginning now. Ticket registration to attend in-person is available here, and registration to attend the virtual livestream is available here.

The WUD DLS Committee previously scheduled a talk featuring Nye for April 21, 2020, but COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the event.

Nye’s talk is part of the science advocate’s long history of helping people understand and appreciate science. From 1992-1998, Nye hosted a science education show, called “Bill Nye the Science Guy®.” He also wrote eight science-themed children’s books and multiple New York Times bestsellers as well as hosted three seasons of a science show on Netflix, called “Bill Nye Saves the World.” Nye currently serves as the chief executive officer of the Planetary Society, a non-profit with a mission to empower people to advance space science and exploration.

Known by many as part of their childhood education, he’s now trying to reach the people he spoke to as children with his message that climate change is real and serious.

“The world is getting warmer because of us,” Nye said in his Netflix series.

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the UW–Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 11 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

This event is made possible, in part, with support from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Sciences at UW–Madison, the UW–Madison Center of the Humanities, and the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association.

Patrons can click here to register for a free ticket to attend the talk and Q&A featuring Nye virtually or at the Kohl Center.

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About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee contributes to the educational experience of University of Wisconsin–Madison students, Wisconsin Union members and community members by bringing engaging and influential people to campus. Founded in 1987, the series aims to expose the campus community to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/dls.

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo of Bill Nye. Photo by Jesse Deflorio.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/bill-nye-2022.

WPS publishes new Corporate Social Responsibility Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ryan Kanable
Communications Manager
608-345-0517
ryan.kanable@wpsic.com

WPS publishes new Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Company shares achievements during 2021

MADISON, Wis.—April 5, 2022—The 2021 WPS Health Solutions^® Corporate Social Responsibility Report is now available on wpshealthsolutions.com. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the major lines of business at WPS Health Solutions, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021, with a special emphasis on the people, pivots, and partnerships that helped keep the company successful over the last year.

“The report allows us to showcase our employees’ commitment to high ethical standards and conducting business with integrity. It helps anyone who is interested in WPS to get to know us a little better,” says DeAnne Boegli, Vice President of Communications.

“People, Pivots, and Partnerships” is the theme for the 2021 report. More than 75 years since its founding, WPS Health Solutions continues its work to protect the health and financial well-being of its customers through three lines of business: WPS Health Insurance^®, WPS Government Health Administrators^®, and WPS Military and Veterans Health^®, as well as two subsidiaries: WPS Health Plan, Inc. and The EPIC Life Insurance Company.

Employees of WPS Health Solutions aspire to do their best by exhibiting the company’s four core values: Individual Responsibility, Customer Focused, Mutual Respect, and Driven and Passionate. The mission of WPS Health Solutions is this: Together, making health care easier for the people we serve.

In 2021, WPS Health Solutions took steps to guard against bias and prejudice in the workplace, including a commitment from President and CEO Mike Hamerlik who joined more than 1,600 CEOs across America by signing a pledge for CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion™. The company also onboarded a new Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who has helped advance diversity and inclusion work. During the year, a DEI Employee Council and a DEI Executive Council were created to assist with integrating DEI concepts into business practices throughout the company.

WPS Health Solutions received numerous awards in 2021, including being named a Top Workplace by the Wisconsin State Journal, making the Achievers’ 50 Most Engaged Workplaces list and its Elite 8 in the category of Culture Alignment, and winning Top Workplaces’ Culture Excellence Awards for Work Life Flexibility and Remote Work.

Despite a challenging economy, WPS gave charitable donations totaling more than $198,000 to 39 local and national organizations. The WPS Charitable Foundation donated more than $246,000 to 33 organizations.

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, Wis., has more than 2,700 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

©2022 Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation. All rights reserved.

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The QTI Group Partners with GWAAR, Willy Street Co-op, Urban Land Interests in Hiring for Job Positions

The QTI Group has partnered with Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)  to hire the next Executive Director.

GWAAR is a non-profit Area Agency on Aging committed to supporting the successful delivery of aging programs and services in 70 counties and 11 tribes in Wisconsin.  The Executive Director provides leadership in all areas of agency operations and takes a lead role in preparing the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Plans, the annual budget, managing agency financial reserves, and planning for the continued professional growth for all staff. In cooperation with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director implements strategic plans designed to ensure the long-term health and growth of the agency. The Executive Director maintains a broad network of community relationships to promote agency visibility and help achieve agency goals.

For additional information about the opportunity and to apply, please click on the link: www.qtigroup.com/job-posting/executive-director/DB400994325

The QTI Group has partnered with Willy Street Co-op to hire the next Director of Operations.

Willy Street Co-op is different from other grocery stores.  A co-op, or cooperative,  is a company that is owned by customers who invest in the business. Everyone can shop at the Co-op, but Owners receive extra benefits.

The Director of Operations provides overall strategy and leadership for operations and the purchasing function of the Willy Street Co-op according to the established Mission, Vision, and Cooperative Principles. This career professional is responsible for coordinating and standardizing practices across three retail store locations and the off-site production kitchen. This person will direct the development and implementation of sales and operational initiatives and processes to ensure that organizational goals are being met. They will also develop and lead a forward-thinking, strategic vision to optimize operations.

For additional information about the opportunity and to apply, please click on the link: www.qtigroup.com/job-posting/director-of-operations/KM327855324

The QTI Group has partnered with Willy Street Co-op to hire the next Director of Product.

Willy Street Co-op is different from other grocery stores.  A co-op, or cooperative,  is a company that is owned by customers who invest in the business. Everyone can shop at the Co-op, but Owners receive extra benefits.

The Director of Product is responsible for establishing the strategic direction of and implementing best practices for overall product management and logistics operations across three store locations and production kitchen. This person sets the overall product selection philosophy for the Co-op, establishes promotional and retail pricing strategies and programs, and oversees merchandising and product placement in all store locations. They also oversee all aspects of product data management and supply chain flow. They will proactively develop operational initiatives to ensure that wider organizational goals are met and collaborate with the Director of Operations to outline the processes used to implement those initiatives.

For additional information about the opportunity and to apply, please click on the link: www.qtigroup.com/job-posting/director-of-product/KM370650324

The QTI Group is partnering with Urban Land Interests (ULI) to hire its next President.

Founded in 1974, Urban Land Interests (ULI) is a real estate management company providing comprehensive services to tenants and building owners from the perspective of long-term owners committed to improving the value of every building. ULI is owned by ULI Properties (ULIP), a closely held real estate portfolio company. ULI manages properties owned by ULIP, properties owned by related parties, and properties owned by other third-party owners.

The President will lead a talented team to deliver on ULI’s Vision, Mission and Values by building long term relationships with tenants and employees and providing exceptional management services to the property portfolio. The President will effectively work in collaboration with the ULIP Operating Manager of the core office portfolio, other property owners and will report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that the company and its properties prosper in the short and long term. The President will oversee finance, people/talent/culture, marketing, commercial property management, enterprise co-working space, residential property management, and parking operations. The successful candidate will be a real estate professional with strong leadership, management, communication, and financial skills.

For additional information about the opportunity and to apply, please click on the link: www.qtigroup.com/job-posting/president/KM71711931

Executive promotions announced at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a Madison-based mutual life insurance company is pleased to announce a number of executive promotions recently approved by the NGL Board of Directors.

NGL’s Sales, Marketing and Product teams are aligned under Jeremy Ragsdale, who was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. He leads Marketing, Strategic Partner Development, Sales and Business Development, Emerging Markets and Product. Ragsdale has more than 25 years of leadership expertise encompassing all aspects of a life insurance company, including advanced markets, distribution, executive leadership, IT, marketing, new business, operations, product, project and risk. With Ragsdale’s experience he will bring these teams together to strengthen and grow our position in markets where we strive to be number one.

Jessica Grann was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Culture and Communications Officer. She has more than 20 years of broad marketing experience encompassing strategic planning, creative design, media planning and purchasing, direct marketing, public relations and sales promotions. Grann focuses on all aspects of the NGL brand as she advances culture through human resources, benefits and payroll, talent development, corporate communications and buildings and grounds.

Taking an expanded leadership role, John Horbal was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Joining NGL in 2020 he has been responsible for leading finance from an accounting, financial planning and analysis and corporate development perspective. Horbal has been instrumental in continuing to build on NGL’s historical financial strength helping to achieve the highest level of capital and surplus in the history of the company and an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. He is also the Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Travelers Life Insurance Company where NGL launched a dental and vision business “BrightBenefits” and subsequently acquired PrimeCare, LLC. He is approaching 20 years of broad financial management experience with a focus in financial services, insurance and asset management industries at American Express, TIAA, and Foresters Financial. Horbal will continue to lead finance, as well as actuarial and investments as we bring these teams together to support our long-term financial goals.

Nancy Stoddard was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. In this role she will lead the information technology and service operations teams. Aligning these areas under Stoddard allows for a clear vision for operational excellence, helps to drive operational efficiencies, and collaboration of strategic initiatives to provide excellent customer service for both internal and external customer needs. Stoddard joined NGL in 2018 as Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary She has 40 years of experience in the insurance industry in various roles including leading Actuarial, Finance and Operations.

Stacie Govier was promoted to Vice President, Technology. Govier spent the past two years leading NGL’s strategic delivery and application development teams and will be expanding her role to include NGL’s infrastructure and help desk teams. Her passion is aligning teams to build better customer-centric solutions, while continuously improving how technology is maintained and supported. She began her career with NGL in 2014 and has more than thirteen years of experience in project and agile delivery.

Dwayne Maddox was promoted to Vice President, Marketing. Maddox manages the day-to-day operations of the marketing team, including the coordination of marketing campaigns and strategies related to NGL’s preneed and specialty insurance products. Maddox has nearly 15 years of insurance experience and strategically aligning culture, purpose and brand while driving product awareness and business growth.

Scott Michels was promoted to Vice President and Appointed Actuary. Michels has 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, primarily as an actuary. In his role Michels directs and manages the valuation area of the actuarial financial reporting team. Additionally, he serves as the Appointed Actuary for the NGL Insurance Group of companies and is responsible for reserve adequacy, asset/liability analysis, valuation, forecasting and other various actuarial related matters.

David Puckett was promoted to Vice President, Investment Services. Puckett joined NGL in 2020 and has 28 years of experience managing insurance company assets. In this role, he works closely with the Chief Investment Officer in managing NGL’s investment portfolios and external manager relationships, as well as providing support for various NGL strategic initiatives.

Andrea Rouleau has been promoted to Vice President, Actuary. In this role, Rouleau oversees all new product pricing, product development, and in force management. She will continue to collaborate with the service operations, legal/compliance, and marketing/sales teams to set and implement product strategy. Additionally, she serves as the Illustration Actuary for NGL. Rouleau joined NGL in 2011 and has nearly 18 years of insurance experience that includes pricing, product development, in force management, sales, distribution and marketing in a variety of life, annuity, and health products.

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 www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

Ratings current as of 3/24/21. 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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M3 Insurance: Kevin Miller Named Director of Education & Government Practice

Kevin Miller has been named co-director of education and government practice at M3 Insurance. In this capacity, he serves as a subject matter expert, strategist, thought leader, and is responsible for sharing information on trends and issues that specifically impact education and municipalities. He will also focus on new business opportunities and growth strategies.

Miller joined M3 in 2010 and became a partner in 2019. He has earned a variety of designations including: Certified School Risk Manager, Associate in Risk Management-Public Entity, National Alliance Instructor for the Certified School Risk Manager courses, Certified Insurance Counselor, and more.

He will work alongside Marty Malloy, co-director of education and government, to supplement Malloy’s strong leadership.

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About M3

M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work.Share ArticleShare on Facebook